Unearthing a Hidden Equal Pay Struggle

In a jaw-dropping revelation, Nina Dobrev has laid bare her unequal pay experience during her time on 'The Vampire Diaries.' Despite being the face of the show, playing both the beloved Elena Gilbert and her sinister counterpart Katherine Pierce, Dobrev was earning less than her male co-stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.

Behind the Scenes: A Fight for Fairness

The actress recently opened up about this shocking pay disparity in Entertainment Weekly editor Samantha Highfill's new book, *I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries*. Dobrev recalled, "Candice [King], Kat [Graham], and I were the three lowest-paid series regulars during the first two seasons." She emphasized the increased workload, stating, "I was on set for double the amount of time, memorizing twice as many lines."

The Cost of Multiple Roles

While other actors were able to renegotiate their contracts after the second season, Dobrev remained underpaid for the initial few years. She made it clear: "I wanted to play Katherine, but I wanted to be compensated fairly for that, to be equal to the boys." Though she eventually received a raise, it never matched the salaries of her male counterparts.

A Hurtful Principle

Dobrev described the studio's refusal to equalize her pay as hurtful, noting they held a stance "out of principle" against bumping her salary to match Somerhalder and Wesley's. "We shot eighteen-hour days, and it was disheartening to feel my effort went unappreciated," she lamented. This sentiment was echoed by co-creator Julie Plec, who revealed that tensions flared when the studio tried to limit Dobrev's character to save on costs.

Struggles Behind Katherine's Character

Plec recounted how the writers had to advocate for Katherine's inclusion, stating, "We literally had to say, 'We’ll kill Katherine' to gain permission to write for her." As tensions subsided, Dobrev was granted limited story arcs for her character.

Returning for the Finale: A New Battle Begins

Dobrev's exit seemed final after season six, but her character's potential return in the series finale ignited another round of negotiations. Despite strong creative intentions for her to return for the entire final season, Dobrev stood firm on her demands for equal pay. "I needed to make sure that I was compensated like my male co-stars," she declared.

A Frustrating Offer

Dobrev revealed that the studio’s initial offer for her return was shocking—"five times less" than what she was earning when she left the show. "It wasn't just about the money. It was about principle," she emphasized, echoing her commitment to fairness.

The Victory of Advocacy

Plec voiced her support for Dobrev's stance, saying she should have always been paid equally. When Dobrev declined the initial offer, Plec intervened, advocating for her lead actress's rightful pay. Ultimately, the studio agreed to a rate for one episode, but the limitations were frustrating.

A Bittersweet Return

Dobrev expressed regret that the circumstances hindered the show's artistry and storyline. However, she ultimately returned for the finale, saying, "For the fans, I felt horrible, but I wanted to be part of the goodbye." *I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries* is now available, revealing the untold struggles behind one of television’s favorite supernatural dramas.