Nina Dobrev explains why she quit 'The Vampire Diaries'

It was a surprise when Nina Dobrev, who plays as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce, decided to leave the popular TV series, "The Vampire Diaries." In a recent talk, the actress finally revealed the real reason for her departure.

When she quit the show, it left a noticeable gap since she played two of the most important characters in the story. Fortunately, she returned to the series for its finale — bringing a nostalgic feeling both to her co-stars and the viewers. She has been relatively open regarding her motives of bidding goodbye.

Now, she spoke out in a recent interview with Rogue magazine about the real reason behind her decision. She said, "I wanted to prove everyone wrong who said I would play this one role my whole life or be stuck playing younger roles. I've always wanted to take big risks."

"I grew with the show and I wanted to continue to grow outside of it. Mentally, it was a crazy time. I was 27 when I left the show. I was ready to do something different," she added. Dobrev spent seven years in the American fantasy TV series. It is quite reasonable for the now-28-year-old actress to grow up and out of her characters as it was her time to move on.

Her current remark for leaving "The Vampire Diaries" is more plain-spoken than the reason she gave earlier in August. In a talk with Harper's Bazaar, she explained, "If anything, the fact that [leaving] terrified me drove me even more. I needed to feel that fear of 'Oh, my God, what if I never get a job again?'"

Dobrev added that she wanted to play adult roles, not the teenager ones anymore. It sounds like she sought to break free from the world of "The Vampire Diaries" for a season to explore other worlds.

News
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.

Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal
Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal

A Christian social worker whose offer of a job was withdrawn over public comments he made about marriage and sexuality has won his case at appeal.