Nina Dobrev, born Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva on January 9, 1989, in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a Canadian actress known for her versatility and international appeal[1][7]. She moved to Toronto, Canada, as a child, where she discovered her passion for the performing arts, participating in dance, gymnastics, and theater from a young age[4][8]. Her early career included modeling and commercials, which led to minor film roles before she landed her first significant part as Mia Jones in the popular Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation (2006–2009)[1][7]. Dobrev’s breakthrough into global recognition came with her dual role as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce in The CW’s supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries (2009–2015)[1][7]. Her ability to portray two distinct characters—one compassionate, the other cunning—earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. The series became a cultural phenomenon, and her performance is widely regarded as a defining aspect of the show’s success[1][8]. Beyond television, Dobrev has built a substantial film career. She appeared in the coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), the comedies Let’s Be Cops (2014) and The Final Girls (2015), and the action film XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017), which marked her biggest commercial success to date[1][2]. She has also starred in romantic comedies such as Dog Days (2018), Then Came You (2018), and Love Hard (2021), and led the cast of the sitcom Fam (2019)[1]. Dobrev’s accolades include multiple Teen Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards, reflecting her popularity and influence in youth-oriented entertainment[2]. While she attended Ryerson University in Toronto to study sociology, her acting career ultimately took precedence over completing her degree[4]. As of 2025, Nina Dobrev remains active in the entertainment industry, with recent projects including the film Reunion (2024)[2]. She continues to be a prominent figure in film and television, balancing mainstream roles with independent projects, and maintains a strong presence both on-screen and in the public eye.