Nina Dobrev, star of the hit CW series *The Vampire Diaries*, recently revealed a disheartening truth about her early years on the show: she was paid significantly less than her male co-stars, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. This disparity is detailed in Samantha Highfill's new book, *I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries*. Dobrev's contribution went far beyond her portrayal of Elena Gilbert; she also played the complex and demanding role of Katherine Pierce, effectively doubling her workload from season one onwards. Despite this, she, along with Candice King and Kat Graham, were among the lowest-paid series regulars during the first two seasons.
Dobrev's attempts to negotiate fair compensation for her expanded role were met with resistance. The studio, citing principle, refused to provide her with equal pay to her male counterparts. This decision deeply affected Dobrev, who poured immense effort into the show, often working eighteen-hour days. The lack of equitable compensation felt like a devaluation of her contributions and a clear message that she wasn't considered equal to her male co-stars. This sentiment was further underscored by the studio's attempts to limit the use of Katherine's character, explicitly linking her increased screen time to higher costs for the studio. Series co-creator Julie Plec openly challenged the studio's position, highlighting the unfairness of the situation and advocating for Dobrev's equal pay.
Dobrev's fight for equal pay didn't end with the earlier seasons. Her return for the series finale sparked another battle over compensation. The studio's initial offer was a mere fraction of what she earned when she left the show after season six. Dobrev firmly stood her ground, insisting on parity with Somerhalder and Wesley, who had received multiple raises since her departure. This unwavering stance, while prioritizing principle over immediate financial gain, resulted in a compromise: she was ultimately compensated fairly for her appearance in the finale, though the limited budget impacted the planned storyline. Plec and co-creator Kevin Williamson both expressed regret over the constraints imposed by the studio’s refusal to offer equal pay.
Dobrev's story serves as a stark reminder of the persistent gender pay gap in Hollywood. Her courage in advocating for herself and her unwavering commitment to principle provide a powerful example for aspiring actors and a poignant commentary on the industry's ongoing struggles with equitable treatment. The full details of this compelling narrative can be found in *I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries*, now available.
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Originally published at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nina-dobrev-fight-equal-pay-vampire-diaries-male-co-stars-1236366874/
