‘The Vampire Diaries’: Elena’s ‘Constant’ Crying Was One of Nina Dobrev’s Biggest Challenges
The Vampire Diaries wasn’t known for its comedy or happy endings. No, the CW series featured at least one character crying per episode and numerous heartbreaking deaths. And Elena Gilbert, played by Nina Dobrev, was the character who probably cried the most in The Vampire Diaries. But in the show’s defense, Dobrev is a very good crier.
Nina Dobrev revealed the challenges of playing Elena in ‘The Vampire Diaries’
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2015, Nina Dobrev discussed her departure from the show. And she revealed what her biggest challenges were while playing Elena in The Vampire Diaries.
“There were daily challenges, there were yearly challenges, there were character challenges,” Dobrev shared. “The whole show was challenging in different ways throughout the six years.”
She added, “The multiple characters, the hours, creating characters, deaths. I was constantly crying, it felt like. But for that reason, it kept me occupied. I was never bored. It never felt stale. I always came to work excited and looking forward to the next thing I got to do.”
There’s no doubt that Elena’s journey in The Vampire Diaries was exciting. And we’ll never forget the countless tears she shed throughout the first six seasons.
The actor left the show after season 6
On April 6, 2015, Nina Dobrev revealed her journey as Elena in The Vampire Diaries was ending. The actor posted a photo of herself with co-creator Julie Plec on Instagram to go with her announcement.
“I’ve just spent the most beautiful weekend on Lake Lanier in Georgia with my own TVD Family, the cast and crew of The Vampire Diaries,” Dobrev wrote. “I want to be the first to tell you that it wasn’t just a holiday celebration, it was a goodbye party. I always knew I wanted Elena’s story to be a six season adventure, and within those six years, I got the journey of a lifetime.”
She continued, “I was a human, a vampire, a doppelganger, a crazy immortal, a doppelganger pretending to be human, a human pretending to be a doppelganger. I got kidnapped, killed, resurrected, tortured, cursed, body-snatched, was dead and undead, and there’s still so much more to come … Elena fell in love not once, but twice, with two epic soulmates, and I myself made some of the best friends I’ll ever know and built an extended family I will love forever.”
The Vampire Diaries actor concluded, “There’s more to come before we wrap this up, and I promise you’ll get to hear all about my experiences … as we approach the season finale … but until then I invite you to hop on the roller coaster ride that is Elena Gilbert’s life and join me as I celebrate her and prepare to say goodbye to her — and to my work family — as I move on to the next chapter of my life. I want to share this goodbye with all of you.”
Nina Dobrev had a say in Elena’s ending in ‘The Vampire Diaries’
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Nina Dobrev revealed that she discussed how Elena’s story would end in The Vampire Diaries with the writers.
“We had many conversations over the years,” the actor explained. “I remember when we first started, we wondered how long the show could go. And there are times when people said six or eight years. If it was up to the studio [Warner Bros. Television], it would be 30 years. It just depends on so many different factors.”
Dobrev added, “When we talked over the years, I always felt Elena’s journey would be a six-year journey, and I felt that I did so much in those six years, and I wanted to always feel that passion, and that excitement, and fond memories. And I do. I have nothing but love for every single person there. The show must go on, and it is going on, and I’m excited to see what next season is going to be like.”
The Vampire Diaries is available to stream on Netflix.
