Nina Dobrev is sharing rare insight about her sudden departure from The Vampire Diaries.
Around 10 years after Elena Gilbert entered an enchanted slumber at the conclusion of season six, the actress who occasionally portrayed Elena’s vampire counterpart, Katherine Pierce, revealed that wage inequality among co-stars Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder during filming caused her to seek a life beyond Mystic Falls.
Indeed, she remembered that the wage disparities between her and both Candice King and Kat Graham dated as far back as the initial episode or pilot.
In her book titled “I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries, Candice revealed that she, Kat, and herself were the lowest-paid regular cast members during the first two seasons. She noted that it was a complex situation as her contract only required her to portray Elena, but in reality, she was playing multiple characters. This meant her workload was twice as much, requiring her to spend double the time on set and memorize double the lines.
She went on to say, “I desired to portray Katherine, yet I felt it was important to receive a fair remuneration for doing so.
We’ve attempted to get a response from Mark Pedowitz, the ex-president of The CW, but have yet to receive any feedback from him.
In the book, Dobrev discusses her long-term fight for fair compensation that led to her departure from The Vampire Diaries series following its sixth season, which was broadcast in 2015.
In my role as an actress, I found myself in a challenging scenario. Initially, my contract specified that I would solely embody Elena. However, I ended up performing multiple characters, which significantly increased my responsibilities. This meant spending more time on set and committing twice as many lines to memory, as I had to portray not just one, but two distinctive characters – including the villainous doppelganger of Elena Pierce.
Nina Dobrev is sharing rare insight about her sudden departure from The Vampire Diaries.
As a dedicated follower who occasionally portrayed Elena’s vampire counterpart, Katherine Pierce, I’m opening up about the events that transpired more than a decade ago following Elena Gilbert’s magical slumber at the end of season six. At 36 years old, I found myself grappling with an inequality in remuneration on set with my co-leads, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder. This disparity ultimately led me to pursue a life beyond Mystic Falls.
Indeed, she remembered that the wage disparities between herself, Candice King, and Kat Graham had been an issue since the initial episode.
In an interview for the book “I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries,” Candice recalled that she, Kat, and herself were among the lowest-paid series regulars during the first two seasons. She added that it was a complex situation because her contract only required her to portray Elena, but in reality, she played multiple characters. This meant her workload was doubled as she had to spend twice the time on set and memorize twice the amount of lines.
She added, “I desired to portray Katherine, yet I sought reasonable remuneration for doing so, and I aimed for parity with my male counterparts.
Although the book mentioned that equal pay was not fully achieved even with a salary increase. Furthermore, a fresh dispute surfaced when the studio aimed to restrict Nina Dobrev’s role as both Elena and Katherine due to needing to compensate the Degrassi alum for portraying the villainous vampire alongside her human character. This led to complications in her workload.
As an ardent fan, I couldn’t help but feel a pang when I heard Julie Plec, the brilliant co-creator, share her words in the book. She revealed that tensions ran high and we writers were sternly instructed to never include Katherine in any of our writings – a decision I found profoundly unfair and unjustified.
According to Dobrev, they claimed they wouldn’t promote her to an equal standing with the males due to principle.
Ultimately, Dobrev chose to leave after season six, but she came back for the final episode in 2017, though her appearance was brief due to salary disagreements.
The issue was that they didn’t offer enough compensation for us to keep her beyond the initial episode, as stated by Plec.
She remarked that it was likely the most painful experience because it seemed as though her considerable effort was not appreciated. We often worked for 18 hours a day, even through the night. She poured her entire heart, soul, and every drop of sweat and tear into it.
Following a period of escalating tension, additional episodes featuring Katherine were approved. However, as recalled during the negotiations, which included The CW’s then-president Mark Pedowitz, it seemed that we had to threaten to kill off Katherine in order to secure permission to use her character. (Katherine is eventually killed off in season five when Stefan Salvatore stabs her with a mystical blade.)
TopMob News has reached out to Pedowitz for comment and has not heard back.
Ultimately, Dobrev chose to leave the show after season six. Yet, she came back for the final episode in 2017, but her appearance was restricted due to disagreements over salary.
According to Plec, she was only able to appear in a single episode because the producers refused to increase their payment.
The book quotes Pedowitz as stating that securing Nina for just one episode proved challenging, recalling that it involved a protracted negotiation led by the studio, to which they contributed.
Dobrev was first given an offer for her final season on The Vampire Diaries’ finale that amounted to just a fifth of her usual wage.
As a champion of fairness in lifestyle matters, I made it clear that equality in compensation was non-negotiable – I simply couldn’t continue without receiving equal pay as my male counterparts. It wasn’t about the monetary aspect; rather, it was a question of standing up for what I believe is right and just.
It’s not just Dobrev who has left a popular series among stars. For more surprising television departures, continue reading…
On separate occasions, all the cast members from Saturday Night Live revealed their decision to not continue with the sketch comedy show for its 51st season.
Longfellow and Walker each spent three seasons on SNL while Wakim exited after just one season.
Jack Taylor declared that he won’t reappear in The Valley for season three, as fans express increasing worry about his conduct in the series’ second season.
Currently, my priorities lie in maintaining my sobriety, improving my mental well-being, and co-parenting effectively. I shared this in July 2025, amidst a difficult divorce from my estranged wife Brittany Cartwright. This period of reflection is crucial for my personal growth, particularly for the betterment of our son Cruz, as I strive to be the best version of myself possible.
In summer 2025, Sofia Mattsson, who had been portraying Sasha Gilmore for seven years on a continuous soap opera, bid farewell to the show. Her character departed from Port Charles and headed towards Paris instead.
In 2025, fans were taken aback when it came to light that Mehcad Brooks would not be returning for season 25 of the NBC crime drama.
Brooks, who joined the show in 2022, portrayed Detective Jalen Shaw for three seasons.
Tracy Ifeachor, a notable star from “The Pitt,” departed from the successful first season of the HBO Max medical drama.
On Instagram, July 10, the actress expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to portray Dr. Heather Collins in a revolutionary season and production. She thanked everyone who tuned in and supported the first season, as well as those who shared their personal stories with her.
Although viewers might have anticipated that Pedro Pascal’s character Joel Miller would meet his end, given that his death in April 2025 mirrored his demise in The Last of Us Part II video game from 2020, the scene where his character was gruesomely skewered left many stunned.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that statement as follows:
When it comes to my on-screen appearances, just like Pascal, I too have met an untimely end in shows such as “Game of Thrones” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Yet, I take it all in stride with a touch of humor. Joking with Entertainment Weekly, I admitted, “I die a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” After all, every actor knows that death is just another opportunity for character development!
Following what he labeled as “an exhilarating journey,” Peter Krause formally concluded his portrayal as 9-1-1‘s Los Angeles Fire Department captain Bobby Nash on an April 2025 episode of the drama series.
Bobby Nash’s character was penned with selflessness, and he was designed for this role, Krause stated to the Hollywood Reporter. Firefighters, policemen, and other first responders put their lives on the line at work, so that others may live another day. His storyline pays tribute to them.
As a devoted fan, I can confirm that the heart-wrenching departure of the tormented yet adored firefighter stirred up quite a buzz, and rightfully so. In an open conversation with Variety, our esteemed showrunner, Tim Minear, candidly admitted, “But after eight years, it seemed necessary if we are to continue crafting tales with genuine tension, someone’s sacrifice was essential.
Summer just got a little less fun.
In June 2025, Paige DeSorbo made a statement about stepping back from the Bravo series following its seventh season.
The Giggly Squad podcast cohost expressed gratitude on Instagram to everyone who’ve been part of his journey over the past 7 summers, cherishing the memories, friendships, and experiences gained. He acknowledged that, just as good times pass, so must this phase end – a bittersweet conclusion perhaps tinged with a few regrettable choices along the way.
In April 2025, it was verified that the French actress announced her decision not to reprise her role for the fifth season of the popular Netflix series.
Having completed an amazing adventure, I’ve chosen to part ways with the series ‘Emily in Paris’. On April 23rd, I shared this news on Instagram accompanied by photos of me and my co-stars from the set. My time there was extraordinary, marked by personal development, artistic expression, and memories that will forever remain dear to me.
Prior to the commencement of the third season for “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” actress Reneé Rapp made known her decision to depart from the show’s cast, marking her exit from the series.
She shared on social media in July 2023 that some college girls had relocated her to Los Angeles and introduced her to her dearest companions, stating: “Two and a half years after that-I owe you all and this community.
The co-creator of the show, Mindy Kaling, also confirmed Rapp’s departure, expressing their love for Renee Rapp and their sadness at seeing Leighton Murray go. On her Instagram Stories, Kaling wrote, “We’re going to miss you dearly, but we can’t wait to catch our friend on tour as they continue to excel in their music career!!!
A little over a year ago, there were whispers about Kevin Costner leaving the successful Paramount drama series after four and a half seasons. In June 2024, however, he officially confirmed that he would not be returning for the show’s fifth and final season to bring it to completion.
For 19 years, Ellen Pompeo portrayed Meredith Grey on ABC’s drama before she performed her final routine as a main cast member in February 2023.
On The Drew Barrymore Show in December 2022, Pompeo expressed the need for change, stating, “I need to shake things up a bit.” Being 53, she compared her brain to scrambled eggs, implying that it’s time for something fresh. Just like you can’t solve The New York Times crossword puzzle daily, she feels the same about her routine.
In a recent revelation, the actor Henry Cavill, known for his role in Batman vs. Superman, has announced his departure from the Netflix fantasy drama following its third season. Taking over as Geralt for season four and possibly future installments is Liam Hemsworth.
“Throughout my character’s story as Geralt of Rivia, I’ve faced many monstrous challenges and exciting adventures. Regrettably, I’ll be hanging up my medallion and swords at the end of Season 4,” Cavill posted on Instagram in October 2022.
Originally, Jesse Lee Soffer, a valued cast member, handed over his badge in the year 2022, marking the end of his tenure as the cherished character Detective Jay Halstead, which he played for a decade. In simpler terms, Soffer, who portrayed Detective Jay Halstead for ten seasons, bid farewell to the show and relinquished his badge in 2022.
In a statement following his last episode on NBC’s weekly drama, Soffer expressed that crafting each hour-long show was a heartfelt endeavor for everyone involved. He also mentioned that he remains immensely proud of the time spent portraying Detective Jay Halstead.
After five seasons, Damian Lewis departed Showtime’s Billions in Oct. 2021.
By August 2021, news emerged that Emily VanCamp had bid farewell to her medical career in the series “The Resident” on Fox, as she had decided to leave the show.
Following three seasons of being part of the magical series “Charmed”, Madeleine Mantock, who portrayed the eldest sister Macy, announced her departure prior to season four in 2021. In a statement, she expressed her gratitude for the role, stating it was a “significant privilege” and shared her joy of collaborating with the talented producers, creatives, cast, and crew.
It transpired that Elizabeth Keen wouldn’t uncover Raymond Reddington’s true identity, as Megan Boone decided to depart from NBC’s ‘The Blacklist’ at the end of season eight. Unfortunately for her character, Liz was killed off before she could read a letter that would have disclosed all the secrets. In 2021, Boone bid farewell to her role with an Instagram post, describing it as “a dream” experience.
In the second installment of Bridgerton, one duke was missing. The charismatic Rege-Jean Page emerged as a standout star in Netflix’s widely popular drama. However, many hearts were left aching when it was revealed that he would not be reprising his role for the second season, which debuted in 2021.
Later on, he clarified to Vanity Fair, “I accepted a task, completed it, and then took on some additional tasks.” He concluded, “In essence, that’s the tale. I wished there was more excitement involved.
Ruby Rose initially appeared in the Arrowverse crossover in 2018 and subsequently played the lead role as Batwoman (Kate Kane) for one season on The CW, marking a significant milestone by becoming the first lesbian superhero to spearhead her own show when her character revealed her sexuality in a significant television event. However, two days following the conclusion of season one in 2020, she announced her departure from the role. Subsequently, Javicia Leslie stepped into the role as Ryan Wilder, set to assume control of the Batcave in season two.
Later on in season two, Kate got a bit of a face swap and returned played by Wallis Day.
America Ferrera chose to depart from the TV show “Superstore” at the conclusion of its fifth season in 2020, which left Cloud 9 without a manager and the series without its main character. However, due to the pandemic, she appeared in the first two episodes of season six before the show was eventually ended. In its finale, as a special treat, she reappeared to ensure that Amy and Jonah (Ben Feldman’s characters) received a happy ending they deserved.
In the 2019 finale of the Syfy series “The Magicians,” Jason Ralph’s character Quentin successfully embarked on a mission to rescue Eliot (Hale Appleman), but ended up making the ultimate sacrifice. Although characters who have died are common in this show, Ralph did not reappear for the fifth and concluding season.
Ahead of the final season, Arrow‘s Emily Bett Rickards announced her exit in a poem of sorts.
She wrote, “Felicity and I have been very close, but from now on, starting with Monday (first day of the week), we’ll be parting ways.
She did, however, return for a guest appearance in the show’s 2020 series finale.
In 2018, Lauren Cohan, who played Maggie Greene on The Walking Dead, said goodbye after lengthy contract talks. Although she appeared in some episodes of season nine, her character was missing after a significant time leap. Producers hoped she might rejoin for season 10, and when her TV show Whiskey Cavalier got canceled, they had their wish granted. Cohan reappeared in the 16th episode of season 10, which was broadcast in October 2020.
Following the departures of Cohan and Andrew Lincoln from the zombie drama, Gurira also announced her exit. She initially joined AMC’s series in season three as the sword-carrying Michonne, and her final appearance was in an episode during season 10, which aired in March 2020.
In both season one and continuing as a main character in season two, Nicollette Sheridan portrayed the renowned Alexis Carrington. In 2019, prior to the start of season three, she expressed her intention to depart from the CW reboot, choosing instead to spend time with her ailing mother.
George Eads stepped away from the CBS remake during the third season in 2019, choosing to devote more attention to his family. At that point, he openly stated his intention to depart.
Fox’s series “Lethal Weapon” has experienced its fair share of cast departures. Actor Clayne Crawford was let go from the show following the second season, and Damon Wayans, his on-screen partner, announced his intention to leave the popular drama after filming the 13-episode third season. In October 2018, Wayans stated, “I’m planning to quit the show in December once we complete the initial 13 episodes. I’m not sure what they have planned next, but that’s my plan. I’m a 58-year-old diabetic and I’m working 16-hour days… Wayans also echoed Murtaugh’s sentiment from the show, saying, “I’m too old for this.
The producers were not required to create a backup plan since the series ended after its third season had concluded.
Cameron Monaghan, who played his character in Shameless during its ninth season, found himself behind bars as his character was incarcerated. In actuality, after nine years with the series, Monaghan wanted to pursue other opportunities, but surprisingly, he agreed to come back for season 10 and was present when the show resumed for its 11th and final season in December 2020.
After nine seasons as Fiona Gallagher, Emmy Rossum announced plans to leave Shameless in 2018.
In a statement, executive producer John Wells acknowledged that Emmy Rossum will always be considered part of the Shameless family. He praised her exceptional portrayal of Fiona, her leadership on set, and her directing contributions to the series. They are currently working on a season nine finale for Shameless that aims to provide a fitting farewell for Fiona that acknowledges Emmy’s outstanding work. While it’s sad when an ensemble member decides to leave, their door will always be open for Fiona to come back or move in again. John is excited to continue telling the stories of this unpredictable family and everyone on Shameless will miss Emmy and her remarkable portrayal of Fiona.
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2025-09-09 23:48