From DEGRASSI to VAMPIRE DIARIES, how have you evolved as an actor?
Nina Dobrev: I’m a lot more tired and sleep deprived [laughs]. I think I’ve gained a comfortability, and a comfort on set where I’ve gotten to know this character and gotten to know the crew. We’ve all grown on set and developed a pattern on set that lends itself to me taking on a lot more now. I’m more confident and I feel like I can pick up a script, read it, analyze it, and feel good knowing that when get in there, I’ll do the best that I can and it will translate and it works.
What was high school like for you?
I went to a performing arts high school, so I basically lived Fame. There was a lot of competition, but it was very productive. I met a lot of really cool people, I got to perform and that’s how I got started in the business. In terms of my personality, I’ve always been sort of happy with who I am now and what I was doing. I had a really great group of friends that I still have now and still hang out from High School so it was good.
Were you surprised by the decision to change Elena so drastically from author L.J. Smith’s original [Book] Version?
No, because we made a conscious decision to change that. Elena in the books is one of those mean girls who gets what she wants, popular, blonde and blue eyed. I am not blonde and blue eyed which is what they [Showrunners Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec] wanted…. to go with the relatable, nice girl next door who the audience can root for. That said, one of the coolest things about the show is that I get to play two completely different people on two completely opposite sides of the spectrum and I have so much fun doing it. Unlike Elena, Katherine is a conniving, narcissistic, b*tch!
Have the movie and endorsement deals come pouring in thanks to the exposure you’ve received from THE VAMPIRE DIARIES?
I’ve had some movie offers and endorsement deals that up until this point I have turned down because, in terms of movies, if it’s not something I’m in love with and are passionate about I’d rather not do anything on my hiatus. I want to be 100% behind whatever the project it is I’ll be doing. Same for campaigns. If it’s not something that i use and think will work I don’t want to recommend it for other people.
What do you think the future holds for Elena?
I’m anticipating a huge meltdown/emotional breakdown for her. Elena is this girl who carries the weight of everything on her shoulders. She has to keep so many secrets: Her boyfriend is a vampire, her boyfriend’s brother is a vampire, her best friend is a witch, her ex-boyfriend’s sister who is her friend died. She’s just got so much locked inside and is bound to break eventually! 
New episodes of VAMPIRE DIARIES return to the CW on March 25th (CTV in Canada)
Photo Credit: Andrew Eccles/The CW