Flyover Magazine

When you hear the name Nina Dobrev, you likely think of her iconic role as Elena Gilbert on The Vampire Diaries. But there’s so much more to this talented actress than her on-screen persona. From her multicultural background to unexpected hobbies and near-death experiences, Nina Dobrev continues to surprise fans with her dynamic personality and life off-camera.

Let’s uncover 10 surprising facts about Nina Dobrev that even her most devoted followers might not know.

1. Nina Dobrev Was Born in Bulgaria

Though widely recognized as a Canadian actress, Nina Dobrev was actually born in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1989. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was just two years old. She holds dual citizenship in both countries and embraces her heritage proudly.

Her fluency in Bulgarian, English, and French has added depth to her roles and made her one of the most internationally versatile actresses in Hollywood.

2. She Was a Competitive Gymnast

Before landing her big break in acting, Nina Dobrev was a skilled rhythmic gymnast. She competed nationally for Canada and trained intensively, which helped her develop the physical agility and discipline evident in her kevin o’leary performances.

Her athletic background also helped her perform many of her own stunts during the filming of The Vampire Diaries.

3. Nina Is Passionate About Travel and Adventure

Adventure fuels Nina Dobrev. Whether it’s skydiving, scuba diving with sharks, or surfing exotic waves, she lives for adrenaline. Her Instagram (@nina) is packed with snapshots from places like Indonesia, South Africa, and the Maldives.

Her love for travel isn’t just for leisure—it’s also a way to connect with different cultures, making her a more empathetic and grounded artist.

4. She’s Also a Jewelry Designer

In addition to acting, Nina Dobrev has an artistic streak and enjoys designing her own jewelry. She often wears custom pieces she’s made herself and has hinted at possibly launching a line in the future.

It’s just another example of her multifaceted creativity that goes beyond the screen.

5. She Co-Owns a Wine Company

Partnering with her close friend Julianne Hough, Nina Dobrev co-founded Fresh Vine Wine, a health-conscious wine brand. The two bonded over fitness and wellness, aiming to create wines that complement a healthy lifestyle.

Their product line includes low-calorie, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly wine options—perfect for fans who want to toast like their favorite celebrity.

6. Nina Is a Real-Life Prankster

Behind the camera, Nina Dobrev is known as a playful prankster. She enjoys lightening the mood on set, often playing harmless tricks on her co-stars. During her time on The Vampire Diaries, she pulled stunts that kept everyone on their toes.

This playful nature reflects her down-to-earth and relatable personality, endearing her even more to fans.

7. She Practices Yoga Religiously

Health and wellness are vital to Nina Dobrev’s daily routine. She’s a longtime practitioner of yoga and often credits it for keeping her physically fit and mentally balanced. She’s also expressed interest in becoming a certified yoga instructor one day.

In interviews, she’s said that yoga not only helps her stay in shape but also gives her mental clarity in an otherwise chaotic industry.

8. She Survived a Serious Dirt Biking Accident

In early 2025, Nina Dobrev suffered a major injury while dirt biking. The accident led to a broken knee, a torn ACL, and meniscus damage. She opened up about the incident on The Talk, explaining how it was a humbling experience and taught her not to take risks lightly.

Her resilience and quick recovery inspired fans and showed her inner strength off-screen.

9. She’s an Environmental and Animal Rights Activist

Nina Dobrev is deeply involved in charity work, especially with organizations focused on animal welfare and environmental sustainability. She’s supported the World Wildlife Fund, PETA, and Oceana, using her platform to advocate for causes that matter to her.

She’s also adopted rescue animals and frequently uses her social media to promote pet adoption and eco-friendly living.

10. She Nearly Became a Professional Model

Before acting took over, Nina Dobrev was scouted as a model during her teenage years. She participated in various print ads and commercial campaigns, but eventually, her passion for acting led her to study at the Dean Armstrong Acting Studio in Toronto.

It’s a good thing she followed her gut—because Hollywood wouldn’t be the same without her.

Quick Overview of Nina Dobrev’s Profile

Career Highlights

Final Thoughts

From daring stunts to artistic pursuits and entrepreneurial ventures, Nina Dobrev is far more than a TV star. She’s a fearless adventurer, a passionate activist, and a woman of many talents. Whether she’s launching a business or lighting up the screen, she continues to evolve and inspire.