Nina Dobrev Relationship History: Who Did “The Vampire Diaries” Star Date Before Getting Engaged With Shaun White?
- 'The Vampire Diaries' star Nina Dobrev has had a few ups and downs in love.
- From Ian Somerhalder to Shaun White, she’s had a colorful dating history.
- But now, the actress is engaged to Shaun White and ready for the future.
Nina Dobrev, the beautiful actress best known for her role as Elena Gilbert on The Vampire Diaries, has had some pretty exciting relationships both on and off the screen. While many of us have watched her fall in love with her co-stars in her TV shows, her love life in real life has been just as interesting, if not more so.
She’s had a few short flings, a couple of long-term relationships, and now, she’s ready to walk down the aisle with the love of her life. But how did Dobrev get from The Vampire Diaries to real-life wedding bells? Let’s rewind through her romantic timeline and dive into the details.
Ian Somerhalder
It all began with Ian Somerhalder. He and Nina Dobrev first met on the set of The Vampire Diaries, where they played Damon and Elena, a couple that stole everyone’s hearts. Their chemistry was so intense that it didn’t take long before their on-screen love turned into real-life romance.
They started dating in 2010, and fans of the show were absolutely thrilled. It was like a dream come true for TVD fans everywhere. However, despite the whirlwind romance, Dobrev and Somerhalder broke up in 2013 after being together for three years.
It wasn’t a messy breakup though. In fact, it seems like they both moved on with respect and mutual understanding. Somerhalder went on to marry his TVD co-star Nikki Reed, and Dobrev remains good friends with both.
They’ve even been spotted hanging out together, showing there are no hard feelings. So, while their TV love story had a sad ending, their real-life breakup was surprisingly drama-free.
Derek Hough
After her split from Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev didn’t waste much time before getting back into the dating game. In 2013, she was linked to Derek Hough, the famous Dancing With the Stars pro who just so happens to be Julianne Hough’s brother (and Dobrev’s close friend).
The two sparked romance rumors when they were seen together, and it wasn’t long before a source confirmed to US Weekly that they were dating. However, their relationship wasn’t built to last. Hough and Dobrev only dated for about six weeks in the fall of 2013.
Their fling was brief but fun, and it didn’t seem to have any hard feelings when it ended. Sometimes, things just don’t work out, and that was the case with these two. But, at least they gave it a shot. After their short relationship, Dobrev was ready for the next chapter.
Liam Hemsworth
In early 2014, the rumors about Nina Dobrev and Liam Hemsworth started heating up. Hemsworth, who was fresh off his split with Miley Cyrus, was spotted getting cozy with Dobrev in Atlanta while they were both filming different projects.
He was working on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay while the actress was still filming The Vampire Diaries. There were whispers that they shared a kiss (per Celebuzz), and people began to wonder if they were dating.
But after a few public sightings, things quickly cooled down. It seems like it was more of a ‘maybe’ romance rather than anything serious. Neither Dobrev nor Hemsworth made it official, and soon, the rumors died down.
Maybe they were just enjoying each other’s company, or maybe it was a short-lived fling that never turned into something more. Either way, their brief connection didn’t lead to a lasting relationship.
Austin Stowell
In 2015, Nina Dobrev was spotted with actor Austin Stowell, and rumors of their relationship quickly started making the rounds. Stowell, known for his role in Whiplash, was seen hanging out with Dobrev, and it wasn’t long before they confirmed they were dating.
Their romance seemed like a perfect summer fling. Unfortunately, like many summer flings, it didn’t last. After about eight months together, the two called it quits in February 2016.
Glen Powell
In early 2017, Nina Dobrev was linked to actor Glen Powell. They were spotted together at a party, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. People began to wonder if there was something more between the two, and for a while, it seemed like there might be.
However, by November of that same year, Dobrev and Powell’s romance had cooled off (per US Weekly). Reports stated that they were taking time apart, which usually means that things aren’t as hot and heavy as they once were.
Grant Mellon
In December 2018, Nina Dobrev was spotted vacationing with Grant Mellon, an actor and director. The two had been seen together on a romantic getaway to Indonesia, and fans quickly began speculating that they were a couple.
By February 2019, their relationship was confirmed, and the pair appeared to be in love. However, after about a year together, Dobrev and Mellon split up in October 2019 (per PEOPLE). The breakup seemed to be very amicable, with no drama surrounding it.
It’s unclear exactly why they parted ways, but sometimes relationships just run their course. They were together for a little over a year, but in the end, they realized they weren’t meant to be.
Shaun White
Nina Dobrev’s relationship with Olympic snowboarder Shaun White. In February 2020, the couple were first spotted together, and fans immediately took notice. They were seen posting similar photos on social media, confirming that they were spending time together.
Then, in April 2020, it was officially confirmed that Dobrev and White were dating (via PEOPLE). Their relationship only grew stronger over time. They were often seen traveling together, sharing sweet moments on social media, and even quarantining together during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The couple’s love seemed to blossom, and by October 2024, they announced that they were engaged. After years of dating, they’re ready to take the next step in their relationship, and fans couldn’t be happier for them. It looks like White is the one Dobrev has been waiting for all along!
