The Vampire Diaries Curse? How Long Did Ian Somerhalder And Nina Dobrev Date—And Why Their Amicable Split Shocked Fans

The on-screen chemistry between Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert was electric, but the real-life romance between actors Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev was even more captivating for fans of The Vampire Diaries. Their relationship, which blossomed on the set of the hit CW show, became one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings of the early 2010s. For nearly three years, the ‘ships’ of ‘Nian’ and ‘Delena’ merged, creating a global fan frenzy that continues to be discussed even now, in late 2025.

The question of "how long did Ian and Nina date" is often asked because of the intense, dramatic nature of their split and the fact that they continued to work together immediately afterward. The couple maintained a relationship for approximately three years, beginning around 2010 and officially ending in May 2013. The story of their romance, however, is less about the duration and more about the maturity of their amicable breakup and the surprising friendships that followed.

Ian Somerhalder & Nina Dobrev: A Quick Biography & Profile

To fully appreciate the context of their on-set romance, it is essential to look at the profiles of the two stars who became the face of a supernatural teen drama generation.

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• Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore)
  • Born: December 8, 1978, in Covington, Louisiana, USA.
  • Age at TVD Premiere (2009): 30 years old.
  • Career Highlights: Known for Boone Carlyle in Lost, and his iconic role as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries. He later starred in V-Wars.
  • Current Marital Status: Married to actress Nikki Reed since 2015.
  • Philanthropy: Co-founder of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF), focusing on environmental and animal rights.
• Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert / Katherine Pierce)
  • Born: January 9, 1989, in Sofia, Bulgaria (moved to Canada at age two).
  • Age at TVD Premiere (2009): 20 years old.
  • Career Highlights: Rose to fame as Mia Jones on Degrassi: The Next Generation, then as Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries. Post-TVD films include xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Flatliners.
  • Current Relationship Status: In a long-term relationship with Olympic snowboarder Shaun White.
  • Other Ventures: Co-founder of the wine company Fresh Vine Wine with Julianne Hough.

The 'Nian' Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Couple

The romance between Ian and Nina, affectionately dubbed "Nian" by fans, was a classic case of an on-screen pairing that spilled over into real life. Their relationship was largely kept private in the beginning, but public appearances and co-star comments eventually confirmed the rumors.

The Start: Season 2 and Beyond (Circa 2010)

While The Vampire Diaries premiered in 2009, the start of Ian and Nina’s relationship is widely believed to have occurred during the filming of the show's second season. In the show, their characters, Damon and Elena (Delena), were just beginning to explore the intense, complicated chemistry that would define the series. The age difference—Ian was 30 and Nina was 20 when the show started—was a notable factor that would later influence their split.

The Peak: Red Carpets and Public Affection (2011–2012)

By 2011, the couple became more public, attending numerous red carpet events, including the Golden Globes and the People's Choice Awards, together. Their joint appearances were often highlights of the events, with their palpable chemistry drawing significant media attention. They were a golden couple, both professionally and personally, as their on-screen relationship in TVD was also heating up, moving from a slow burn to a full-fledged romance. This period marked the peak of their public image as a couple.

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The Split: May 2013

After approximately three years of dating, a source confirmed to *People* magazine in May 2013 that Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev had split. This news broke right before the end of the show's fourth season, a time when their characters' relationship was reaching a critical point. The unexpected breakup sent shockwaves through the fan community, especially since both stars had always spoken highly of their bond.

The Real Reason Behind the Breakup and The Aftermath

Unlike many celebrity breakups that are marked by drama and bad blood, the split between Ian and Nina was notably amicable. However, the core reason for their parting was a fundamental difference in their life goals at the time.

The Commitment Clash

The primary reason for the split was reportedly a difference in the desire for a serious, long-term commitment. Ian, who was in his mid-30s, was ready to settle down, get married, and start a family. Nina, who was still in her early 20s and focused on her burgeoning career, was not ready for that level of commitment. This difference in life stages, exacerbated by their age gap, ultimately led them to part ways, despite the enduring love and friendship between them. As Nina herself later stated, "we didn't break up because anything bad happened or because there wasn't love or friendship."

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Working Together: The Ultimate Professional Test

The most remarkable aspect of their breakup was their ability to continue working together as romantic leads on *The Vampire Diaries* for two more seasons. This level of professionalism is rare in Hollywood and cemented their reputation as mature individuals. They frequently attended events together post-split and maintained a highly respectful, friendly rapport on set, proving that a breakup does not have to mean the end of a working relationship or a friendship.

The Nikki Reed Dynamic: Shutting Down the Drama

The narrative surrounding the split became complicated when Ian Somerhalder began dating, and subsequently married, actress Nikki Reed, who was a friend of Nina Dobrev's. For years, tabloid rumors suggested a feud between the two women and that Nina left *The Vampire Diaries* due to the drama. Nina Dobrev definitively shut down these rumors in a 2019 interview, emphasizing her strong friendship with both Ian and Nikki.

"I don't think that's weird at all," Dobrev said of her friendship with the couple. "I think that's great. I think, 'Why can't everyone be friends?'" To further prove her point, Nina, Ian, and Nikki even posted a dinner photo together, publicly demonstrating their united front and the maturity of their post-relationship dynamic. This act effectively ended the long-running rumors of a love triangle or on-set tension, offering a refreshing and positive narrative to a classic Hollywood story.

Where Are They Now? Post-TVD Life and New Partners

Both Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev have moved on to successful relationships and new career chapters, proving that their amicable split allowed them to find the life they were individually seeking.

• Ian Somerhalder: He married Nikki Reed in 2015. They have since welcomed a child and are vocal advocates for environmental causes, often sharing their life on their family farm. Their marriage fulfilled the desire for a long-term commitment and family that Ian sought.
• Nina Dobrev: She is in a long-term, committed relationship with Olympic gold medalist and pro snowboarder Shaun White. The couple has been together since 2020, and Dobrev has often shared snippets of their adventurous life together, showcasing her focus on career, travel, and personal growth.

In conclusion, Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev dated for approximately three years, from around 2010 to May 2013. Their legacy is not just the passionate on-screen 'Delena' romance or the duration of their relationship, but the unparalleled maturity and professionalism they demonstrated by remaining close friends and co-workers after their split. Their story is a rare Hollywood example of how two people can love, part ways due to different life paths, and still maintain a supportive, loving friendship that extends to their new spouses and partners.