Nina Dobrev’s Breakthrough Role as Mia Jones in Degrassi: A Defining Moment in Her Career

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Nina Dobrev made her lead role acting debut in the Canadian teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation as Mia Jones in the sixth season when she was 17.

She first appeared in Can’t Hardly Wait, the fourth episode of Season 6, which aired on October 16, 2006, in the United States and on December 5, 2006, in Canada. Born on January 9, 1989, Nina Dobrev celebrated her 17th birthday in 2006, the same year she debuted as Mia Jones.

Nina Dobrev's first significant acting role was as Mia Jones, the girlfriend of Jamie Johnston as Peter Stone, on the teen drama TV show "Degrassi: The Next Generation"Nina Dobrev’s first significant acting role was as Mia Jones, the girlfriend of Jamie Johnston as Peter Stone, on the teen drama TV show “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (Credit: Epitome Pictures / Bell Media / Alliance Atlantis)

Her final appearance was in Just Can’t Get Enough, the first and second episodes and the two-part premiere for Season 9 of Degrassi: The Next Generation. Dobrev’s character, Mia Jones, leaves the series by going to Paris to pursue a modeling job.

It aired on October 4, 2009, in Canada and on October 9, 2009, in the United States, when she was 20. Nina Dobrev portrayed a high school student and single mother who tried to balance her personal and professional life.

Nina Dobrev played Mia Jones, Jamie Johnston played Peter Stone, Annie Clark played Fiona Coyne, and Landon Liboiron played Declan Coyne on the Canadian teen drama television series "Degrassi: The Next Generation"Nina Dobrev played Mia Jones, Jamie Johnston played Peter Stone, Annie Clark played Fiona Coyne, and Landon Liboiron played Declan Coyne on the Canadian teen drama television series “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (Credit: Epitome Pictures / Bell Media / Alliance Atlantis)

In the show, Mia becomes pregnant at the age of 13 and gives birth to her daughter, Isabella, whose father is Lucas Valieri (Marc Minardi), an older student who attends Lakehurst.

Mia moved with her daughter to Paris, France, to pursue her modeling career, ultimately ending her relationship with Peter (Jamie Johnston).

Two of Peter’s long-term girlfriends on the show “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” Mia Jones (played by Nina Dobrev) and Darcy Edwards (played by Shenae Grimes), did not graduate from Degrassi because the actresses left the series to star in their own separate CW television shows, “The Vampire Diaries” and “90210”, respectively.

Nina Dobrev’s portrayal of Mia Jones in Degrassi: The Next Generation was pivotal in her career, showcasing her talent and establishing her as a rising star in the entertainment industry. This breakout role led to even greater opportunities, including her iconic lead as Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries. As her career flourished, Dobrev became a fixture at major Hollywood events, including the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards, where she dazzled the crowd with her fashion and poise.

Nina Dobrev Shines at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards

In October 2016, Nina Dobrev joined Hollywood’s finest at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards in Beverly Hills.

Nina Dobrev presented YouTube star and activist Connor Franta with an award for his dedication to the well-being of young people and LGBTQ rights at the 2016 GLSEN Respect AwardsNina Dobrev presented YouTube star and activist Connor Franta with an award for his dedication to the well-being of young people and LGBTQ rights at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 21, 2016 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

The fashionable actress showcased her signature feminine and sassy style in a cute dress from Giorgio Armani’s Fall 2016 collection.

Her painterly floral silk number featured a strapless bodice and a full skirt that fell above her knees.

Nina Dobrev completed her look with a sleek bun and bold red lipsNina Dobrev completed her look with a sleek bun and bold red lips (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Nina opted to go bare-necked. She glammed up the look with statement earrings and a John Hardy ring.

The Bulgarian-Canadian actress teamed her ornate dress with metallic blue sandals. She also accessorized with a Tyler Ellis clutch and finished her look with a neat, side-parted bun and bold red lip shade.

Nina Dobrev wore a black, blue, and light blue embellished dress by David Koma paired with a navy velvet clutch by Tyler Ellis and Swarovski jewelryNina Dobrev wore a black, blue, and light blue embellished dress by David Koma paired with a navy velvet clutch by Tyler Ellis and Swarovski jewelry (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Nina selected a pair of metallic blue Jerome C. Rousseau “Malibu” sandals for her feet.

Nina Dobrev shows off her feet in Jerome C. Rousseau sandalsNina Dobrev shows off her feet in Jerome C. Rousseau sandals (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

These sandals have slender ankle straps, buckle fastenings, open toes, and about 4.25-inch sculpted heels.

Cork Jerome C. Rousseau "Malibu" Sandals

Silver Metallic Jerome C. Rousseau "Malibu" Pom Pom Sandals

Silver Metallic Jerome C. Rousseau "Malibu" Pom Pom Sandals

Silver Metallic Jerome C. Rousseau "Malibu" Sandals

Gold Metallic Jerome C. Rousseau "Malibu" SandalsJerome C. Rousseau “Malibu” Sandals, $382 – $695