Why Austin Stowell, Nina Dobrev’s Ex, Jokes About Dating "300 People"

Acting as the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS: Origins, Austin Stowell, who previously dated Nina Dobrev in 2015, is shifting focus to his acting career. As he prepares for the premiere of the show on October 14, he emphasizes work connections over romantic ones.

Austin explains that his commitment extends to the numerous professionals involved in the production. "I'm in a relationship with a TV show," Austin said in an interview with People, published on October 14. "I am here Monday through Friday. Remember those 300 people that I was telling you about? They are all my boyfriends and girlfriends."

Although the 39-year-old is currently single following his breakup with Dobrev in February 2016, he values "kindness" when he thinks about future relationships. "He always starts off his conversations with, ‘Do you need anything?’" Austin observed. "That is so disarming. The guy is a global superstar... That goes for the crew. He treats everyone with such respect."

Stowell feels honored to take on a role famously portrayed by Mark Harmon for two decades. "I knew I had something inside me that felt very Gibbs-esque," he shared. "To be tapped to play the guy is absolutely a confidence booster. It's something that I take a lot of pride in."