Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Ian Somerhalder
December 8, 1978
Covington, Louisiana, US
47 Years Old
Sagittarius
Who Is Ian Somerhalder?
American actor Ian Joseph Somerhalder projects a captivating screen presence. He also maintains a deep commitment to environmental causes.
His breakout moment arrived playing Boone Carlyle in the hit series Lost, making him a fan favorite. Somerhalder's role as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries then solidified his iconic television status.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Covington, Louisiana, Ian Joseph Somerhalder was the middle child of Edna Israel and Robert Somerhalder Sr. His parents nurtured an early appreciation for the natural world.
Somerhalder attended Saint Paul's School in Covington, beginning a modeling career at ten. He later pursued acting studies under William Esper in New York at age seventeen.
Notable Relationships
Ian Somerhalder is currently married to actress Nikki Reed, with whom he shares a passion for animal rights. He was previously linked to his Vampire Diaries co-star Nina Dobrev from 2010 to 2013.
Somerhalder and Reed married on April 26, 2015, in Malibu, California. They share a daughter, born in 2017, and a son, born in 2023.
Career Highlights
Ian Joseph Somerhalder became widely known for his significant television roles. He played Boone Carlyle in the acclaimed series Lost and cemented his fame as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, securing multiple Teen Choice Awards.
Beyond his acting, Somerhalder established the Ian Somerhalder Foundation in 2010, dedicated to environmental conservation and animal welfare. He also co-founded Brother's Bond Bourbon with Paul Wesley, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit.
Signature Quote
“We depend on nature. Now, nature's depending on us.”