From his breakout role on “Lost” to his unforgettable turn as the mischievous Damon Salvatore on “The Vampire Diaries,” Ian Somerhalder has built a career packed with memorable roles and genuine impact. Born and raised in Louisiana in 1978, Ian first made a mark as a teen model before steadily finding success as an actor. His blue eyes and signature smirk might grab attention, but there’s much more to him than good looks and on-screen charisma.
After modeling, Ian took on smaller acting parts, but everything changed when he joined “Lost,” playing the doomed Boone Carlyle. While that could have been his only claim to fame, Ian’s next big move was landing the role of Damon – a complicated, sometimes antagonistic, always captivating vampire on “The Vampire Diaries.” The part not only made him a household name, but let him show just how much range and personality he could bring to the screen.
Off camera, Ian has carved out a different kind of legacy. His commitment to environmental causes led him to start the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, focusing on conservation and animal welfare. He’s not just paying lip service, either – his social media is filled with posts about protecting the planet, sharing tips, and highlighting organizations he believes in. Unlike some celebrities, whose feeds revolve around self-promotion, Ian genuinely seems to use his platform for something bigger.
Love and Relationships
As for his personal life, Ian’s relationships have often made headlines, especially in the last decade. He and actress Nikki Reed – famous herself from the “Twilight” movies – became one of Hollywood’s favorite couples after they got together in 2014. Their whirlwind romance led to an engagement six months in, and they were married by April 2015. Together, they’re parents to two children – welcoming their daughter in 2017 and their second child in 2023.
What stands out about Ian and Nikki’s relationship is their shared passion for the environment and animal rights. They often team up on charity projects and support each other’s ventures, but they’re careful about how much they share. They give fans real glimpses of their life – more than just polished photos – but they’re thoughtful about maintaining some privacy, which only seems to make people root for them more.
Of course, Ian’s romantic history has some other familiar names. His relationship with “Vampire Diaries” co-star Nina Dobrev, from 2010 to 2013, sparked plenty of fan excitement. Despite their breakup, both handled it with a level of maturity you rarely see in Hollywood, continuing to work together onscreen after they split.
There were also rumors in 2009 about a brief romance with “Twilight” actress Ashley Greene, though neither ever confirmed it, and in 2013, whispers of a possible connection with actress Melise surfaced but were never substantiated.
Throughout his public life, Ian’s way of handling relationships has changed. Early on, he was much more guarded about what he shared, but as his career grew, he seemed more willing to open up, though always with limits. He summed up his approach in a 2019 interview: “Love isn’t just about finding someone perfect, but about growing together through the imperfections.” It’s a philosophy that gives a glimpse into why his relationships, especially with Nikki, seem so strong.
Unlike many celebrities, Ian doesn’t turn breakups into drama or tabloid fodder. Even his split from Nina was remarkably low-key, and both stayed professional and respectful – something their fans notice and appreciate.
Past Relationships
Nikki Reed
Melise
Nina Dobrev
Ashley Greene
Megan Auld
Maggie Grace
Nicky Rothschild
Kate Bosworth
These days, Ian’s main focus seems to be family, environmental activism, and carefully chosen acting projects. For someone best known for playing a centuries-old vampire, Ian Somerhalder’s personal journey has been refreshingly down-to-earth – a story of real growth and genuine connection, both onscreen and off.