The fanbases of the adventure sci-fi series Lost and the supernatural teen drama The Vampire Diaries don’t have much in common—except a shared love of Ian Somerhalder. He has a gift for portraying morally gray characters with emotional depth and undeniable charisma. And let’s be honest—at some point, we all had a crush on him and his classic 2000s heartthrob look.
So if you’ve been wondering where Ian Somerhalder has been, you’re not alone. He’s been off cable TV for a while, but he’s far from inactive. Ian and his wife, Nikki, have been up to some pretty incredible things. If you want all the details about his time in Hollywood and what he’s been focused on since? Listen to the full Ian Somerhalder podcast with TSC, where he shares all the details of Hollywood and beyond with Lauryn and Michael. And if you’re just looking for the highlights, we’ve got you covered below.
Who Is Ian Somerhalder? From TV Heartthrob to Planet Activist
Ian Somerhalder is an American actor, producer, model, and environmental activist. He was born in Covington, Louisiana, in 1978 and became a highly sought-after model by his teenage years. Early in his career, he walked runways and shot campaigns for major fashion brands, quickly gaining industry attention.
That momentum naturally led to small TV and film roles, but producers soon realized Ian was more than just a pretty face. He had a clear talent for portraying brooding, complex characters—earning him roles on major network television series.
Despite his success, Ian stepped away from acting in 2019 to focus on environmental conservation, animal welfare, and sustainability education. During this chapter of his life, he married actress Nikki Reed, who shares his passion for the planet. Together, they have two children and raise their family privately on a farm in California.
What Is Ian Somerhalder Famous For?
Ian Somerhalder is best known for the following roles:
Paul Denton in The Rules of Attraction
In 2002, Ian starred in The Rules of Attraction as Paul Denton—a prequel to American Psycho. While not as popular as some of his later works, it really showcased Ian’s role early in his career. Set in the backdrop of college life, Paul was charismatic, reckless, and emotionally detached. (Sound familiar?) Essentially, he embodied the film’s theme perfectly.
Although Paul wasn’t designed to be “likable,” Ian’s performance was compelling and, honestly, made the character hard to dislike. He had a true knack for highlighting the raw edge and confidence that hinted at the anti-hero roles he’d later become known for.
Boone Carlyle on Lost
From 2004 to 2006, Ian Somerhalder portrayed Boone Carlyle on Lost. Even though this series had no shortage of mystery and depth, Boone was undoubtedly one of the earliest and most emotionally complex characters.
Ian transformed the character into one who was earnest, idealistic, and deeply driven by the need to prove himself. As a result, Boone was essentially considered Ian’s “breakthrough role,” earning him a Teen Choice Award and launching him to success.
Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries
After leaving Lost, from 2009 to 2017, Ian Somerhalder was the iconic Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries. He blended bad-body charm and sarcastic wit perfectly, capturing the hearts of teens worldwide. That wasn’t all fans loved him for, though.
His anti-hero character arc and slow-burning romance with on-screen co-star Nina Dobrev added depth, emotion, and one of the most unforgettable love interests on television. It’s no surprise he won multiple awards, including Teen Choice Award and People’s Choice Awards. Oh, and of course, an MTV Fandom Award for “Ship of the Year” in 2014.
What Happened to Ian Somerhalder?
Took an Intentional Step Away from Hollywood
Unlike some celebrities, Ian didn’t fade into obscurity as the industry evolved. Despite having plenty of opportunities, he chose to step away from Hollywood and focus on what mattered most to him.
Ian wanted to devote his time to raising his family, pursuing environmental activism, and building sustainable businesses. More than anything, he was drawn to a slower, more values-driven life—something the pace and pressure of Hollywood rarely allow.
Got Married and Started a Family with Nikki Reed
In 2015, Ian Somerhalder married actress Nikki Reed. Nikki is also a standout actress of the same era, best known for playing Rosalie Hale in The Twilight Saga (2008–2011) and Evie Zamora in Thirteen (2006). She shares Ian’s passion for environmental activism and has long advocated for ethical fashion, sustainability, and animal rights. They were a match made on the red carpet!
Together, they have two children: a daughter born in 2017 and a son born in 2023. Although both Ian and Nikki grew up in the spotlight, they’re deeply committed to keeping their children out of the public eye and rarely share details about their private family life.
Shifted his Focus to Environmental Activism and Entrepreneurship
Now that both Nikki and Ian have stepped away from acting, they’ve devoted themselves fully to environmental activism and entrepreneurship. This shift allows them to create tangible, real-world impact—rather than simply talking about change from a Hollywood platform.
Ian founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation to address conservation and conscious living. Beyond the nonprofit, Ian and Nikki also run multiple ethical brands that encourage more mindful consumption, with sustainability and ethics at the core. Their farm in California further supports these values, serving as a real-life foundation for regenerative agriculture, ethical animal care, and sustainable living.
Here’s Nikki and Ian discussing their new ventures on the Him & Her Show!
What Is Ian Somerhalder Doing Now?
Leads the Ian Somerhalder Foundation
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010. At its core, the foundation focuses on environmental conservation, animal welfare, climate education, and regenerative living. Its mission is to educate, empower, and activate people to protect the planet.
Ian is the founder and active leader of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, shaping its mission, priorities, and long-term strategy. Through ISF, he supports grassroots projects, promotes emerging leaders, raises awareness, and fundraises for aligned causes. His hands-on guidance is a key reason the foundation continues to make meaningful, real-world impact.
Co-Owns Brother’s Bond Bourbon
Ian is a co-owner and co-founder of Brother’s Bond Bourbon, which he launched in 2021 alongside his The Vampire Diaries co-star Paul Wesley. The brand’s name is actually a nod to their on-screen brotherhood.
Like many of Ian’s recent ventures, Brother’s Bond Bourbon prioritizes quality sourcing and sustainable production practices. The result is a smooth flavor profile that feels premium yet approachable. On their online shop, you’ll find whiskey, bourbon, chocolate, and barware.
Produced the Documentary Common Ground
In 2023, Ian served as an executive producer on the documentary film Common Ground: A Documentary on Regenerative Agriculture. As the title suggests, the film focuses on regenerative agriculture. This is an approach to farming that emphasizes soil health, ecosystem restoration, and addressing climate change mitigation through how our food is grown.
Common Ground is a follow-up to Kiss the Ground, the 2020 environmental documentary that first introduced regenerative agriculture to a mainstream audience. Ian played an integral role in bringing Common Ground to life, supporting the film’s mission, funding, and outreach. The result was an award-winning and extremely moving documentary.
Runs BaYou with Love Alongside his Wife
Ian runs another sustainable business alongside his wife, Nikki Reed. BaYou with Love is a fine jewelry and lifestyle brand built on the belief that luxury can be ethical, transparent, and environmentally responsible. The brand uses recycled gold and metals, responsibly sourced stones and diamonds, and low-impact supply chains.
Nikki leads the creative direction, ensuring each piece is as beautiful as it is environmentally conscious. Ian, on the other hand, focuses on the brand’s mission, sustainability standards, and storytelling around conscious consumerism. BaYou with Love’s bestsellers include engagement rings, wedding bands, and timeless, everyday fine jewelry.
If you’re impressed by all Ian’s entrepreneurial ventures, listen to him and Nikki discuss building sustainable businesses on the podcast.
Supports The Absorption Company Supplement Brand
Ian is very vocal about his support of The Absorption Company. It’s true that supplement brands are a dime a dozen, but this one is focused on bioavailability. Essentially, this high-tech brand makes quality vitamins that your body can truly absorb—making them way more effective.
As a strong proponent of sustainable, holistic living, Ian prioritizes natural preventive health. Because of this, he only promotes the best supplements out there! And he doesn’t just support The Absorption Company publicly. He’s also an investor and strategic advisor, helping guide the brand in alignment with his long-term wellness values.
Spends Time with His Family
As you can see, Ian is involved in plenty of ventures outside Hollywood—but his top priority remains his family. As we mentioned before, he keeps this part of his experience largely private. However, he’s shared with Lauryn and Michael on the Him & Her Show how he balances business and family life. Above all, Ian focuses on being thoughtful, consistent, and fully present with his kids.
And Ian and Nikki Reed’s love for the planet doesn’t stop at their businesses. They raise their kids to respect nature, take responsibility for the planet, understand where their food comes from, and show compassion for animals. For Ian and Nikki, raising the next generation well is incredibly important.
Ian Somerhalder traded Hollywood fame for family life and planet-focused impact.
At the end of the day, the reason fans from Lost and The Vampire Diaries still care about Ian Somerhalder isn’t just nostalgia—or even the cheekbones. It’s that the same intensity and conviction he brought to morally gray characters didn’t disappear when the cameras stopped rolling. It just got redirected.
These days, instead of chasing screen time, Ian is building a life that actually reflects what matters to him. Family, the planet, and the kind of legacy that lasts longer than any TV run. And honestly? That evolution might be his most compelling role yet.
Interested in sustainable living and environmental activism? Make sure you listen to the whole Him & Her episode with Ian Somerhandle. Then, queue up these next:
- Amanda Jo ‘The Organic Bunny’ On The Rise Of Infertility, Forever Chemicals, Toxic Homes & Products, & Healthier Choices To Make
- How to Eliminate Toxic Ingredients and Products from Your Life Ft. Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group AKA EWG
- International Water Scientist Robery Slovak on the Truth About Healthcare, Water Quality, Minerals, and How We Can Optimize and Protect Our Overall Health