Ian Somerhalder, born December 8, 1978, was raised in a small town in Louisiana. Growing up he liked to spend lots of time outdoors with his friends fishing, horseback riding and boating. Ian always had an appreciation for theater and joined his local theater group and his school’s drama club.
Top Model
When he was in junior high he pursued a modeling career in New York City. He would attend school during the year and then spend his summers modeling for Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabanna, Gucci, Versace and Guess. He modeled until he was 17, traveling to Paris, Milan and London to do photo shoots and attend fashion shows.
Leading Man
Ian’s first big acting gig was in 2000 for his role on the Dawson’s Creek spin-off Young Americans, in which he co-starred with Kate Bosworth. Unfortunately the show did not catch on and he had to find other acting jobs. He made appearances on popular shows like Smallville and Law and Order before being cast for the show Lost in 2004. Ian was the first actor cast for the new hit show that followed the fictional survivors of a plane crash. He played Boone Carlyle, the stepbrother of another crash survivor and the protégé of John Locke. His character lasted 20 episodes before being killed off.
The Vampire Diaries
Ian skyrocketed to fame after being cast as Damon Salvatore on the CW’s new hit show The Vampire Diaries. Damon is an evil vampire that falls in love with his brother Stefan’s (played by Paul Wesley) girlfriend Elena (played by Nina Dobrev), who reminds them both of an ex-girlfriend they once fought over. The show’s two seasons have followed this epic love story and have left viewers wondering just who Elena will choose. Damon’s bad boy style and nonchalant attitude has captured the hearts of girls all across the world.
Fun Facts
- Owns a pizza place in Idaho.
- Ian is a big philanthropist – he routinely donates money to an animal shelter and was actively involved in the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in 2010.
- Dated Kate Bosworth (Blue Crush), Nicky Hilton, Maggie Grace (Lost) and Ashley Green (Twilight).
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