Ian Joseph Somerhalder Biography
Ian Joseph Somerhalder is an American actor, model, producer, and philanthropist. He is best known for his role as the vampire Damon Salvatore in the CW supernatural drama series The Vampire Diaries. He has also had roles in Lost, Rules of Attraction, and Smallville. He is actively involved in charitable causes, and is a board member of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation. He’s widely admired for his work as an actor, producer, and philanthropist.
An Introduction to Ian Somerhalder
Ian Somerhalder was born in Covington, Louisiana on December 8, 1978. He is the son of Edna, a massage therapist, and Robert Somerhalder, an independent building contractor. He has a brother, Robert, and a sister, Robyn. He attended St. Paul’s School in Covington, and went on to study at the prestigious acting school, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, in New York City.
Early Life and Education
Ian Somerhalder began his career as a model at age 10. He also did some work as an actor in commercials, and made his film debut in the direct-to-video drama, “Mountain of Fear” in 1991. He also had a small role in the hit TV show, “Lost” in 2004, and in the romance film, “Rules of Attraction”, in 2002.
Modeling and Acting Beginnings
In 2009, Ian Somerhalder was cast in the CW supernatural drama series, “The Vampire Diaries”, as Damon Salvatore, the elder of two vampire brothers. His performance was highly acclaimed, and he won an MTV Movie Award for “Best On-Screen Transformation” in 2011. The series ran for eight seasons.
Acting Career Soaring
In 2009, Ian Somerhalder was cast as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries. He has since become one of the most recognizable faces on television. His performance as Damon Salvatore earned him numerous awards, including the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite TV Anti-Hero” in 2014.
Becoming Damon Salvatore
In addition to his acting career, Ian Somerhalder is an active philanthropist, and founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation in 2010. The foundation works to promote global sustainability and animal welfare. He also serves on the board of the National Resources Defense Council, and is active in many other charitable causes.
Laying the Foundation for a Brighter Future
In 2013, Ian Somerhalder established his own production company, Rare Designs, which produces documentaries and other projects for the positive advancement of the environment. He has produced and directed several documentaries, including “We Have to Save the Ocean”, “If We Act Now”, and “The Ripple Effect”.
Doing Philanthropic Work
In addition to his work as an actor and producer, Ian Somerhalder is actively involved in charitable causes. He is a board member of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which works to promote global sustainability and animal welfare, as well as the National Resources Defense Council. He is also actively involved in the Make It Right Foundation, which helps build affordable, green housing for the needy.
Ian’s Film and TV Roles
Throughout his career, Ian Somerhalder has had roles in numerous films and television shows. His breakout role was as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, and he has since had roles in shows such as Smallville, Lost, Rules of Attraction, and The Anastasia.
Establishing His Own Production Company
In 2013, Ian Somerhalder established his own production company, Rare Designs. The company produces documentaries and other projects with a mission to help bring attention to environmental issues and sustainability. The company’s first documentary, “We Have to Save the Ocean”, was released in 2014.
Somerhalder’s Other Projects
In addition to his work in television and film, Ian Somerhalder is also an entrepreneur. He has his own line of vegan and cruelty-free skincare products, called “Biotulin”, and a line of vegan and cruelty-free eyewear called “Ecotopia”. He also co-founded the sustainable bedding company, “Nest Bedding”.
His Engagement and Marriage
In February 2015, Ian Somerhalder announced his engagement to “Twilight” actress Nikki Reed. The couple tied the knot in April of the same year. They have a daughter, Bodhi Soleil Reed Somerhalder, who was born in July 2017.
Wrapping It Up
Since his breakout role as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, Ian Somerhalder has gone on to make a name for himself as an actor, producer, and philanthropist. His work as an actor and producer has earned him numerous awards and recognition. He is also actively involved in charitable causes, and is a board member of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation. He is widely admired for his work as an actor, producer, and philanthropist.
Ian Joseph Somerhalder is an American actor, model, producer, and philanthropist who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He is best known for his role as the vampire Damon Salvatore in the CW supernatural drama series, The Vampire Diaries. He has also had roles in numerous films and television shows, and has founded his own production company, Rare Designs. He is actively involved in charitable causes, and is a board member of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation. He is widely admired for his work as an actor, producer, and philanthropist.