Ian Somerhalder biography, wife, kid, net worth, young, height, daughter 2025

Biography of Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder made his mark on television history with his breakout role as the privileged Boone in Lost and his smoldering turn as Damon in The Vampire Diaries. The actor is selective with his projects and doesn't flood the market with new releases, but when he does appear on screen, it's always a treat for his devoted fanbase. Net worth: $12 million.

Childhood

Ian Somerhalder was born in Louisiana on December 8, 1978; he is the second of three children of a massage therapist, Edna, and a building contractor, Robert. Ian has Irish and Native American heritage, with his great-great-grandfather being a British aristocrat.

Ian spent his childhood in Mandeville. He was an ordinary boy who loved horseback riding, fishing with his father and older brother, and was in a drama club.

At 13, Edna brought Ian to a summer modeling and acting conference in New York, where the handsome teen caught industry attention and went on to model for major fashion houses and appear in commercials through age 17.

Despite his successful modeling career, Ian was ready to explore new territory. After graduating high school in 1997, he relocated to New York and enrolled at the William Esper Studio, where Sam Rockwell, Aaron Eckhart, Kim Basinger, Jeff Goldblum and other film stars had also trained.

Career. The Beginning

The young actor's screen debut came in Woody Allen's Celebrity, though it went largely unnoticed—Ian appeared in a crowd scene and wasn't even credited. While continuing his studies, he landed guest spots on popular TV shows including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Now and Again, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and CSI: Miami.

The Picture Celebrity Became the Screen Debut of the Young Actor

The first successful work of the actor was in the drama film Life as a House presented at a festival in Toronto in 2001. In this touching story about life's precious moments that people only truly appreciate when they're gone, Ian played a friend of Hayden Christensen's character. Though Somerhalder's role was small, the actor made it memorable enough to earn him a Young Hollywood Award.

Ian Somerhalder at the Young Hollywood Awards

During 2001 and 2004, the actor played in such pictures as Changing Hearts, The Rules of Attraction, and In Enemy Hands. He also appeared in six episodes of the cult youth project Smallville. During this phase of his career, he was honing his dramatic skills, determined to prove he was more than just another pretty face trading on his looks.

Survive and Become a Star

In 2002, Somerhalder took on one of the lead roles in the satirical comedy The Rules of Attraction. When the film hit theaters, critics absolutely savaged it. They couldn't stomach the portrayal of college life drowning in sex, drugs, and toxic behavior.

A Frame from the film The Rules of Attraction

But audiences ate it up, falling hard for both the twisted plot and its memorable characters: a virgin and libertine, Loren, portrayed by Shannyn Sossamon, and a local womanizer, Sean, who was a drug-addicted dealer portrayed by James Van Der Beek. But it was Ian's bisexual character Paul who truly stole the show - a mesmerizing blend of immorality and elegance whose striking presence highlighted the absurdity and tragedy of a story where nothing was as it seemed, captivating both male and female viewers.

The Rules of Attraction - Trailer

His role in the globally beloved series Lost cemented Ian Somerhalder's arrival as a major Hollywood player. Over twenty episodes, he played Boone, a character thrust into unimaginable nightmare scenarios. Episode by episode, viewers watched Boone evolve from boy to man, with Ian masterfully capturing every transformation. In the project, Somerhalder worked with Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway, Matthew Fox, and Terry O'Quinn.

Between 2005 and 2009, Ian appeared in over ten films, starring in most of them and establishing himself as a major movie star. In the thriller The Lost Samaritan, the actor portrayed William who became a pawn in games of corrupted FBI agents.

Critics argued that the action flick Fireball would've been dead on arrival without Somerhalder's brilliant turn as Lee Cooper, an escaped convict seeking revenge for his shattered life.

Together with Bijou Phillips, the actor appeared in the comedy-drama Wake. As Tyler, he showcased the full emotional spectrum of a man rebuilding himself after devastating loss.

He brought Marco Polo to life in the eponymous drama, a film remembered for its stunning landscapes, Ian's mature screen presence, and his nuanced portrayal of the legendary explorer. In the picture, the actor worked with Brian Dennehy and B.D. Wong.

The Vampire Diaries

Taking on the role of Damon in The Vampire Diaries catapulted the actor to superstardom. As Damon, he masterfully unveiled the character's darkness while revealing the betrayal and pain that fueled his cruelty.

The Vampire Diaries - Trailer

Somerhalder's nuanced performance and his dangerously seductive charm made the show a hit, earning him People's Choice Awards for Choice Vampire and Choice TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi. Nina Dobrev became his co-star.

Other Roles

In 2009's thriller The Tournament, the actor portrayed one of the assassins competing in a deadly tournament. The role of an elegant psychopath surprised his fans, but proved that Mr. Perfect could tackle any character. Robert Carlyle and the incredible Kelly Hu played other assassins.

In 2011's supernatural thriller Cradlewood, the actor battled dark forces harboring terrible secrets within an ancient house. Emma Lung portrayed Ian's wife. In the 2013 political miniseries Time Framed, Ian portrayed an FBI agent fighting corrupt officials. Seymour Cassel also appeared in this show.

Talented and Charismatic Ian Somerhalder

The sci-fi thriller The Anomaly was supposed to be the event of the season, but according to most reviews, Somerhalder was one of the film's few highlights. His performance alone kept audiences engaged for the full 98 minutes. Brian Cox also appeared in this tale of good versus evil.

Private Life of Ian Somerhalder

The heartthrob was never short of romantic company. He's been linked to famous designer Sarah Malatesta and socialite Nicky Hilton. Somerhalder also dated producer and blonde beauty Meghan Auld, and after their breakup, began seeing Kate Bosworth. During filming of The Vampire Diaries, the actor began dating Nina Dobrev, though she wouldn't become his life partner.

Nikki Reed, Paul McDonald's ex-wife, became the lucky woman who captured his heart. The two had known each other for nearly a decade. They'd been friends for years before their emotional bond blossomed into love.

Nikki divorced the singer and married her prince in 2015. In summer 2017, the famous couple welcomed daughter Bodhi Soleil.

Ian Somerhalder Now

The actor will portray a scientist investigating the existence of vampires in an upcoming Netflix series that fans are eagerly awaiting, since he doesn't often treat them to new projects. The project, titled V-Wars, also features Adrian Holmes, Peter Outerbridge, Sydney Meyer, and others.

Beyond new projects, Somerhalder stays actively involved in public service through his environmental defense fund.

Ian Somerhalder: latest news and articles

Choosing an actor who looks younger than his years

20 Aug 2022

Hilda Reyes

And I was so hoping that my beloved on-screen couple would be together in real life, but Nina and Ian were dating quite a bit.

2021-05-02 19:41:38
Martha Ramsey

For me, Ian Somerhalder does not have such an amazingly beautiful appearance, but my friends squeal with delight. To each his own:)

2021-04-20 12:01:33
Edward Cole

Somerhalder starred in Lost??? This is where, in what episode, in what role? I went to revise...

2021-03-29 21:38:37
Rhonda Anderson

I love the series «The Vampire Diaries», and Somerhalder is my favorite there :) I am watching this series for the second time!

2021-03-22 19:36:44
Everett Bailey

Although I managed to watch a few films with Ian, I can say that this guy is really talented.

2021-02-20 11:14:47

Photos: Ian Somerhalder