Ian Somerhalder

Biography

After an early departure from his first hit series, "Lost" (ABC, 2004-2010), actor Ian Somerhalder became a fan favorite as the standout star of the immensely popular supernatural drama, "The Vampire Diaries" (The CW, 2009-17). 

Starting as a successful model, Somerhalder transitioned to acting with the short-lived teen drama, "Young Americans" (The WB, 1999-2000) before landing roles in features like "Life as a House" (2001) and "The Rules of Attraction" (2002). 

His first major role, that of over-protective brother Boone Carlyle who may be in love with his step-sister on the phenomenon, "Lost" was cut short when Somerhalder's character was killed in a freak accident during the first season. 

Even the actor was stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Although he made periodic return visits to the "Lost" island, Somerhalder soldiered on with such middling efforts as the horror feature "Pulse" (2006) and the highly sexualized series "Tell Me You Love Me" (HBO, 2007-08). 

His true breakout role came along when Somerhalder was cast as troubled loner vampire Damon Salvatore on the supernatural drama series "The Vampire Diaries" (The CW, 2009-17). As one-third of a love triangle that included his undead brother Stefan and human Elena, Somerhalder quickly became the bad boy favorite of the show. 

Adding to the veracity of their smoldering onscreen pairing was the news that he and Dobrev had become a real-life couple. Handsome, talented, and politically active, Somerhalder was determined to be known as more than just another pretty face.