Ian Somerhalder’s journey in television began with a memorable, albeit brief, stint on the groundbreaking series Lost (ABC, 2004–2010). He quickly captured audience attention with his portrayal of Boone Carlyle, a character whose intense emotions and complicated relationship with his step-sister added layers of drama to the already mysterious island saga. Unfortunately, Somerhalder’s time on the show was cut short when his character met an untimely demise in a shocking first-season twist—an outcome that even caught the actor off guard. Despite the abrupt exit, he made occasional appearances on the show in later seasons, revisiting the world that had first brought him into the spotlight.
Before his acting career took off, Ian Somerhalder had already made a name for himself as a successful model. His transition to acting began with the short-lived but notable teen drama Young Americans (The WB, 1999–2000), which helped pave the way for future opportunities. He went on to appear in films such as Life as a House (2001) and The Rules of Attraction (2002), showcasing his growing range and charisma. Following his time on Lost, he appeared in a number of projects including the horror film Pulse (2006) and the provocative HBO series Tell Me You Love Me (2007–2008), though these didn’t quite reach the same level of success.
It wasn’t until Ian Somerhalder landed the role of Damon Salvatore—the brooding, charismatic vampire on The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 2009–2017)—that he truly found his footing as a leading man. As one side of a compelling love triangle with his vampire brother Stefan and the human Elena Gilbert, Somerhalder brought a magnetic intensity to the role that resonated with fans. Off-screen, his real-life romance with co-star Nina Dobrev only fueled the chemistry that made their onscreen dynamic so compelling.
Beyond his good looks and acting talent, Ian Somerhalder has also made a name for himself as a passionate environmental activist, proving that he’s much more than just a pretty face. His dedication to both his craft and his causes has helped solidify his place as a respected and admired figure in entertainment.
Ian Somerhalder has been part of several films throughout his career, but one that really stands out is Kiss the Ground (2020), which happens to be his highest-rated movie to date. On the other hand, not all of his film projects received the same level of acclaim—The Anomaly (2014), for instance, is regarded as his lowest-rated film. While Ian Somerhalder is perhaps best known for his work on television, particularly in leading roles, his filmography still offers a range of performances that showcase his versatility as an actor.