Ian Somerhalder
An actor whose portrayal of a charismatic, morally complex vampire cemented him as a defining heartthrob of 2010s supernatural television.
Born 1978 (age 48)·American actor·Birthday: December 8·Generation X
Biography
Ian Somerhalder’s career is a study in evolution, from teen model to casualty on a desert island to one of television's most beloved anti-heroes. Discovered as a model in New York, he transitioned to acting with roles that capitalized on his striking looks, most notably as the ill-fated Boone on the cultural phenomenon "Lost." But it was his casting as Damon Salvatore on "The Vampire Diaries" that unlocked his star power. Somerhalder infused the centuries-old vampire with a dangerous charm, wit, and a hidden vulnerability that drove the show's narrative for eight seasons, earning him a passionate global fanbase. Off-screen, he channeled his visibility into fervent activism, founding the Ian Somerhalder Foundation focused on environmental and animal welfare causes. His journey reflects a conscious shift from using his image to using his influence.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Ian was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Ian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- He played the series regular role of Damon Salvatore for all eight seasons of The CW's hit series "The Vampire Diaries."
- He won multiple Teen Choice Awards and a People's Choice Award for his work on "The Vampire Diaries."
- He founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, dedicated to environmental, conservation, and animal rights projects.
- He was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme in 2014.
Did You Know?
Somerhalder was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana, and his family home was used for exterior shots in "The Vampire Diaries."
He worked as a fashion model for brands like Guess and Versace before becoming an actor.
He is a licensed pilot and owns several aircraft.
He is married to actress Nikki Reed, who co-wrote and starred in the film "Thirteen."
“"The only way we can make a difference is to take responsibility for our own actions."”
