Ian Somerhalder Discusses His Departure from Acting

Ian Somerhalder, widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Damon Salvatore in the beloved series The Vampire Diaries, has recently opened up about his decision to step away from acting. In a candid interview with PEOPLE magazine, Ian reflected on his career while celebrating the anniversaries of both Lost and The Vampire Diaries. These shows have significantly shaped his life and career, leading him to describe the experience as "a very humbling experience."

Ian's journey in the entertainment industry began with his role as Boone in Lost, where he faced a challenging moment as the first major character to be killed off in the show's inaugural season. He recalled, "Losing that, I was the first one cast and the first one killed, that was a sort of tough pill to swallow." Despite this setback, Ian's career took a remarkable turn with the success of The Vampire Diaries, which premiered in 2009. He noted that the show has reached an astonishing audience, stating, "now has been seen by almost like 1.2 billion people globally." This widespread recognition has filled him with "enormous gratitude," as he expressed, "That path has gotten me to where I feel most authentic anyway, which is in a pair of cowboy boots, feeding the cows and running horses."

However, after his role in V Wars, Ian made the significant decision to step back from acting five years ago. His focus shifted towards family and environmental projects, which he deemed more important. He explained, "I stepped away from that after V Wars to build these companies, launch films like Kiss the Ground, Common Ground, and Ground Swell and raise my kids." This decision was not made lightly, as he recalled a conversation with his management, saying, "Hey, this is the only thing I've ever known that's ever sustained my family, and I'm walking away from it, at this sort of peak, could have gone and done anything, but these partnerships mean way more to me."

Ian Somerhalder's journey from a celebrated actor to a dedicated family man and environmental advocate serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by fame or fortune. His choice to prioritize personal values and family over a flourishing acting career resonates with many, highlighting the importance of finding one's true self and purpose in life. As he aptly put it, "At the end of it, it's the grounding stuff that matter." This perspective encourages us all to reflect on what truly matters in our own lives.