Ian Somerhalder

       Ian Joseph Somerhalder was born on December 8, 1978 in Covington, Louisiana. He was the son of Robert and Edna Somerhalder and brother of Robert and Robin. Ian has the most striking, crystal clear blue eyes that consume anyone that looks into them. He is devishly handsome with his dark brown hair, fair complexion and his ideal built.  Ian enjoyed many out-door activities including boating, swimming, fishing and training horses. His out-door activities took up a lot of his recreational time as did his school drama club and local theatre performances. Ian's mother encouraged him to do modeling around the age of 10, and during his summers, he would go to New York to pursue his modeling career. Ian was the face of Guess for two consecutive fall seasons. In addition to Guess, Ian also modeled for Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, and Calvin Klein.  Although Ian does not like to talk about his modeling career because of the reason that he does not desire people to think of him as just another “pretty face”. When he reached junior high, he decided to take a break from modeling and focus more on school and sports. Ian played varsity soccer and baseball in high school. Soccer being his most desired sport; he played as much as possible, inside and outside of school. That is until the opportunity to model in Europe arouse. Ian went embarking on a path of study and travel as he visited cities like Paris, Milan and London. When Ian reached the age of 17, he was embarking in studying acting, and by 19, he committed himself to  to acting while working with acting coach William Esper. In 1999, Ian was an extra in the movie "Black & White" and was noticed by a talent manager who was actually there visiting another actor, and that is how Ian's acting career was launched. 
 

         Ian has had many opportunities in the acting fields. He starred in the following movies since his acting career has started. His first film was in 1998, he starred in “Celebrity.”   In 1999 Ian starred in "Black & White” as an extra. In the years following Ian has starred in over 12 films. In 2001, Ian starred in the film “Life as a House” as the role of, Josh. In 2002 he starred in the films, “Changing Hearts” as the role of Jason Kelly and in “The Rules of Attraction” playing the role of Paul Denton. 2004 was just as busy for Ian, he played in 3 more films, “In Enemy Hands” starring as a U.S.S. Swordfish: Danny Miller, followed by, “The Old Man and The Studio” as the role of, Matt; and the last film he starred in, in 2004 was the film “Recess” playing the role of Cooley. In 2006 Ian played in “National Lampoon's TV: The Movie” and “Pulse” as Dexter. Also starring in “The Sensation of Sight”, as the role of Drifter, in 2006.  In 2008 Ian starred in another film; “The Lost Samaritan” as William Archer. Ian played the role of Tyler in the 2009 film, “Wake,” and as Miles Slade in the film “The Tournament”. Ian also starred in the following films that are in post-production, “How to Make Love to a Woman” as the role Daniel airing in 2010, and “Cradle Wood” as the character Josh airing in 2011. 
 
    Along with all the films that Ian has done, his television career has made him a celebrity icon today. Ian actually started acting in television series before he was in films. In 1997, he stared in the TV series, “The Big Easy” as I.Q. in the episode "The Black Bag". Two years later he starred in the series, "Now and Again" as Brian in the episode “A Girl's Life." In 2000, Ian played Hamilton Fleming in the series "Young Americans" and starred in eight episodes. In 2001, he starred in the television movie, "Anatomy of a Hate Crime" and played Russell Henderson, following in 2002 in the hit series, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigations”, Ian played the role of Tony Nel Nagro in the episode; “Revenge is Best Served Cold". In 2003, he starred in "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" as Charlie Baker in the episode “Dominance”, and also “CSI: Miami” as the role of Ricky Murdoch in the episode “The Best Defense". In 2004, Ian played in the TV Pilot, "Fearless" as the role, Jordan Gracie and in 04’; he played in hit series  “Smallville”, as Adam Knight and starred in seven episodes. In 2007, Ian starred in the TV Movie, "Marco Polo", playing Marco Polo, and played in the TV Series, "Tell Me You Love Me" as the role of Nick in six different episodes. Then, in 2008, he starred in the TV Movie "Lost City Raiders" as the role of Jack Kubiack. In 2009, Ian also starred in the TV Movie, "Fireball" and played the role of Lee Cooper. The most credible roles that Ian has starred in and has won the hearts of millions of fans are the most viewed TV Series, “Lost” and “The Vampire Diaries”. In 2004, the series "Lost" premiered and Ian played the role of Boone Carlyle. Unfortunately, Boone died in the 26th episode, but that would not be the last time that we all saw him, there were plenty of flashbacks to give us a small dose of Ian. The series “Lost” ended in May of 2010. Ian reunited with the entire cast in the series finale "The End" and we all had to see Boone say goodbye as well as the rest of the cast of “Lost”. However, do not worry Ian did not leave T.V! 
 
         Ian has captured the hearts of many people as his role as Damon Salvatore, in the CW television series, "The Vampire Diaries".  Ian plays the lead role along with Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) and Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert & Vampire Katherine). “The Vampire Diaries” aired in September of 2009, and currently Ian is still playing the role of Damon.
 
         Of course, with all the hard work that Ian has put into his career over the past 20 some years, he has to be credited for all his hard work. Ian is making his way up to an Academy Award winning actor.
 
    In 2002, Ian was nominated in the “Young Hollywood Awards” for the 'Exciting New Face- Male Award', and of course, he WON it! Along with the nomination in 2005 at the “Teen Choice Awards” for the award 'TV Breakout Performance' for the series “Lost” in the 2004 season, unfortunately Ian was not awarded that award. Then, in 2006, Ian was nominated at the “Screen Actors Guild Awards”, for the 'Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series', and WON, sharing with the cast of “Lost” for the 2004 season. Finally, in May of 2006, Ian was named one of 'DNA Models' "Top 10 Male Models".

 
    Ian Somerhalder has really outdone himself in every aspect of his career. “The Vampire Diaries” will not be the last time we see Ian, he will go on to exceed a great career in acting, He is a remarkable actor and is a genius. When Ian was once asked what his reasons for becoming an actor was, he replied “To explore different parts of yourself and different emotional lives...not to hide from who you are, but to actually explore who you are". Ian has done so many things to contribute to everyone and everything around him, and continues to as well.

 
        Ian is an amazing person. He dedicates his free time to helping the Gulf Aid, which is a company that is raising money for the BP oil spill in the gulfs. Ian is very protective of his homeland, and also the homes of many people on the gulfs that are impacted by this tragedy. Ian has helped the gulf aid collect over $300,000 in donations to help the recovery of the gulf, and also the men and their families that lost fishing jobs due to the spill. In addition to helping the Gulf-Aid foundation, Ian also is an animal lover. He has posted many tweets on twitter, trying to help innocent and adorable animals find great, loving homes. Ian has an enormous heart. He tries his best to help other people and animals. Our community is so much more efficient with Ian around and I think that he needs to get the proper Thank You that is way over-due. So Ian, Thank You for all your help in saving animals, saving our oceans, and helping raise money to the men and woman that are out of work due to this atrocious oil spill. You are truly and icon in many eyes. Thank You again!!!!