Ian Somerhalder Net Worth

What Is Ian Somerhalder's Net Worth and Salary?

Ian Somerhalder is an American actor and model who has a net worth of $12 million. That is a combined net worth with his actress wife, Nikki Reed. They have been married since 2014 and have two kids together.

Ian Somerhalder began his career as a model at age 10 before transitioning to acting. His breakthrough came with the role of Boone Carlyle in ABC's hit series "Lost" (2004-2010), where he became the first major character to be killed off in the show.

Somerhalder's career reached new heights when he landed the role of vampire Damon Salvatore in The CW's supernatural teen drama "The Vampire Diaries" (2009-2017). The series premiere attracted the network's highest ratings for any season premiere since its 2006 launch, and his performance earned him several Teen Choice Awards and a People's Choice Award.

His other film work includes "The Tournament" (2009), where he played an assassin, and the short film "Time Framed" (2013). He later starred as Dr. Luther Swann in Netflix's science fiction horror series "V Wars" (2019-2020).

Early Life

Ian Somerhalder was born Ian Joseph Somerhalder on December 8, 1978, in Covington, Louisiana. The son of Edna, a massage therapist, and Robert Somerhalder, an independent building contractor, Ian is the second of three children. He went to Mandeville High School after attending a private Catholic school in his youth. Somerhalder was a model from the ages of 10 to 13, and at the age of 17, he started acting.

Career

In the summer of 2000, Ian starred in the WB series "Young Americans," which was a "Dawson's Creek" spin-off. He played the character of Hamilton Fleming, the son of the dean of a prestigious boarding school. The series was short-lived, however, lasting just eight episodes before its cancellation. Somerhalder co-starred with James Van Der Beek, Jessica Biel, and Shannyn Sossamon in "The Rules of Attraction" in 2002, playing bisexual character Paul Denton in the adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel.

Somerhalder's big break came in 2004 when he was cast as Boone Carlyle in the ABC hit "Lost." His character died in the first season, in episode 20, but he played the recurrent role seven more times up through the series finale. Somerhalder's character was the first major character to die in the series. In 2009, Somerhalder played the role of an assassin in the film "The Tournament."

He was cast in the series "The Vampire Diaries" on The CW in June 2009. He played vampire Damon Salvatore and appeared in the series as a regular. "The Vampire Diaries" series premiere garnered The CW's highest premiere ratings of any season premiere since 2006, when the network began. The series was highly rated, and Somerhalder's performance received a positive response from critics and fans alike. Ian's performance has earned him several Teen Choice Awards and a People's Choice Award. Somerhalder directed "The Vampire Diaries" in its third season and also produced the series at the beginning of season eight. The series ran for eight seasons and 171 episodes, concluding its run in March 2017.

While working on "The Vampire Diaries," Ian was cast in the film "Time Framed" in October 2012. Over the years, he has also made appearances in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "CSI: Miami," and "Smallville." In 2018, Ian was cast in the role of Dr. Luther Swann in the Netflix science fiction horror series "V Wars." It was also short-lived, however, premiering in December 2019 and being cancelled in March 2020.

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Ian Somerhalder Salary

What was Ian Somerhalder's salary per episode of "The Vampire Diaries?" $40,000

Brother's Bond Bourbon

Ian Somerhalder co-founded Brother's Bond Bourbon alongside his longtime friend and "The Vampire Diaries" co-star Paul Wesley. Their shared appreciation for bourbon, both on and off-screen, inspired them to create a spirit that embodies their bond. Launched in 2021, Brother's Bond Bourbon quickly gained recognition for its smooth, complex flavor profile and commitment to sustainable practices. Somerhalder's hands-on involvement in the blending process and dedication to environmental causes are reflected in the brand's use of regenerative grain and support for regenerative agriculture initiatives. The bourbon has received multiple awards, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and continues to expand its presence in the spirits industry.

Philanthropy

In 2024, Somerhalder revealed that he had retired from acting several years earlier. As he told People magazine, "August 19th makes five years since I was professionally on camera as an actor/producer. I stepped away from that after V Wars to build these companies, launch films, and raise my kids."

His post-acting career has focused on environmental activism and business ventures. In 2010, he founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) to educate people about protecting the environment and animals. The foundation's mission includes environmental conservation, animal protection, and youth empowerment.

Somerhalder was deeply impacted by witnessing the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling disaster in 2010, participating in cleanup efforts, and taping public service announcements. This catastrophe in his home state of Louisiana inspired him to use his platform for environmental change.

The United Nations Environment Programme named Somerhalder a Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his environmental work. His foundation distributes funds towards environmental conservation, green energy development, and works to raise awareness about deforestation and animal cruelty.

Personal Life

Ian was previously in a relationship with his. "The Vampire Diaries" co-star Nina Dobrev. He began dating actress Nikki Reed in 2014. They were engaged in February 2015 and married on April 26th of that year in Malibu. They welcomed daughter Bodhi Soleil on July 25, 2017, followed by a son in June 2023.

Real Estate

In 2015, he and his wife, actress Nikki Reed, purchased a contemporary home in Venice, California, for $2.85 million from Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. The 2,840-square-foot residence featured four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and eco-friendly design elements, including reclaimed wood accents and energy-efficient appliances. The couple listed the property for $3.5 million in 2019 and sold it in February 2020 for $3 million.

Following the sale, Somerhalder and Reed transitioned to a more rural lifestyle, settling on a farm outside Los Angeles. Their property emphasizes regenerative agriculture and sustainability, aligning with their environmental advocacy. The farm serves as both a family home and a base for their various eco-conscious initiatives, including co-producing the documentary "Common Ground," which promotes regenerative farming practices.

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