Ian Somerhalder Steps Away from Acting to Focus on Environmental Conservation and Family

The former Vampire Diaries star reflects on his career shift and the impact of Lost and The Vampire Diaries on his life.

Ian Somerhalder has not acted professionally for five years, choosing to focus on environmental projects and raising his family.
Somerhalder credits his time on Lost for sparking his interest in environmental conservation, despite having a difficult experience on the show.
The success of The Vampire Diaries, which has been seen by approximately 1.2 billion people globally, provided him a platform for his conservation efforts.
He has shifted his focus to projects like soil health regeneration and farming, which he believes are more meaningful than pursuing further acting roles.
Somerhalder continues to engage with fans and promote his Brother’s Bond Bourbon brand, co-founded with his Vampire Diaries co-star Paul Wesley.