Trivia

Ian and his siblings own a pizza parlor in Idaho.

The surname "Somerhalder" originates from his adoptive great-grandfather. His biological great-grandfather, a wealthy English landowner, got one of his mistresses pregnant and paid an immigrant worker of his to marry this woman and give the baby a name, which was Somerhalder. The biological great-grandfather's name was Hull.

Began modeling at age 10, modeled for Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci, Versace and Guess.

Has his own foundation called "Ian Sommerhalder Foundation".

He didn't graduate high school because he traveled to Europe to pursue his modeling career.

Ian supports the charity Love Letters to the South, which pays tribute to all those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

If he hadn't become an actor, he would have chosen a career in marine biology, writing, or advertising.

He lent a helping hand to the disaster-stricken areas of the BP oil spill. He devoted his time off for summer to work in the Gulf region, particularly his home state. Ian also participated in Larry King's special two-hour telethon "Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help" on CNN, along with other celebrities.

In April 2012, Ian and big brother Bob Somerhalder opened a reclaimed furniture shop named "Built of Barnwood" where they build and sell pieces themselves.

He doesn't like to talk about his modeling career because of the impressions people might get of him as being just another pretty face.

Was heavily considered for the role of Christian Grey in 'Fifty Shades of Grey' (2015), but dropped out of the running since filming would have conflicted with that of 'The Vampire Diaries'.

In 2005, he bulked up, adding about 20 to 30 pounds of muscle to his slim frame, so he would be considered for more leading-man-type roles.

Was in a relationship with Nhật Ký Ma Cà Rồng (2009) co-star, Nina Dobrev (2010 - May 2013).

Named one of the 'sexiest men' in Glamour's "50 Sexiest Men of 2010" list.

Ironically, the first actor to be cast as one of the survivors in Mất Tích (2004).

He attended St. Paul's, a private Catholic school in Covington.

Together with his Nhật Ký Ma Cà Rồng (2009) co-stars Candice King and Michael Trevino, Somerhalder supports the It Gets Better Project, which makes it a goal to prevent suicide among LGBT youth associated with The Trevor Project.

His favorite actor is Sean Penn.

Created the Ian Somerhalder Foundation on December 8, 2010 aiming to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures.

Has said in an interview he was planning to buy a home in Hawaii when filming the hit show "Lost" but couldn't after his character was killed off in the show.

Was the face of Guess? for two consecutive Fall seasons.

Has a daughter, Bodhi Soleil Reed Somerhalder, born July 25th 2017.

Grew up with his mother, whom he has described as being "very spiritual".

Ian's mother, Edna (née Israel), worked as a massage therapist, and Ian's father, Robert Somerhalder, is a building contractor. Ian's ancestry includes Cajun (French) (from his paternal grandmother), English, as well as Northern Irish (Scots-Irish), Scottish, and Welsh. Ian's mother grew up on a pig farm in Mississippi. Ian has been said to have Choctaw Native American roots, but it is not clear if this ancestry has ever been verified/documented.

He enjoys reading, music, yoga and traveling.

His favorite film is Sinh Viên Tốt Nghiệp (1967).

He has a brother, Robert (Bob), and a sister, Robyn. Their parents divorced when he was thirteen.

Became a first time father aged 38 when his wife Nikki Reed gave birth to their daughter Bodhi Soleil Reed Somerholder on July 25th 2017.

Played varsity soccer and baseball.

Attended Catholic school.

His favorite sport is Football. He also played varsity soccer and baseball.

Was compared to looking like "a young Rob Lowe" by Rosie O'Donnell on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009) (November 6, 2009).

Starring as "Damon Salvatore" in the CW show, Nhật Ký Ma Cà Rồng (2009). (September 2009)

(April 26, 2015) Married his girlfriend of a year Nikki Reed at Topanga Canyon in Malibu, California following a 2-month-long engagement.

He has a brother, Robert, a wood worker, and a sister, Robyn, a broadcast journalist. Boating, swimming, fishing and training horses filled much of his recreational time growing up, as did the school drama club and performing with the local theater group.

Playing "Matt" in the Off-Broadway play, "Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead", at the Century Center for the Performing Arts. (December 2005)