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What Is Ian Somerhalder’s Net Worth?
Ian Somerhalder, an American actor and model recognized for his roles in “Lost” and “The Vampire Diaries,” has accumulated a net worth of $12 million. This figure represents the combined net worth he shares with his wife, actress Nikki Reed, since 2015.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ian Joseph Somerhalder was born on December 8, 1978, in Covington, Louisiana. His mother, Edna, worked as a massage therapist, and his father, Robert Somerhalder, was an independent building contractor. Ian is the second of three children. He attended a private Catholic school before transitioning to Mandeville High School. From the ages of 10 to 13, Somerhalder worked as a model, gaining early exposure to the entertainment industry. At 17, he shifted his focus to acting, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Breakthrough Roles and “The Vampire Diaries” Success
In the summer of 2000, Somerhalder secured a role in the WB series “Young Americans,” a spin-off of “Dawson’s Creek.” He portrayed Hamilton Fleming, the son of the dean of a prestigious boarding school. However, the series was short-lived, lasting only eight episodes before its cancellation. In 2002, Somerhalder appeared in “The Rules of Attraction,” alongside James Van Der Beek, Jessica Biel, and Shannyn Sossamon, playing the bisexual character Paul Denton in the adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel.
Somerhalder’s breakthrough role came in 2004 when he was cast as Boone Carlyle in the ABC hit series “Lost.” Although his character died in the first season, specifically in episode 20, he reprised the role in seven more episodes throughout the series, showcasing his impact despite his character’s early demise. Boone Carlyle was the first major character to die in “Lost.”
In 2009, Somerhalder played an assassin in the film “The Tournament.” That same year, he was cast in “The Vampire Diaries” on The CW, portraying the vampire Damon Salvatore. He appeared in every season as a series regular. The premiere of “The Vampire Diaries” achieved The CW’s highest premiere ratings since 2006. Somerhalder’s performance as Damon Salvatore garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. His work on the show earned him several Teen Choice Awards and a People’s Choice Award.
During his time on “The Vampire Diaries,” Somerhalder expanded his role beyond acting. He directed an episode in the third season and took on a producer role at the beginning of season eight. “The Vampire Diaries” spanned eight seasons and 171 episodes, concluding in March 2017. While working on “The Vampire Diaries,” Somerhalder was cast in the film “Time Framed” in October 2012. Additionally, he made guest appearances on television series such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “CSI: Miami,” and “Smallville.”
In 2018, Somerhalder was cast as Dr. Luther Swann in the Netflix science fiction horror series “V Wars.” However, the series was short-lived, premiering in December 2019 and being canceled by March 2020.
Ian Somerhalder’s Salary from “The Vampire Diaries”
Ian Somerhalder’s salary for each episode of “The Vampire Diaries” was $40,000. This compensation reflects his significant role in the success of the series and his contribution to its popularity.
Philanthropic Efforts
Ian Somerhalder has been actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors. In 2010, he assisted in the cleanup efforts following the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling disaster. He is also a supporter of the St. Tammany Humane Society. In November 2010, Somerhalder hosted a Bash on the Bayou charity event for the humane society, during which “The Vampire Diaries” fandom presented him with a donation of $11,100.
Along with his former “The Vampire Diaries” co-stars Candice Accola and Michael Trevino, Somerhalder supports the It Gets Better Project, an organization that aims to prevent suicide among LGBTQ youth. On his 32nd birthday in December 2010, Somerhalder launched the Ian Somerhalder Foundation with the goal of educating people about the importance of protecting animals and the environment. Somerhalder is also an outspoken opponent of GMO foods and factory farming.
Personal Life
Prior to his current marriage, Ian Somerhalder was in a relationship with his “The Vampire Diaries” co-star Nina Dobrev. In 2014, he began dating actress Nikki Reed. The couple became engaged in February 2015 and married on April 26, 2015, in Malibu. They have two children: a daughter, Bodhi Soleil, born on July 25, 2017, and a son born in June 2023.
Additional details regarding specific properties, investments, or endorsements related to Ian Somerhalder’s net worth are not publicly available.
