Through business ventures like Brother's Bond Bourbon and a commitment to living his values, he has built a profound and inspiring legacy far beyond his iconic role as Damon Salvatore. (Image: File)
For eight seasons, Ian Somerhalder owned the screen as the dangerously charming vampire Damon Salvatore, a role that cemented his status as a global heartthrob. Fans were taken aback when the actor announced his official retirement from acting in 2024, giving up the made-up town of Mystic Falls for the actual dirt of a farm. So, what is the star of The Vampire Diaries doing now? The answer involves bourbon, a passionate commitment to the planet, and a serene family life far from the Hollywood spotlight, all backed by an estimated net worth of $12 million.
Ian Somerhalder's journey to stardom began not in Mystic Falls, but in Covington, Louisiana, where he was born in 1978. By the age of ten, he was landing modeling jobs for well-known companies like Gucci and Calvin Klein, which launched his career.His career began early; at the age of ten, he was modeling for well-known companies like Gucci and Calvin Klein. While he began acting in his late teens, it was his portrayal of the doomed Boone Carlyle on the iconic series Lost that gave him his big break.While his character's arc was short, it put him on the map. However, his portrayal of the fascinating and likable vampire Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries was the role that defined his career. In addition to winning Teen Choice Awards and the affection of viewers everywhere, he directed and produced episodes for eight seasons. Before deciding to give up acting completely in 2024, he led and produced the Netflix series V Wars after the series concluded.
But what really made a difference was his casting as Damon. The global success of the CW series made Somerhalder famous and a frequent guest at award shows.
As of 2025, Somerhalder's estimated net worth is $12 million, thanks to her lucrative television career. His long-term pay from The Vampire Diaries, his work on Lost and V Wars, and his other business endeavors have contributed to this fortune, which also includes joint earnings with his wife, actress Nikki Reed. He probably makes a considerable amount of money now from his business endeavors. He took advantage of their ongoing success in 2021 by co-founding sibling's Bond Bourbon with Paul Wesley, his on-screen sibling and best friend in real life.He is also involved in The Absorption Company, a powdered supplement brand, and continues to earn through producing projects, particularly environmental documentaries like Kiss the Ground.
Somerhalder’s personal life has often been as followed as his professional one. His on-screen romance with Nina Dobrev bled into a real-life relationship that captivated fans, and despite their 2013 split, they maintained a famously professional and friendly rapport. His relationships with other cast members have been a topic of fan speculation. While rumors swirled of tension with Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett), nothing was ever confirmed, and the cast has always presented a united front. He remains close friends with Matthew Davis (Alaric) and shares a friendly camaraderie with Joseph Morgan (Klaus). When he married Nikki Reed, who was a casual acquaintance of Nina Dobrev's, it sparked online drama, but all three parties gracefully shut down rumors of any feud, demonstrating a commitment to moving forward with respect and positivity.
He found his lifelong partner in actress Nikki Reed, whom he married in a rustic ceremony in 2015. The family has fully embraced a sustainable lifestyle, moving to a farm where they grow their own food. However, his personal life has not been without scrutiny. In 2017, he faced significant public backlash after recounting a story on a podcast about throwing away his wife's birth control pills when they decided to have a child. The couple later issued a joint apology to anyone affected by reproductive coercion, clarifying it was a mutual decision.
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If you're wondering what a retired vampire heartthrob does all day, the answer is: he gets his hands dirty. Somerhalder is now totally focused on his work as a farmer, businessman, and environmentalist. He and Reed live on a farm where they cultivate their own food and lead an active, environmentally conscious lifestyle. His business, Brother's Bond Bourbon, continues to be a huge success, a testament to his enduring friendship with Paul Wesley. Instead of memorizing lines, he's now executive producing documentaries about regenerative agriculture and leading his Ian Somerhalder Foundation. It seems that for Ian Somerhalder, life after Damon is all about rooting down, giving back, and building a legacy that goes far beyond the screen.
Disclaimer: Net worth figures are public estimates and have not been independently verified. Details of personal relationships are based on public statements and reports.
