
This 2000s Heartthrob Left Hollywood to Live on a Farm – Fans Are in Awe of His Looks at 46
The actor, once listed among the "Sexiest Guys Ever," now puts his time into passion projects and business. He also enjoys being more present with his family.
The former Hollywood heartthrob is now in his mid-forties, living a quiet life far from the cameras. He has often looked back on his acting days and the start of his career with honesty and thoughtfulness. Admirers continue to praise his looks, with one fan remarking, he ages like fine wine.

The actor spotted at the WB All-Star Summer TCA Press Tour on July 24, 2000, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
From stepping into fatherhood to turning away from the spotlight and chasing new goals, here's a closer look at how the star's life has changed through the years.
2000s
His rise as an actor began in 2004 when he landed the role of Boone Carlyle on "Lost." His career reached new heights in 2009 when he was cast as Damon Salvatore in "The Vampire Diaries," a role that brought him widespread fame.

The actor attends the premiere of "Scotland, PA," 2002 | Source: Getty Images
His success on television continued to be recognized many years later. He marked two major milestones — "The Vampire Diaries" turned 15, and "Lost" reached its 20th anniversary.

The actor attends the 4th Annual Young Hollywood Awards on May 5, 2002, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
He once described his work on the ABC show as a "very humbling experience." His character, Boone, made a strong impression early on, becoming the first major figure to die in season one. Although Boone appeared again in later parts of the series, the star shared that leaving the show early was challenging for him.

The celebrity at the Los Angeles premiere of "Blue Crush," 2002 | Source: Getty Images
The TV star admitted that being both the first cast member and the first written out was difficult to accept. However, his brief stay in Hawaii opened new doors, leading him to participate in early conservation efforts focused on reefs, soil, and water.

The actor attends Sony Ericsson's Hollywood Premiere Party on January 9, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Though his influence was still small in 2004, his work in the field had already begun. By 2009, his path shifted once again as "The Vampire Diaries" entered the scene, drawing in a youthful audience that steadily grew over time.

The star at the ABC All Star Summer Party on July 13, 2004, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images
As his career progressed, new technology breathed fresh life into his earlier roles. He explained that streaming brought "Lost" and "The Vampire Diaries" to many new viewers, both old and young, worldwide.

The Hollywood star attends the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 16, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
According to the public figure, "The Vampire Diaries" reached more than one billion viewers worldwide. With a global population of eight billion, he noted that about one in every eight people had come across the story — whether they watched it, heard of it, or saw something related to it.

The star attends the afterparty for the opening night of "Dog Sees God" on December 15, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Following his comments on the show's reach, the Louisiana native shared thoughts from another interview about his past work experiences. He explained that any changes he would make were small and mostly related to the business side of things, adding:
"The meat of it all, I don't think I would really change anything other than maybe with 'Lost.' I maybe complained about craft service or something, showed up late twice, actually really late once. I was so tired from the night before, I slept through my alarms. That's about as far as I can go."

The actor attends the launch of Frank Gehry's premiere jewelry collection for Tiffany & Co. on March 26, 2006, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Though the celebrity noted only a few things he might have done differently, his appreciation for the past remains clear. He shared how thankful he is for the roles that helped bring his work to people around the world.

The actor at the Global Green USA 5th pre-Oscar Party on February 20, 2008, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Even though it feels like those days were just yesterday, they also seem like they happened a lifetime ago for him. The star further expressed:
"I feel such enormous gratitude for this piece of IP and the journey and the character and all the writing both from 'Lost' and from 'Vampire Diaries.''

The public figure arrives at Spike TV's "SCREAM 2009!" Awards in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
2010s
In 2019, Ian Somerhalder, then 41, took on a new challenge with the Netflix series "V Wars," based on the graphic novel of the same name. This time, he played Dr. Luther Swann, a scientist facing a global crisis after a dangerous virus turned his best friend into a human-hunting predator.

Ian Somerhalder arrives at ABC's "Lost" Live: The Final Celebration" on May 13, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The star described the role as that of a "superhero dad," bringing a new kind of strength to the screen. When asked why he chose to take on another vampire story, Somerhalder said the choice came after careful talks with his long-time agent and manager.

Ian Somerhalder attends the "Youth" Premiere during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2015, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Though he felt unsure at first, his wife, actress Nikki Reed, whom he wed in 2015, reminded him that the show was based on five books by bestselling author Jonathan Maberry, which helped him feel confident moving forward.

Ian Somerhalder attends the 18th Annual Post-Golden Globes Party on January 8, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
2020s
After learning more about the story behind the series, Somerhalder felt ready to take on the role. But once that chapter ended, his focus began to shift.

Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder posing together, dated October 2021 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
By 2024, he shared in an interview that his main efforts were no longer in front of the camera. He said it had been five years since he last worked professionally as an actor or producer, stepping back after "V Wars."

Ian Somerhalder attends a beach clean-up with the Shiseido Blue Project and WSL PURE on August 3, 2022, in Huntington Beach, California. | Source: Getty Images
Since then, he has focused on starting businesses, helping release documentaries like "Kiss the Ground," "Common Ground," and "Ground Swell," and spending time with his children.

Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder attend the Fontainebleau Las Vegas Star-Studded Grand Opening Celebration on December 13, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
"I remember sitting with my management talking about this, saying, 'Hey, this is the only thing I've ever known that's ever sustained my family, and I'm walking away from it,' at this sort of peak, could have gone and done anything, but these partnerships mean way more to me," said the family man.

Ian Somerhalder posing, dated December 2023 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
Leaving acting behind wasn't easy, but Somerhalder felt his new goals mattered more. He said staying near his family and working on issues like farming, food, and energy became more important than chasing awards.

Ian Somerhalder holding a chicken, dated January 2023 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
The businessman also spoke about his work with NUTRO and the Greater Ground initiative, which supports farmers growing better food for pets and people. For him, it's this kind of hands-on work that truly matters.

Ian Somerhalder arrives at the Environmental Media Association Awards Gala on January 27, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Somerhalder's interest in the land isn't just professional. It also guides how he and his family choose to live. He and his wife, Reed, are raising their two young children on a farm located many miles north of Los Angeles.

A close-up of Ian Somerhalder with his eyes wide open, dated June 2024 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
The writer shared that being in nature helps their kids spend more time outdoors, away from screens. She said fresh air, sunshine, and natural light are important in a world where people often stay inside.

Ian Somerhalder posing next to a horse, dated October 2024 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
Their decision to live on a farm is deeply rooted in their values and daily habits. Reed explained that she couldn't imagine life without being close to plants and soil.

Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder visit the SiriusXM Studios on April 24, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
For 37-year-old Reed, technology is becoming a bigger part of everyday life. While she and her husband try to limit their children's screen time, she believes the best way to maintain balance is by staying connected to nature. Their love of the natural world shapes both their home life and their worldview.
Now 46, Somerhalder once made headlines as one of Teen People's 50 Sexiest Guys Ever — a title that marked his early fame but feels far removed from the life he values today.
He once paid close attention to his image, but today, he sees that time in a new light. While covers and magazine lists once helped boost his career, Somerhalder now places greater value on projects tied to the environment and spending time with his family.

Ian Somerhalder at the SiriusXM Studios on April 24, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Somerhalder's shift toward a quieter, family-centered life hasn't gone unnoticed. Even today, fans continue to admire his appearance. In March 2025, he posted a casual photo of himself resting on a bed, wearing a relaxed gray shirt. The comments quickly poured in.

A close-up of Ian Somerhalder, dated March 2025 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
"Sir u always slay," one fan wrote. Another praised him, "Looking gorgeous as hell," followed by red heart emojis. A different fan added, "Your look is cool..." And one admirer shared, "Ian is like wine, the more time passes the better he gets."

Ian Somerhalder pictured with a dog, dated May 2025 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
Not long after sharing a relaxed photo at home, Somerhalder posted another snapshot in June 2025 — this time sitting inside a car. His tousled hair, calm expression, and piercing blue eyes quickly caught the attention of fans.

Ian Somerhalder pictured inside a car, dated June 2025 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
Many focused on one standout feature. One wrote, "THE EYESSssss" while another shared, "Those eyes beautiful inside and out!! [sic]" A different admirer chimed in, "My blue eyes, love you Ian," followed by a heart emoji. The same praise came again with, "Those eyes🔥" and "I love your eyes😍😍😍." Another fan added, "Looking good as always!"

Ian Somerhalder in a tank top, dated May 2025 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
From early fame on hit shows to a quiet life on the farm, Ian Somerhalder's path has taken many turns. He now finds meaning in family, nature, and causes that matter to him.

Ian Somerhalder posing on the couch, dated April 2025 | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
Even with his focus far from Hollywood, he continues to draw admiration from fans around the world. Through every chapter, his passion and presence remain just as strong.