In a recent red carpet interview with E! News for his new documentary “Common Ground,” Ian Somerhalder, best known for his role in “Vampire Diaries,” opened up about his decision to step away from acting. The documentary, released late last year, focuses on the benefits of regenerative agriculture and features a star-studded cast, including Somerhalder, Laura Dern, Donald Glover, Jason Momoa, Rosario Dawson, and Woody Harrelson.
During the interview, Somerhalder, with his arm around his wife, actress Nikki Reed, discussed leaving Hollywood behind. The couple now lives on a California farm and revealed that while life is good, they are busy with various business ventures. The pair, who got married in 2015, shares a 6-year-old daughter named Bodhi and welcomed a son in July 2023.
Somerhalder shared his sentiments about his acting career, stating, “I loved what I did for a really long time, but I don’t miss any of it. I just did it for so long. We had an amazing run.” This statement seems to confirm that Somerhalder has officially exited the world of acting.
The actor’s journey in Hollywood included his prominent role as Damon Salvatore in “The Vampire Diaries,” a popular teen vampire drama that aired from 2009 to 2017. Meanwhile, Nikki Reed gained fame for her role as Rosalie Hale in the “Twilight” saga, appearing in multiple films from 2008 to 2012.
The decision to leave acting is not unique to Somerhalder, as several other celebrities have also chosen to step away from the spotlight for various reasons. One notable example is Cameron Diaz, who took an eight-year break from acting to focus on lifestyle changes and personal growth.
In a July 2022 interview with CBS Mornings, Diaz explained her decision to step back from acting, saying, “When you’re doing something that you know and you’ve done well and you know how it works and it’s consumed your whole life for so long, it’s kind of a nice thing to kind of go, ‘You know what? Let me just step back for a second, take a look at what the whole picture looks like for me and what are the things that I could do better and be more engaged with that would make me feel more whole.’ And I did that.”
Other notable stars, including Terrence Howard, Brendan Fraser, and Lindsay Lohan, have also taken breaks from their acting careers, showcasing the desire for a more balanced and fulfilling life outside the demands of the entertainment industry.
In the case of Ian Somerhalder, his focus has shifted towards a quieter and more sustainable lifestyle, embracing regenerative agriculture and family life on their California farm. While Hollywood may miss his presence on the screen, Somerhalder seems content with the incredible journey he had during his acting career.