Biographie

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.

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

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.

[on his reasons for becoming an actor] "To explore different parts of yourself and different emotional lives....not to hide from who you are but to actually explore who you are".

I have a million acquaintances but just two or three true friends. I can't hide anything from them.

I kind of think too much, I try do too many things at once. [on his biggest weakness]

This program teaches people that it only takes a single unlucky moment to lead to tragedy, if you come into contact with one really f***ed-up person, they can truly take your life away. [In regards to the Matthew Shepard killing and MTV's Fight for Your Rights: Take a Stand Against Discrimination campaign]

You can't get anywhere without the people who have come into your life.