Ian Somerhalder, 45, reflected on making Teen People’s “50 Sexiest Guys of All Time” list two decades ago, and he feels grateful for his star days.
After his 2004 breakout role as Boone Carlyle on Lost, Somerhalder became a household name in 2009 when he played bad-boy vampire Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries.
In an exclusive interview with People, he acknowledged his “heartthrob” image but views it differently now as an adult.
Being featured on magazine covers and “Sexiest People” lists was important back then, helping his career. But today he’s more focused on projects he’s passionate about, like environmental work and raising his children with wife Nikki Reed.
“Once you reach a certain point, you start focusing on family, farming, food, energy, and other things,” Somerhalder said. “I don’t need to chase awards or anything to feel better.” He added that looking back, he could have given himself some business advice, but nothing too personal.
“It feels like yesterday, but also like a lifetime ago,” Somerhalder shared. He expressed deep gratitude for the journey his roles on Lost and The Vampire Diaries took him on. Now, he feels most authentic in cowboy boots, feeding cows, and riding horses.