'We had an amazing run': 'The Vampire Diaries' star Ian Somerhalder announces he has officially left Hollywood behind after retiring from acting
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ian Somerhalder recently announced his decision to officially retire from acting and his intentions to settle down at his farm.
During an interview with E! News on Friday, January 12, the 45-year-old 'The Vampire Diaries' star said he has no regrets for putting his Hollywood career in the backseat.
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Ian Somerhalder says he has had an 'amazing run' working in films
During the joint interview with his wife, Nikki Reed, Somerhalder candidly shared, "I love what I did for a really long time. I love making films, I just did it for so long. We had an amazing run."
He added, "But this is our 2.0 version — about to be 3.0 version."
This is, however, not the first time he has opened up about his desire to move away from the spotlight. In November 2023, he shared with E! News that they had sold their previous property and moved to a farm outside Los Angeles, according to Us Weekly.
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The 'V Wars' star shared that he and his wife have relocated to the farm with their two children and 18 pets - both farm-related and domestic.
Somerhalder mentioned, "[I love] walking through the farm with kids and dogs and family. Every stop, you’re pulling off of trees or off of bushes, pulling up out of the ground and feeding everyone as you’re moving through the farm."
"We’re farm people, we produce most of our own food, I live in my cowboy boots," further added the star.
Even though Somerhalder is mostly known for his iconic role as Damon Salvatore in 'The Vampire Diaries', he has produced documentaries on climate change, such as 'Kiss the Ground'.
In 2020, he also launched Brother’s Bond Bourbon with his on-screen brother, friend, and 'The Vampire Diaries' co-star, Paul Wesley.
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Why did Ian Somerhalder quit Hollywood?
During his November 2023 interview, Somerhalder explained, "I stepped away from acting a little over four years ago to raise my kids, build my companies and get these films launched."
He, however, also clarified why he keeps coming back to the spotlight despite retiring from acting.
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He shared, "I was asked why I care about this. It is because I’m building my entire life and world to do that exact thing."
Somerhalder continued, "I will be a rancher and building legacy brands, whether it’s my bourbon or my health and wellness company, and the regenerative agriculture and healthy soil management practices that I live by and our family lives by. That’s where my life was going."
He concluded, "So when people say ‘Why do you care?’ That’s why I care. Because that’s who I am, that’s what I’m going to become."
Internet reacts to Ian Somerhalder opening up about his intentions of leaving Hollywood behind
Soon after Somerhalder's interview regarding officially distancing himself from Hollywood came to light, netizens and his fans flocked to share their perspectives on his decision.
A fan wrote, "I’am excited for his journey I’am thankful for his role on VP Ian is a very talented actor he has said he has no interest of ever acting again he just wants to enjoy his wife and life."
One said, "He was the best vampire ever and I am satisfied with that role. I hope he has an amazing life," and another added, "Would love to see a reunion of Vampire Diaries."
Understanding Somerhalder's stance, a person mentioned, "He's focusing on his bourbon business, his wife and family and I think other business things with his wife."
An individual chimed in, "Family man now that’s what he loves the best we got the best of him as Damon now he’s got his sappy ever after with Nikki and his daughter and son ❤️."
"Guess he will forever be Damon Salvatore ❤️ although I am disappointed V wars got cancelled as did have a lot of potential! X," expressed a follower.
"He made his money, found a way to keep earning using his name and left the crazy land. Smart man," praised one more.
A person sighed, "Miss him but I don't blame him."
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