by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: November 11, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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Once a heartthrob vampire on The Vampire Diaries , Ian Somerhalder has made a significant life change, stepping away from the limelight and embracing a more grounded, sustainable lifestyle.
After years of playing Damon Salvatore, a character that won him legions of fans, Ian Somerhaldernow finds fulfillment in a very different kind of life one spent on a farm, cultivating crops and caring for animals alongside his wife, actress Nikki Reed .
In this article, we will cover Ian Somerhalder’stransition from Hollywood to farming, highlighting his focus on sustainability and environmental advocacy.
Ian Somerhalder’s Hollywood career began with several roles in early 2000s TV shows, but it was his portrayal of Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries that truly propelled him into the global spotlight .
From 2009 to 2017, his role as the charismatic yet tortured vampire made him one of the most recognized actors of his generation. The show was a massive success, earning him millions of fans, critical acclaim, and various awards.
Despite his fame, Ian Somerhalderdidn’t settle for just being a TV star. He used his platform to advocate for environmental causes, founding the Ian Somerhalder Foundation in 2010 to support wildlife and sustainable practices. He was outspoken about climate change, conservation, and animal rights.
However, as his career progressed, Ian Somerhalderbegan to seek a different kind of fulfillment one that wasn’t rooted in fame or celebrity status.
When the series wrapped up, many expected Ian Somerhalderto immediately leap into another big Hollywood role. But instead, he made a decision that surprised many. Rather than diving back into acting, he chose to focus on something that had been a growing passion for farming and sustainability.
This transition, while unexpected for many, was deeply aligned with his values and personal beliefs about living a more eco-conscious life. For more personal insights into Ian Somerhalder‘s character and life beyond the screen, check out this Quora discussion.
In 2019, Ian Somerhalder and his wife, Nikki Reed , bought a farm located in rural Louisiana. The couple had always expressed their shared love for animals and nature, so this decision seemed like a natural next step in their journey together.
The farm has become their sanctuary a place where they can live in harmony with nature and teach their children the values of sustainability, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
On the farm, Ian Somerhalderand Nikki Reed raise a variety of animals, including chickens, goats, and horses, and grow their food. They focus on organic farming practices and regenerative agriculture an approach aimed at improving soil health , increasing biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions.
The couple is passionate about restoring the land and building a more sustainable future for their children. Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond their lifestyle, however, as they’ve also used their platform to raise awareness about the environmental crisis.
In addition to farming, Ian Somerhalderand Nikki Reed co-produced a documentary called Common Ground , which explores regenerative agriculture and its potential to combat climate change.
The film focuses on the importance of restoring soil health and transforming our approach to farming to mitigate the environmental damage caused by industrial agriculture.
The documentary has become an important part of their advocacy work, further solidifying their commitment to making a difference in the world. For more on Ian Somerhalder‘s life after The Vampire Diaries , check out this Reddit discussion .
While it may seem like an extreme departure, Ian Somerhalder’s transition from a successful Hollywood career to a life focused on sustainability and farming can be seen as an extension of his activism.
His desire to make a difference in the world and leave a positive legacy has always been a driving force in his life, and moving to the farm has allowed him to take more direct action.
Point of View | Hollywood Career | Farm Life |
---|---|---|
Main Focus
|
Acting, fame, and media presence | Sustainability, regenerative agriculture, family life |
Public Image
|
Heartthrob, vampire character, TV star | Environmental advocate, sustainable farmer, family man |
Primary Activities
|
Acting, attending events, media interviews | Farming, animal care, environmental activism |
Lifestyle
|
Busy, glamorous, city-based | Peaceful, rural, hands-on, nature-oriented |
Environmental Advocacy
|
Limited (through foundation) | Central focus (documentaries, farming practices, advocacy work) |
Family Life
|
Spent time traveling for work | Prioritizes family time on the farm, raising children with nature |
Impact
|
Global recognition, TV success | Local and global environmental impact, educating future generations |
The shift from fame to farming shows that success, for Ian Somerhalder, is no longer measured by awards or red-carpet appearances but by his contributions to the planet and his family’s well-being.
One of the most compelling aspects of Ian Somerhalder’s career shift is his dedication to regenerative agriculture. Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that goes beyond sustainability by focusing on restoring and improving the health of the land, soil, and ecosystems.
This approach contrasts with traditional industrial farming, which often depletes the soil and contributes to climate change through harmful practices such as monocropping and heavy pesticide use.
In his new role as an advocate for regenerative farming, Ian Somerhalderhas made it clear that he believes this method is essential to combating climate change and building a more resilient food system.
He has been vocal about how the modern agricultural system is damaging the planet, noting the environmental destruction caused by factory farming and the overuse of synthetic chemicals.
By adopting regenerative practices on his farm, Ian Somerhalderis actively demonstrating how individuals can make a positive environmental impact by working with the land instead of exploiting it.
The documentary Common Ground , which Ian Somerhalderco-produced, features interviews with experts in regenerative agriculture, farmers, and environmental activists.
It explores how regenerative practices can restore the earth’s soil, increase biodiversity, and improve water retention, all of which contribute to mitigating climate change.
Through this film, Ian Somerhalderhopes to inspire others to reconsider their relationship with food and the environment, advocating for a shift toward more sustainable and regenerative practices across the globe .
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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