Ian Somerhalder Thinks His Acting Career Is 'in the Rear View Mirror' but Reveals What Would Draw Him Back (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Ian Somerhalder in ‘The Vampire Diaries.'.Photo:Cw Network/Kobal/Shutterstock

Cw Network/Kobal/Shutterstock

Ian Somerhalderbelieves his acting days may be behind him — but, there’s one thing that might make him interested in returning to Hollywood.

Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at theEnvironmental Media Association (EMA) Awards Galaon Saturday, Oct. 26, the 45-year-oldLostalum opened up about leaving the entertainment industry behind when he and his wifeNikki Reedmoved out of Los Angeles to pursue a life of farming.

“I think it’s in the rearview mirror. I do,” Somerhalder said of his acting career.

Ian Somerhalder at the EMA Awards Gala.Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty

Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty

Last year, the couple co-foundedThe Absorption Company— a tech-powered supplement brand available online and at Erewhon stores.

Twilightstar Reed, 36, shared similar sentimentsabout a possible return to acting, telling PEOPLE at the Oct. 26 event: “I don’t make any definitive statements about anything. I don’t look at anything.”

“I work over 90 hours a week right now. I’m running a company full time and just launched another, a shared company with the Absorption Company,” she shared. “And I just can’t imagine being able to pivot my energy away, but there’s no door closed.”

Ian Somerhalder as Boone in ‘Lost.'.Bob D’Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Bob D’Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Somerhalder has previously been candid about his exit from entertainment, even doing so while speaking with PEOPLE in September in honor of the 15th anniversary ofThe Vampire Diariesand the 20th anniversary ofLost.

“August 19th makes five years since I was professionally on camera as an actor/producer,” he said at the time. “I stepped away from that afterV Warsto build these companies, launch films likeKiss the Ground,Common GroundandGround Swellandraise my kids."

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The retired actor recalled telling his management about wanting to make his exit from the business, telling them: “‘Hey, this is the only thing I’ve ever known that’s ever sustained my family, and I’m walking away from it,’ at this sort of peak, could have gone and done anything, but these partnerships mean way more to me.”

“Once you reach a certain level, you’re like, ‘Okay, I want to focus on family and the future of farming and food and energy and the big things,'" Somerhalder added. “I don’t need to chase awards and anything that would make me feel better about myself.”

source: people.com