Ian Somerhalder is an American actor, model, and director, best known for his role as Damon Salvatore in the popular television series The Vampire Diaries. Born on December 8, 1978, in Covington, Louisiana, he began his career in modeling before transitioning to acting in the late 1990s. In addition to his acting career, Somerhalder is an environmental activist and co-founder of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which focuses on sustainability and animal rights. He has also appeared in other television shows, such as Lost, where he played Boone Carlyle, further establishing his presence in the entertainment industry.