What is the Net Worth of ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and ‘V Wars’ Star Ian Somerhalder?

From sci-fi to drama and romance, Ian Somerhalder is a multifaceted entertainer who has brought amazing characters to life. His successful string of projects has boosted his net worth and enabled the star to invest in other business interests. Here’s the scoop on how he got his start, where to see his work, and how much wealth he has amassed so far.

Ian Somerhalder, Southern gentleman

Louisiana-born, Somerhalder was raised with one brother and one sister. Growing up, he played sports, including soccer and baseball. As an adolescent, Somerhalder pursued modeling before breaking into acting during his young adulthood. Now known for his undoubtable talent and piercing stare, the Hollywood heavyweight brings his Southern swag to every one of his projects.

Ian Somerhalder, leading man

Somerhalder began his acting career in the late 1990s with a stretch of television appearances, including stints on Young Americans and Smallville. He also scored parts in several feature films before his breakout role on ABC’s hit supernatural drama, Lost. Somerhalder’s time on Lost was short-lived, but his character made a significant impact with an epic death.

After Lost, Somerhalder continued to work in film and television before landing the role that shot him to international superstardom. The actor débuted in 2009 on The CW’s The Vampire Diaries, which ran for eight seasons and 171 episodes. Somerhalder starred for the entirety of the series as Damon Salvatore, a vampire with an appetite for blood and mischief, as well as a weakness for a tortured teen goody-goody, Elena Gilbert.

After The Vampire Diaries ended, Somerhalder returned to the vampire genre, but with a new spin, in V Wars. The actor told The Wrap, “They’re not sexy vampires. It leans into more of horror.”

This time, instead of playing another undead heartthrob, the actor portrays Dr. Luther Swann. Unlike The Vampire Diaries, which treated vampirism as a supernatural phenomenon, V Wars ponders a world in which vampires arise due to a viral outbreak. In the show, Somerhalder’s character is a scientist who is facing a new world that sees vampires and humans at odds.

The characters that Somerhalder has played in his long-running television gigs are vastly different. Fans can check out his performances in The Vampire Diaries and V Wars on Netflix and Lost on Hulu.

Ian Somerhalder, triple threat

Somerhalder is best known for his acting roles, but he has added producer and director to his resume. He made his directorial debut in Season 6 Episode 16 of The Vampire Diaries and went on to direct three more episodes. He also produced over a dozen episodes of the show during the final season. Now, Somerhalder serves as an executive producer of V Wars and has directed one episode of the series so far.

Ian Somerhalder, entrepreneur

On top of his work in the entertainment industry, Somerhalder has tried his hand at various business and charitable endeavors. He opened a pizzeria in his hometown of Mandeville,  started a furniture business with his brother, created a wine, and founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, a non-profit organization that targets grassroots programs, wildlife issues, and environmental initiatives.

Most recently, Somerhalder teamed up with Paul Wesley, his former The Vampire Diaries co-star, for a new project. The on-screen brothers have partnered to create a bourbon brand that will launch in the near future. Details of the project are forthcoming.

Ian Somerhalder‘s net worth

According to celebritynetworth.com, Somerhalder’s estimated net worth is $8 million. As an entertainer and entrepreneur, the business-savvy star has diversified streams of income that add to his fortune. He has cashed in with on-camera and behind-the-scenes roles and invested his capital in other for-profit ventures. Not to be missed are his charitable activities, which may not increase his bottom line, but could contribute to his overall sense of purpose.

Read more: ‘The Vampire Diaries’: Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley have teamed up again