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Happy birthday, Ian Somerhalder!
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: ALL CROPS Image Tout](https://ew.com/thmb/db46tfV9gRFG3IZFI8yPjy82S_Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ian-somerhalder-image-tout-e68130664596422485e810dba1fe121a.jpg)
Born in Louisiana on December 8, 1978, Ian Somerhalder celebrates his 40th birthday Saturday. The actor got his start in his 20s, landing early roles in Young Americans, Life as a House, The Rules of Attraction, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Somerhalder then held a six-episode arc on Smallville as Adam Knight before joining Lost as Boone Carlyle and picking up his most well-known role to date as The Vampire Diaries' Damon Salvatore. He's played the brooding vampire since 2009, earning People's Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards for his work along the way. In honor of the actor's 40th birthday, see photos of him through the years, ahead.
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Ian Somerhalder With Mark Famiglietti and Katherine Moennig Filming Young Americans on May 24, 2000
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-1445318.jpg May 24, 2000 Mark Famiglietti, Katherine Moennig, and Ian Somerhalder of the WB summer hit TV series 'Young Americans'](https://ew.com/thmb/6ms1OjsluqvUa8R2DVyaoWZM6hA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-1445318-c73637646f504352944606d5842cd960.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the Life as a House Premiere on October 24, 2001
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-85732212.jpg Ian Somerhalder 'Life as a House' Premiere October 24, 2001](https://ew.com/thmb/gokOMndnXCJvFRjZ99g8XHvh1Zo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-85732212-fb4c5683e27247408a101ec3fe57db72.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the 4th Annual Young Hollywood Awards in Hollywood on May 5, 2002
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-1539527.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends the 4th Annual Young Hollywood Awards by Movieline May 5, 2002 in Hollywood, CA.](https://ew.com/thmb/uoU6qq3LFm0BFCBSAryD1qbho-8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-1539527-ba71ebdb61284f1bb29d9bc97811b75d.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Kate Bosworth at the Rules Of Attraction Screening on September 24, 2002
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-95916226.jpg September 24, 2002 Kate Bosworth & Ian Somerhalder 'The Rules Of Attraction' Screening](https://ew.com/thmb/Cx9J7cWkMbV5-zLgnQ_47txdR9Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-95916226-d7b46ba0eb874ffc8c42508b2473455d.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at Sony Ericsson's Hollywood Premiere Party on January 9, 2003
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-104852319.jpg January 9, 2003 Ian Somerhalder during Sony Ericsson's Hollywood Premiere Party 2003 at The Palace in Hollywood, California, United States.](https://ew.com/thmb/VknOCUfIZpbQdB0FfD6Rc1Ucz-o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-104852319-959f592a2cf8442a96be3e7d90513fb2.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Amy Smart at the GQ Lounge at White Lotus in Hollywood on March 1, 2003
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-111236698.jpg March 1, 2003 Ian Somerhalder and Amy Smart during Fashion Show and Party at the GQ Lounge at GQ Lounge at White Lotus in Hollywood, California, United States. (](https://ew.com/thmb/vXJqH9gUbcWBGVNyVWyuhIjWuAY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-111236698-9a368ad1c2914942bac202bbcd32b972.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder on Lost on July 28, 2004
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-93681039.jpg Lost Ian Somerhalder July 28, 2004](https://ew.com/thmb/jXtlJ3Fi3R-hc4ZwTvE0YMRqOJU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-93681039-f4fe8eb7304c4c1f816b474c967eeb91.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder on Lost on July 28, 2004
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-93681049.jpg Lost Ian Somerhalder July 28, 2004](https://ew.com/thmb/kYkbOdffGaAtAjTLKNWy60pgIhk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-93681049-4e2ed0b13e504afb84d017a826f1a4ff.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills on January 16, 2005
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-52000934.jpg Ian Somerhalder arrives to the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel January 16, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/YuugvIqzlWvrgT3-8V6X9Xh5gVg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-52000934-5f41578e424b4ebdb6fb179d0f227d20.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the Costume Institute's Gala Celebrating Chanel at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 2, 2005
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-110231487.jpg May 2, 2005 Ian Somerhalder during The Costume Institute's Gala Celebrating "Chanel" - Arrivals at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, United States.](https://ew.com/thmb/4F9MbxovXSyK5B2IUjTHPocDC_M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-110231487-ad2bf0056ec641f7b5d2c2b56fafd12f.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the Launch Of Frank Gehry's Premier Collection On Rodeo Drive on March 26, 2006
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-85732258.jpg March 26, 2006 Ian Somerhalder Tiffany & Co. Celebrates The Launch Of Frank Gehry's Premier Collection On Rodeo Drive - Arrivals](https://ew.com/thmb/fPF-HKRY3YwzZTYNAF4bQuF9_eQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-85732258-72ddb6b183ff421da9cd61a3ce293c7f.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at Unruly Heir's Spring Summer 2008 in New York City on September 9, 2007
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-609569490.jpg Ian Somerhalder (Host) attends UNRULY HEIR Spring Summer 2008 at Grand Street Tent on September 9, 2007 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/pqjIy0sLRYycdtyjNqIqHClYMyY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-609569490-5fbb193304de41bb991c21f48b8c6171.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Lydia Hearst at Unruly Heir's Spring Summer 2008 in New York City on September 9, 2007
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-609569184.jpg Lydia Hearst and Ian Somerhalder attend UNRULY HEIR Spring Summer 2008 at Grand Street Tent on September 9, 2007 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/r_euuux3FPX7ymY2cjP_qdnKkrg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-609569184-59efbba9dde64f6d925d92264e79e126.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at Tisch School of the Arts' Totally Tisch in New York City on November 12, 2007
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-608948988.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends TISCH SCHOOL of The Arts Presents "TOTALLY TISCH" at The Town Hall and The Marriot Marquis on November 12, 2007 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/MC276xl_czHUaOHMDaaBHiKZhto=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-608948988-de0f673dd8724b6ba8e20eff39c29a0e.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at Global Green USA's 5th Annual Pre Oscar Party in Los Angeles on February 20, 2008
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-81489439.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends Global Green USA's 5th Annual Pre Oscar Party at Avalon Hollywood on February 20, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/VB_LF2f9_deGebt4HIrL52AqtHQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-81489439-65bbe86c9d0a4caeb5674075960b8079.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at The Live Party at the Viceroy in Palm Springs on April 26, 2008
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-80871890.jpg Ian Somerhalder during The Live Party at the Viceroy on April 26, 2008 in Palm Springs, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/6nlz1FuG52_e_ZkSpn5tBrzK2EE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-80871890-f82bc55aab09447aac42592d192307bb.jpg)
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Ian Somerholder at the CW Upfronts in New York City on May 21, 2009 May 21, 2009
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-134390484.jpg Ian Somerholder arrives at the CW Upfronts at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on May 21, 2009](https://ew.com/thmb/BBxjGUh-CRFg4XIxfuZYLhpnFag=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-134390484-bd76f7a78aa64796b8427b20b327338d.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalde at the Second annual Golden Globes Party Saluting Young Hollywood in West Hollywood on December 8, 2009
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-94160061.jpg Ian Somerhalder arrives at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party saluting young Hollywood held at Nobu Los Angeles on December 8, 2009 in West Hollywood, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/-RmQ_O51mFJ-T6obigDtI1srhaE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-94160061-b50d63ddb804426cac94a7fa89bb778a.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at Spike TV's Scream 2010 at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on October 16, 2010
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-105619183.jpg Ian Somerhalder arrives at Spike TV's "Scream 2010" at The Greek Theatre on October 16, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/TJBPbIxIpD8USsJkQW-8omJPp5Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-105619183-2f765cdbe7ca4883b67fce95c1f6ccb0.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Paul Wesley at Vampire Diaries Season 2 Cast Tour at Hot Topic in Miami on October 23, 2010
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-105985555.jpg Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder meet and greet fans at Vampire Diaries Season 2 Cast Tour at Hot Topic store at Sunset Place on October 23, 2010 in Miami, Florida.](https://ew.com/thmb/M4q_x-DYMX-ROSlsr8tPa4_6TXw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-105985555-1b8a6e870a5b44ab88915e68011f2f16.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Selena Gomez and Nina Dobrev at the 22nd Annual MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto on June 19, 2011
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-117038093.jpg Selena Gomez, Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev on stage at the 22nd Annual MuchMusic Video Awards at the MuchMusic HQ on June 19, 2011 in Toronto, Canada.](https://ew.com/thmb/I-Jk6__cUZXm8BAFajwbxJ9bm9U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-117038093-2f14d858da8e4a65800ae110a1c98892.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards in California on August 7, 2011
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-120630493.jpg Ian Somerhalder poses in the press room at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards held at the Gibson Amphitheatre on August 7, 2011 in Universal City, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/PrXie5ESh3JoT7XJLd4LEnBkB5o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-120630493-c4e6d4eba841417d92c77cff0e986ad9.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 18, 2011
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-125595325.jpg Ian Somerhalder arrives at the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on September 18, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/NXHa31TKrzHL0o7JLhWo-tJ1SrM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-125595325-bf3e09c77ff9402f85cee2be1620c3c3.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Paul Wesley at the 2012 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles on January 11, 2012
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-136815956.jpg Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley attend the 2012 People's Choice Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on January 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/HGevXG-lZ7DWYNVIN43GuR07mVQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-136815956-5346103f17ff4fcd9aac36069be1caf3.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Matt Davis and Michael Trevino at the Bloody Night Con Press Conference in Barcelona on May 4, 2012
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-143820847.jpg Matt Davis, Michael Trevino and Ian Somerhalder attend 'Bloody Night Con' press conference on May 4, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.](https://ew.com/thmb/efEs6OZymoch_54HF4ViXQuTtJ0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-143820847-e7f43e51bf8248bdb708c92e7dbb8fed.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the CW Network's 2012 Upfront in New York City on May 17, 2012
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-144670725.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends the CW Network's 2012 Upfront at The London Hotel on May 17, 2012 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/36RyYlsbq14o-I7G7XNYr_ps0Iw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-144670725-2c98f8a94a6042d6bef5c3206df84d40.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at DIRECTV's Super Saturday Night in New Orlean on February 2, 2013
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-160573079.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends DIRECTV Super Saturday Night Featuring Special Guest Justin Timberlake & Co-Hosted By Mark Cuban's AXS TV on February 2, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana.](https://ew.com/thmb/shMNYHhMi4ZDJV31Pxzy0BRSM4Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-160573079-460d2ca227bc43e19638775042dc1e78.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at The CW Network's New York 2013 Upfront Presentation on May 16, 2013
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-168871525.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends The CW Network's New York 2013 Upfront Presentation at The London Hotel on May 16, 2013 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/wEO5I_c5QGMS6rtemfKMR0ea98s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-168871525-17429584f8b8413388962679b7f75919.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles on August 11, 2013
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-176222584.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends Fox Teen Choice Awards 2013 held at the Gibson Amphitheatre on August 11, 2013 in Los Angeles, California](https://ew.com/thmb/uJ3LJyYaCCanXHKPuzqBiFYnBqY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-176222584-e3e6d8975bf14ea19c21cb229c08f4dc.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the Noah Premiere in New York City on March 26, 2014
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-480767517.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends the "Noah" premiere at Ziegfeld Theatre on March 26, 2014 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/PqdKs85rOM6Db1r_ovFGzMoSmCk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-480767517-ce0ef75733ac4e3bbcec905f3588b7ca.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at Heifer International's 3rd Annual "Beyond Hunger: A Place At The Table" Gala in Beverly Hills on August 22, 2014
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-453987744.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends Heifer International's 3rd Annual "Beyond Hunger: A Place At The Table" Gala at Montage Beverly Hills on August 22, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/fVvwztJXKz5Gug3vM26CEUebXhQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-453987744-5c0c26b644504d79a9a88a908061a48c.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Nikki Reed at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on December 28, 2014
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-460882948. Ian Somerhalder (R) and Nikki Reed attend a basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/wpzeXsIBY4mizQf7HITXhMCvThA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-460882948-a95cf88b71014f5291899df33dcc3390.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Nikki Reed at the Youth Premiere at the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2015
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-474113162.jpg Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder attend the "Youth" Premiere during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2015 in Cannes, France.](https://ew.com/thmb/RCXIrAB-ReVuAP9P3oLuD57fUQ0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-474113162-75c2c086343049cba486ab9d20f951c6.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at the Vampire Diaries Panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego on July 12, 2015
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-480516994.jpg Ian Somerhalder speaks onstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California.](https://ew.com/thmb/D-RSqOVj-QbsqOsZvA05T4xyKXI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-480516994-393a0a9645e54ddfa998812e0de7b5db.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder With Nikki Reed at the 2016 InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe Awards Post-Party in Beverly Hills on January 10, 2016
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-504549934.jpg Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder arrive at the 2016 InStyle And Warner Bros. 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards Post-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, C](https://ew.com/thmb/2lyAFOM3bxX1-Kreh7skC346Xm8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-504549934-b42cdd24e66346f4a1796b7c1acbd343.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at WE Day in California on April 7, 2016
![Image](https://ew.com/thmb/MarejsR_IOgwiAw9w4o1fM8zLMk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ian-somerhalder_0_0-db53e8da4d0c4d87ba7f5d20e8d6cf59.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at The CW Network's 2016 New York Upfront on May 19, 2016
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-532780286.jpg Ian Somerhalder of the series 'The Vampire Diaries' attends The CW Network's 2016 New York Upfront at The London Hotel on May 19, 2016 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/tR5qxNjwXGWxiYX69g52qpxdym0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-532780286-a0d5ce95aa8b4f868decc9452aea88c1.jpg)
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Ian Somerhalder at PTTOW! Sessions and Worldz' Kickoff Party in New York City on November 1, 2016
![GALLERY: Ian Somerhalder Through the Years: GettyImages-620131234.jpg Ian Somerhalder attends PTTOW! SESSIONS and WORLDZ Kickoff Party at Spring Place on November 1, 2016 in New York City.](https://ew.com/thmb/hyitTcXMV4dvgIsaq0M4zXCwayg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gettyimages-620131234-423b41724c104a72a509407a82c06e3c.jpg)