Ian Somerhalder reveals why he quit acting. The actor became a global fan favourite through his role as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries. Even after the show’s huge success, he surprised many by stepping away from acting after his last on-screen role in 2019.
He recently opened up about the difficult experience that changed his view of Hollywood and ultimately led him to leave the industry.
The actor opens up about the personal turning point that led him away from Hollywood
Speaking on the Haley on the Go Podcast, Somerhalder said working on Netflix’s V Wars was the biggest turning point in his career. He took the role because it let him play a scientist instead of another vampire. He was also an executive producer of the series.
After spending nearly a year making the show, Somerhalder shared that he was disappointed with the final version. He said that it “wasn’t even watchable” and asked the studio not to release it. ‘I don’t want to put my name on this. I’ll give you the money back. I’ll give you millions of dollars,” he said.
Instead, Somerhalder and producer James Gibb asked for creative control to improve the series. According to the actor, Netflix agreed but refused to provide more funding. He raised more than $6 million to pay for six days of reshoots.
The work took a serious toll on his health. Somerhalder revealed that he worked so hard during the reshoots that he ended up in the hospital. Although V Wars later found an audience after its release, Netflix cancelled it after one season. Somerhalder claimed that he was later told the decision was a mistake; however, it couldn’t be taken back.
That experience changed his priorities. Somerhalder decided to leave acting and focus on his family and business. He now runs The Absorption Company with his wife, Nikki Reed. He also co-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon with former The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley.
