By the time he landed the role of Boone in Lost, Ian Somerhalder was something of a veteran performer - having been a professional model since the age of ten.
He also caught the acting bug early, joining his local theatre group in Covington, Louisiana. At 16 he began pursuing acting professionally in New York, and by 19 he was working with the prestigious acting coach, William Esper.
A successful model for world famous designer labels such as Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabanna and Gucci – he was also the face of Guess Jeans for two consecutive autumn seasons.
His acting breakthrough came in 2000 with a lead role on the popular US TV series, Young Americans. Other television credits include CSI, Law & Order and Smallville.
His movie star looks have also made an appearance in several, well, movies – including The Rules of Attraction, Life as a House, Anatomy of a Hate Crime and Changing Hearts, in which he played opposite Lauren Holly and Faye Dunaway.
He was born on 8 December 1978. He is a keen skier and, like Matthew Fox, an excellent horseman.
