When an actor becomes one of the main characters in a long-running show, people tend to associate him with that show despite his other roles. Ian Somerhalder is known for his role as Damon Salvatore on the TV program The diary of vampires, which has earned him millions of adoring fans.
However, the actor starred in other TV series in very different roles. Here is a list of his other work and short appearances in programs over the years.
12 Lost
Lost is a ten-time Emmy-winning show. It tells the journey of the survivors of a plane crash who are forced to work together in harmony to survive on an inhabited tropical island. Somerhalder played one of the survivors named Boone Carlyle. The quality show has it all: layered writing, strong performances, intriguing setting, and never-ending questions and answers that unravel over and over again and are sure to keep you hooked. It is thought provoking and full of adventure. Lost really is an unmissable show.
11 The diary of vampires
The diary of vampires is based on the novel written by LJ Smith. In the town of Mystic Falls, the lives of high school students begin to be turned upside down by the presence of scary creatures, especially two vampire siblings who threaten what they’ve known all along. The show is filled with mystery, different storylines that complement each other, romance, horror, character growth characters and twists. The cast of The diary of vampires is one of the most beloved casts with great on-screen chemistry, and it’s the show Somerhalder has garnered millions of fans for his role as Damon.
10 Young Americans
Young Americans is an excellent overlooked short drama that dealt with the lives of elite high school students at Rawley Summer Academy. Between classes, they spend their days on the lake. However, each student has a different personality from the others and a different set of problems they face.
The series gets you deeply involved with the people in it, as you dive deeper into their lives. It’s serious, it’s honest, it’s funny and it’s sweet. It touches one’s childhood, one’s maturity and difficult choices. The show was complemented by beautiful music and a great cast, with Somerhalder playing one of the central student characters. Although production was fresh and promising, it was sadly discontinued after one season.
9 Smallville
The three-time Primetime Emmy-winning show tells the story of Smallville, a city previously partially destroyed by a meteor shower that has left its citizens with wounds and dark secrets as they understand the weight of the tragedy. The city where young Clark Kent grew up and slowly began to realize his super powers.
The story includes how Kent grew up to be Superman. Throughout the show, we’re introduced to other heroes, villains, and the general methodology comics fans are familiar with. Smallville is a captivating and wholesome adaptation of Superman with excellent storylines that will leave you wanting more. Somerhalder appeared in six episodes of the series, where he plays a sociopath who spied on Clark Kent.
8 Tell me that You Love Me
Tell me that You Love Me is a drama that revolves around the lives of three couples who have problems with intimacy in their relationships. In an effort to solve their problems, they seek the help of the same therapist who happens to be having the same problems with her partner. TEl Me You Love Me is a raw commentary on married life and the cracks that can be found in it. Somerhalder played the role of Nick, a recurring guest on the show for six episodes.
7 V wars
V wars is yet another short drama that starred Ian Somerhalder. The show delves into a world of horror where a virus is released from melting ice due to climate change. Dr. Luther Swann must grapple with the idea that his best friend, Michael Fayne, has contracted the virus and turned into a murderous man who feeds on human blood when he is hungry. As the disease spreads in the city, the two once best friends have different motives. Swann sets out to save his people while Fayne grows into a dangerous leader of vampires. The show has received mixed reviews.
6 Lived dangerously for years
Lived dangerously for years is an eye-opening documentary about climate change, a defining theme of our time. The episodes feature first-hand accounts from people affected by the event, along with a team of news and entertainment representatives who travel the world to discuss and report on the effects of the climate crisis.
As the stories are told, hard truths are unraveled, and the show highlights people trying to come up with solutions and how the viewer can do their part to alleviate the problems. Somerhalder is in the cast, alongside Matt Damon and Jessica Alba.
5 Nature speaks
Nature speaks is another conservation series in which Ian Somerhalder participated. The show consists of a series of short episodes in which nature is given a voice. Each episode is about a different element of nature trying to teach us how we desperately need it to survive. Each episode is narrated by a different actor such as Penélope Cruz, Liam Neeson, Kevin Spacey. Somerhalder narrated the episode about coral reefs.
4 The big easy
Somerhalder also appeared briefly in several other series early in his career. The big easy is based on the 1987 movie of the same name. It follows the story of a handsome New Orleans detective and a sexy district attorney as they investigate the city’s crimes. The show was later canceled after the second season.
3 Law & Order: special unit for victims
Law & Order: special unit for victims has won six Primetime Emmys. It follows a trained group of detectives in the special victim unit of a New York City police station. They investigate sexually related crimes. It’s a captivating adventure about capturing the bad guys and reminding those who have been attacked that they are supported. The long-running show is imaginative and well-developed. Ian Somerhalder appeared in one episode.
2 CSI: Miami
Furthermore, the actor has also made a cameo appearance in CSI: Miami which zooms in on an expert group of police officers investigating the crime scene in Las Vegas. They use the best technical and scientific methods to catch the criminals. The six-time Primetime Emmy-winning drama was praised for its cast and entertaining character.
1 Now and again
Now and again is a highly underrated sci-fi drama about Micheal Wiseman, who dies in a devastating subway accident. However, the US government offers to keep his brain alive by putting it in a new, genetically engineered body. Desperate to stay alive, Michael accepts that he wants nothing more than to be back with his wife and daughter. Yet the government forbids him this wish for security reasons, resulting in a story of drama and suspense as it does not deter him from trying to reunite with his family.
The intelligently written show explored themes of love beyond death, consciousness and ulterior motives. Like many shows on CBS, it was canceled soon after because it didn’t find a wide enough audience. Somerhalder appeared briefly in an episode of the show.