Ian Somerhalder yearned to sink his fangs into characters of greater depth and complexity. This insatiable thirst was the driving force behind his decision to contemplate abandoning the highly successful TV series "The Vampire Diaries" at its zenith. In a candid revelation, he shared how, as his portrayal of Damon Salvatore drew closer to Nina Dobrev's Elena Gilbert in the third season, he grew anxious about the direction his role was taking—prompting an open dialogue with co-creator Julie Plec.
"I was deeply distressed by Damon's trajectory," Ian, now 46, reminisces in the forthcoming tome "I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries," excerpted in Variety on September 3. "At one point, I found myself sitting across from Julie in her Atlanta office, my eyes welling up with tears, contemplating an exit from the show. I was furious. I wanted out because I foresaw Damon transforming into a mere love interest."
He further elaborated, "I was in my early thirties, basking in the show's limelight. I believed I could secure roles that were darker, cooler, and edgier." Ian feared that his character, the rebellious Damon, would descend into a sappy archetype.
However, his conversation with Julie served as a stark reminder of his contractual obligations and the broader narrative tapestry the show was weaving. It was revealed that his on-screen brother, Paul Wesley's Stefan Salvatore, was set to embark on a darker path.
"Julie was steadfast," Ian clarifies in the book, scheduled for release on September 9. "'You're not leaving this show,' she asserted. 'Firstly, you're one of its stars, a vital pulse of the program. Secondly, you're bound by a six-year contract, so that's out of the question. And thirdly, relax, there are layers to explore.'"
"She reassured me, 'Damon cannot be a one-dimensional character. This is a hundred-episode journey for him, filled with peaks and valleys, where he alternates between villain and hero.' I had to place my trust in that journey," Ian continued.
His faith was rewarded as Ian stayed until the show's conclusion in 2017, spanning eight seasons. Even years later, he fondly reflects on his tenure on set.
"Five years ago, we bid farewell to 'The Vampire Diaries' forever," he posted on Instagram in February 2022. "This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Look at what we've collectively built."
He added, "I'm overwhelmed. This became one of television's most watched shows. Mind-blowing."
While he cherishes his time on the long-running hit, he harbors no nostalgia for the Hollywood spotlight, having retreated with his wife, Nikki Reed, and their two children.
"I adored what I did for a considerable time," Ian told E! News in January 2024. "I love making films; it was an incredible run."
Although Ian ultimately stuck it out with "The Vampire Diaries," many actors have opted to exit prematurely.
