Ian Somerhalder’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. While he is most famously known for playing the charming, often brooding Damon Salvatore on *The Vampire Diaries*, many forget that his acting career took off much earlier with his role as Boone Carlyle on the hit series *Lost*. A show that defined a generation of TV viewers, *Lost* became a cultural touchstone, but for Somerhalder, it was also the beginning of his acting journey—and with it, a few regrets.
Even though Somerhalder’s time on *Lost* was relatively short-lived, his portrayal of Boone Carlyle left a lasting impression. However, as he reflected on his time on the show during a candid interview with PEOPLE, Somerhalder shared a surprising regret from his early acting days. It wasn’t about his performance on screen or the challenging scenes he faced on the mysterious island; it was, in fact, something much more personal: his unprofessionalism early in his career.
“I Slept Through My Alarms”: A Lesson Learned the Hard Way
For Somerhalder, the moment of regret revolved around his commitment to the craft early in his career. The actor openly confessed, “I maybe complained about craft service or something, showed up late twice, actually really late once. I was so tired from the night before, I slept through my alarms. That’s about as far as I can go.” The level of unprofessionalism he describes seems far from the polished, highly respected actor he is today. In fact, it’s a humbling reminder of the early hurdles that even the most successful actors have to face.
His character, Boone Carlyle, met a tragic end at the close of season 1, dying from internal injuries sustained while attempting to retrieve a radio from a downed airplane. This, of course, was just the beginning of Boone’s arc, as the character’s legacy continued to live on through flashbacks in later seasons. Despite his brief run, Somerhalder’s portrayal of Boone became iconic—yet, behind the scenes, the actor was still learning the ropes of professionalism.
Gratitude for His Time on *Lost* and the Lessons It Taught Him
While Somerhalder might have a few regrets about his earlier unprofessionalism, he is quick to express the gratitude he feels for *Lost* and the experience it gave him. Reflecting on his career, he said, “It feels like it was yesterday. But then also too, you realize this was sort of lifetimes ago. I feel such enormous gratitude for this piece of IP and the journey and the character and all the writing both from *Lost* and from *Vampire Diaries*.” His time on *Lost* may have been short, but it played a pivotal role in shaping the actor he would become, and the lessons he learned there carried over into future projects.
For Somerhalder, his career in the entertainment industry has always been about more than just acting. Today, he focuses on projects that align with his passions, particularly his environmental activism and spending quality time with his family. He’s since retired from acting and traded the world of Hollywood sets for cowboy boots and a life centered around nature and his children. Yet, despite stepping away from the spotlight, Somerhalder’s past roles—*Lost* and *The Vampire Diaries*—remain central to his identity.
Today, Somerhalder looks back with a sense of fulfillment, stating that his journey has led him to a place where he feels most authentic. As he shared during his interview, “That path has gotten me to where I feel most authentic anyway, which is in a pair of cowboy boots, feeding the cows and running horses.” His passion for environmental advocacy has taken center stage, as he dedicates himself to raising awareness on issues close to his heart, such as sustainability and animal rights.
Somerhalder’s journey from the troubled Boone Carlyle to the charismatic Damon Salvatore and now to an advocate for the planet is one of growth, learning, and evolving beyond the roles that first defined him. In an industry that often seems focused on fame and fortune, Somerhalder’s shift to a quieter, more meaningful life serves as a reminder of what truly matters.
Stream *Lost* and Relive Ian Somerhalder’s Iconic Performance
For fans who still feel a sense of nostalgia for *Lost*, you can revisit the groundbreaking series on Netflix and catch Somerhalder in his early, unforgettable role as Boone Carlyle. His tragic end on the show may have been an early turning point for his character, but it was also a pivotal moment in his acting career—one that has led him to greater success, personal growth, and a life filled with deeper passions.
Though he may no longer grace our TV screens as an actor, Ian Somerhalder’s influence on the entertainment world, as well as his positive impact on environmental causes, remains undeniable. His story is one of ambition, reflection, and, ultimately, finding a true sense of self in a world that constantly shifts.