Fast forward two decades, and Somerhalder recently reflected on his evolution during a chat with the same magazine. He acknowledges that while being a magazine cover star and appearing on those "sexiest" lists were significant at the time, his priorities have drastically changed. Now, he’s more focused on meaningful projects, particularly his environmental efforts and parenting with his wife, actress Niki Reed.
“Once you reach a certain level, you’re like, ‘Okay, I want to focus on family and the future of farming, food, energy, and the big things,’” he shared. “I don’t need to chase awards or anything that would make me feel better about myself.”
Looking back on his earlier career, Somerhalder admits there are a few things he might have done differently, but mostly when it comes to the business side of acting. He chuckles about his time on Lost, recalling moments of frustration, like complaining about the food service or showing up late. “I was so tired from the night before that I slept through my alarms,” he confesses, laughing at how relatable that is for anyone who’s ever had a rough night.
Despite those small regrets, he feels grateful for the experiences that shaped him. Somerhalder reflects that without his time on those iconic shows, he might not have discovered his current path, which he describes as living authentically in a pair of cowboy boots, surrounded by the peace of country life with cows and horses.
As he navigates this new phase of life, Somerhalder’s focus is on what truly matters to him—his family and the environment—showing that for him, success isn’t just about fame, but about making a positive impact.