Ian Somerhalder Says He Is Putting Acting In 'The Rearview Mirror' Like He Did City Living

Ian Somerhalder is officially turning his back on the Hollywood spotlight, and he could not be happier. 

The actor is choosing to focus entirely on his burgeoning business, which carries significant emotional weight for him and his wife, Nikki Reed. Somerhalder faced overwhelming debt when he married the actress, a struggle that nearly took a toll on her health. 

Ian Somerhalder is redirecting his energy and passion toward ensuring their future is bright and secure. 

What once felt like a mere aspiration is now a reality for Somerhalder. The father-of-two announced beforehis intention to step back from the entertainment industry, expressing that he has no longing for the glitzy lifestyle. 

However, he has become even more resolute in this decision, revealing at the recent Environmental Media Association Awards Gala that he now views his acting career as "in the rearview mirror." 

Instead, Somerhalder is fully immersed in farm life with his wife and their two young children, per TMZ. The couple is dedicated to nurturing their family while simultaneously building three companies. As Reed previously shared, they deeply cherish the moments spent watching their kids grow. 

The Hollywood heartthrob and his wife have frequently discussed their preference for a life away from the limelight. In a 2022 report by The Blast, Somerhalder revealed how relocating to a farm near Los Angeles has profoundly influenced his outlook. 

This change has allowed the couple to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle, reflecting their commitment to sustainability. While attending Shiseido's beach cleanup event in Huntington Beach, California, the TV personality shared insights about their new way of life. 

"[It's been] magic. It's really the way it's always supposed to have been," the star excitedly shared. Somerhalder also noted a societal shift, especially after COVID-19, as many struggled to return to their previous routines, realizing the importance of their time and relationships.

He expressed that the pandemic highlighted the significance of small moments, such as birthdays and holidays. 

Reed was equally enthusiastic about their sustainable lifestyle on the farm like her husband. According to her, their family resides "very far outside the city," where they cultivate vegetables and herbs and raise various animals. 

In a May interview, the 36-year-old reflected on how the pandemic prompted a significant change in her life. 

"It was a turning point for me," she noted, emphasizing her commitment to providing her child with a stable upbringing, she added, "It felt like a relief, moving out of the city. I promise that if anybody wants a feeling of ease, of peace, of calm, the answer is nature."

The mother-of-two discussed the positive impact this lifestyle had on her mental well-being, stating, "Nature is the best form of therapy. And it's instant - you don't have to spend six months in nature before you feel it."

She encouraged others to engage with the natural world, suggesting that simple activities like hiking can release endorphins and bring peace.

Although Reed and her husband are happy about living on their farm, their journey has not been without its challenges. In 2021, Somerhalder revealed that he was grappling with substantial debt when they married, a burden that almost endangered his wife's life.

In a heartfelt 2021 Instagram post, the 45-year-old celebrated his wife's birthday and revealed the lengths she went to in order to help him pay off his staggering eight-figure debt. He expressed immense gratitude, stating, "This mama. This human. I owe you such gratitude for it all."

Somerhalder disclosed that he had never openly discussed his financial struggles, which exceeded one million dollars. While he did not provide details on how Reed was nearly harmed paying off his debts, he emphasized her resilience. 

Brother's Bond Bourbon is a venture co-founded by Somerhalder and his former "The Vampire Diaries" co-star Paul Wesley. In the heartfelt tribute to his wife on her birthday, Somerhalder opened up about the struggles he faced prior to their relationship. He explained:

"Before Nik and I got together I built a company while shooting TVD that was important to me. I invested heavily, I made huge personal guarantees to banks. However, due to greed and fraud within that company and fraudulent activities from our biggest customer, not to mention the temporary collapse of the oil and gas industry - I was left in an EIGHT FIGURE hole. It was awful." 

To keep up with his financial responsibilities, the star noted that he had to travel extensively, which negatively impacted his health, resulting in four hospitalizations over two years. 

Thanks to Reed's unwavering support, he credited her for not only his survival but also the success of Brother's Bond Bourbon.

Fans of Ian Somerhalder will have to wait and see if he ever returns to acting, but for now, the heartthrob is all about forging a new path away from city living.