Hollywood actor Ian Somerhalder became a global sensation for his role as Damon in "The Vampire Diaries" (also known as "The Vampire Diaries: Generation Y"), yet he faded from the spotlight at the height of his career. Recently, he gave an exclusive interview to American media, revealing for the first time that after stepping away from acting, he ventured into business and ended up with a staggering eight-figure (USD) debt. He admitted that the experience nearly "destroyed his body, mind, and spirit," but fortunately, with the help of his loving wife, he overcame his financial turmoil.
According to E! News, the 47-year-old Ian revealed that while filming "The Vampire Diaries," he invested in the green energy industry, but due to a lack of business experience and falling victim to fraud, his finances collapsed entirely. He confessed: "I should have been able to retire on what was the world’s most popular TV series, but instead I fell into a hole of eight-figure debt that was nearly impossible to climb out of." At the time, he personally guaranteed large bank loans for his company, but when the plan fell apart, he instantly went from a spotlight idol to a businessman mired in debt.
During what he described as a "real-life nightmare," Ian's strongest support came from his wife, Nikki Reed—herself an actress and known for playing Rosalie, a member of the leading man's family in the "Twilight" film series. Ian recalled emotionally that Nikki couldn't bear to see him so downcast, and decisively "jumped into the trenches" with him, personally organizing a negotiation team to deal with banks and creditors. To fill the funding gap, the couple sold off property, valuable art, luxury cars, and expensive watches: "We sold everything we possibly could.”
Ian once posted a lengthy thank-you letter on social media, admitting that Nikki devoted two full years of her life to save him, even "nearly exhausting herself to death." He said with deep emotion: "The only reason I am where I am today is because of this woman—she saved my health, life, and sanity.”