Entertainment
17 Throwback Photos of Ian Somerhalder That Prove His Hotness Isn't Bound By Time
I remember the first time I laid eyes on Ian Somerhalder — it was during his turn as Paul Denton in the 2002 Bret Easton Ellis adaptation of The Rules of Attraction. Paul may have had only had eyes for James van der Beek's Sean Bateman, but I was immediately smitten with Paul — and, naturally, the hot actor who played him. Flash forward to 2009, and Somerhalder is onscreen again as the dangerous (and dangerously sexy) vampire Damon on The CW series The Vampire Diaries. Fans may be able to see Somerhalder every Thursday on The CW, but let's not forget the perfection that was Somerhalder in the early 00s. Want proof that Somerhalder was sexy long before he portrayed Elena's love interest? Click through these 17 pics. You will not regret it.
Image: Lions Gate
2001
Good to know his eyes had the power to stare into our soul long before Damon could compel us.
2002
This still from The Rules of Attraction proves that Somerhalder mastered the side smirk long before Damon did.
Image: Lions Gate
2002
Here he is, looking good with Rules of Attraction co-stars Shannyn Sossamon and James van der Beek. Was there ever a more early 00s photo?
2002
Ignore the awkward facial hair; it was the early 00s and everyone looked like that.
2003
Are you at all surprised that Somerhalder had a career as a teen model?
2003
He makes baseball caps look ever-so stylish.
2004
Note the guy in the background preferring to stare at Somerhalder’s back than the ocean behind him.
2005
That hat is blocking way too much of Somerhalder’s face for my liking.
2004
Never forget how hot Boone was on Lost. RIP.
Image: ABC
2005
Here he is with Lost co-stars Jorge Garcia and Maggie Grace. Grace and Somerhalder dated after both of their characters were killed off the ABC series. How romantic is that?
2005
You really can’t go wrong with those eyes.
2005
Don’t worry, that’s not a wedding band.
2006
Lookin’ good in that suit, Somerhalder.
2006
Yeah, it’s pretty obvious why Somerhalder was cast as Damon three years after this pic was taken. That’s pure, sexy, vampire goodness right there.
2006
Oh, hey, it’s your two favorite people — Kristen Bell and Somerhalder! — in this still from the 2006 horror flick Pulse.
Image: The Weinstein Company
2006
Here he is with more Lost pals!
2008
Just one year before getting cast on The Vampire Diaries, Somerhalder looks as gorgeous as ever. No can steal our heart like you, Somerhalder — unlike your character, don’t rip it out.
