Ian at 21 in his role on the WB’s “Young Americans”.

But before we delve into what Ian’s doing now, maybe we should take a look back at who he was. Those of us who’ve watched the CW (especially when it was the WB & UPN) have known about Ian for a while. Aside from 1 or small parts, Ian’s initial break came with the role of Hamilton Fleming in the WB’s “Young Americans” in 2000. The show itself didn’t last but Ian would return as Adam Knight on “Smallville” a few years later. Over those early years, Ian began making a name for himself with films such as “The Rules of Attraction” and “Life as a House.” But it was his role as Boone Carlyle on ABC’s “Lost” that catapulted him into the spotlight. Ian called his return for the “Lost” finale “the coolest human experience. All of these actors in one place at one time…that was amazing.” Ian’s character was killed off near the end of the first season (to the dismay of many fans) yet Ian, despite the newfound fame, faded away from most people’s memories. He did a few roles here and there but nothing noticeable. In one interview, Ian said he’d thought he could now be an independent actor, do little arthouse films and no longer bother with the mainstream so much. He noted that he was being incredibly stuck up until he finally realized that he could find a great role in mainstream media. Even better, he could actually pay his bills. I know I’m one fan who is glad he had that little epiphany. A few months later Ian was announced as the portrayer of Damon Salvatore in the CW’s new show, “The Vampire Diaries”.

Ian as Damon Salvatore on “The Vampire Diaries” with fellow cast members Paul Wesley & Nina Dobrev.

If Ian thought he hit it big with “Lost” the reaction to “The Vampire Diaries” blew him away. The show started out rather campy with an excessive use of a fog machine. (Seriously). Critics called it unintentionally hilarious and viewers seemed to go with the opinion that we’d give it a few episodes to find its footing but it had to get better to keep us watching. By episode 6, “Lost Girls”, (Ian and costar Nina Dobrev’s favorite episode of the first season), those opinions had drastically changed. Critics became addicted to what they termed the best guilty pleasure on television. As for the fans, well we didn’t feel guilty about anything. A hot new set of brothers were in town and we couldn’t get enough. “I wanted Damon to be this wacky, sort of old world combination of Cary Grant and Mick Jagger. There’s this old documentary about The Rolling Stones, there’s a guy interviewing Mick Jagger & he says what’s the definition of rock and roll? Keith Richards walks by and goes ‘me’. That’s so Damon,” said Ian when asked who he modeled Damon after.

Ian at a convention in Australia.

That role of Damon Salvatore, and his unique portrayal took Ian from being that guy on “Lost” to a household name. At least among the younger generation. It’s a change that has drastically changed Ian’s life. “Our fans, they are awesome. You get to experience that enthusiasm at a decibel level that is second to none. They are so loud and amazing. I swear, it was the closest to being a Beatle, I’ll ever get.” Ian went on to say that at one convention, the sound was so loud that he, Paul, & Nina, couldn’t hear themselves speaking. “Your eardrum vibrates and everything becomes like white noise in your ear. You could scream and can’t hear yourself. You can hear the vibration coming out of your throat but you can’t hear your own voice. Most people don’t go to work when that happens. And I say that in all humility. I’m the luckiest dude I know.” It’s clear Ian is both overwhelmed and humbled by his fans. It’s no wonder he’s one of, if not the most, popular character on the show.

Ian has a heart for animals.

Ian’s fame thanks to “The Vampire Diaries” has been incredibly helpful in his charity work as well. Long time fans of Ian know he is a vocal and active champion for causes near to his heart. The two biggest are advocating for green, sustainable living and animal activism. Ian takes those causes seriously. During his time off from shooting “The Vampire Diaries” he spent time at St Tammany Humane Society, working with the animals. At one point, he even offered an incentive to fans through Twitter. If anyone adopted a pet that day, Ian was willing to meet up at a local park with his own dog and spend the day with fans. With the intensity of his fans, that’s quiet the offer. More recently, Ian actively fought for the shelter to get much needed financial support from Chase in a charity competition on Facebook. His efforts seem to have paid off, as the shelter won $20,000.

Think this is some sort of sea monster? Wrong. It’s a pelican covered in oil from the gulf spill.

There is good news though. For one, Ian’s thrilled about the cap that was finally put on the well and hopeful that we’ve hit a turning point. Even more encouraging is the success of the efforts of stars like Ian, Sophia Bush, and Austin Nichols. The three have headed up efforts to fight the oil spill. And our generation (those under 30) are the ones making a difference. His CNN organized telethon raised nearly 2 million dollars to aid the gulf. This is a cause Ian is passionate about. Watch the above video where he points out that we’re not just talking about an environmental disaster. This oil spill affects animals, environment, and people. “It’s important to remember that the ecosystem has already been devastated,” says Ian. “Until changes are made in the way that we consume energy, we risk another catastrophe.”

Now I’ve spent a fair amount of this article, talking about animal shelters and oil spills. In fact, its pretty much an even split between these causes and Ian himself. That’s because if you want to get to know Ian, you have to understand what’s important to him. Family, home, community, these are the things that Ian holds dear. It’s these values that show why so many people have become fans of the newest vampire in town. Ian inspires people around him to change the world. And if you want to join him and be one of those people truly making a difference, just listen to his words. “I challenge all of us no matter if you are in elementary, middle, or high school—college or grad school. Ask, inquire, learn, fight, and let’s figure out how to [say] that our future is GREEN and bright, not black and toxic.”

Ways You Can Help: