Turning 47 today, Somerhalder is best known for his career-defining role as the wicked, yet surprisingly soulful, vampire Damon Salvatore on the long-running CW hit, The Vampire Diaries.
IMDb
While the show featured a beloved ensemble cast, Damon’s magnetic presence, dark humor, and complex journey ensured he wasn’t just a fan favorite, he was, arguably, the best character on the series.
The Power of the Anti-Hero
When The Vampire Diaries premiered, Damon was the perfect foil to his morally pure brother, Stefan (Paul Wesley). He was the unpredictable, sarcastic villain, the “bad boy” audiences couldn’t help but root for.
Unlike Stefan, whose goodness often felt burdensome, Damon embraced his darkness, which made his rare moments of vulnerability and heroism feel earned and deeply impactful. His unpredictable nature generated most of the show’s tension and high drama, making every scene he was in immediately more exciting.
The Definitive Love Triangle
Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley in The Vampire Diaries / IMDb
The central dilemma of the series—the love triangle between Damon, Stefan, and Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev)—was driven entirely by Damon’s evolution. What started as an infatuation with Elena evolved into a deep, consuming, and often tumultuous love (Delena).
Damon forced Elena to confront the darker, more selfish aspects of her own desires, leading to a far more compelling, passionate, and complicated romance than her predictable, safe relationship with Stefan. This complex relationship defined the entire show’s run. Delena was endgame.
Iconic One-Liners and Dark Humor
Damon’s charisma was amplified by the show’s best dialogue. His constant stream of sarcastic, dry, and often self-aware quips provided essential comic relief, preventing the show from sinking too deeply into melodrama. Phrases like “Hello, brother,” and his signature eye-roll established him as a master of the witty one-liner, making his scenes the most quotable and replayable among fans.
Character Growth and Redemption
Damon had the most significant, complex, and rewarding character arc of the entire series. He began as a ruthless killer who saw humanity as a playground. By the finale, he had earned genuine love, forged true friendships (particularly with Alaric and Bonnie), and ultimately sacrificed his vampirism to live a human life with Elena.
