Ian Somerhalder Says Zimbabwe Farming Trip 'Shifted My Life Forever,' Fuels Documentary Career
Actor Ian Somerhalder says a trip to Zimbabwe to observe regenerative agriculture pioneer Allan Savory's land restoration work became the defining pivot of his adult life, pulling him away from acting and toward environmental advocacy. Somerhalder, 47, best known for his roles in "Lost" and "The Vampire Diaries," made the remarks in an interview with Fox News Digital timed to the release of "Groundswell," the third documentary in a regenerative agriculture film trilogy he has helped champion.
Actor Ian Somerhalder says a trip to Zimbabwe to observe regenerative agriculture pioneer Allan Savory's land restoration work became the defining pivot of his adult life, pulling him away from acting and toward environmental advocacy. Somerhalder, 47, best known for his roles in "Lost" and "The Vampire Diaries," made the remarks in an interview with Fox News Digital timed to the release of "Groundswell," the third documentary in a regenerative agriculture film trilogy he has helped champion.
Zimbabwe Trip Produces First Documentary Footage
Somerhalder traveled to Zimbabwe with a small film crew at Savory's invitation, living in military tents on Savory's property while documenting land restoration efforts. He said waking before dawn to find lion prints outside his tent underscored the depth of the immersion. The footage gathered during that trip became some of the earliest material used in "Kiss the Ground," the 2020 documentary that Somerhalder credits with opening a wider public conversation about regenerative farming practices. "That was the film that changed all of our lives forever and ever and ever," he said.
A Three-Part Documentary Series
"Kiss the Ground," released in 2020 and directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, was the first installment. "Common Ground," a 2023 follow-up also helmed by the Tickells, expanded on the U.S. food system; Somerhalder served as executive producer. "Groundswell," directed again by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, premiered June 5 and completes the trilogy. Somerhalder executive produced and appears in the final film as well.
Farm Life With Nikki Reed
Somerhalder, who was born and raised in rural Louisiana and traces his family's farming history to the 1700s, said his current life centers on a farm he shares with his wife, actress Nikki Reed, 38, known for the "Twilight" series, and their two children. He said that during the first three years of their relationship, the couple spent roughly 125 days out of more than 500 living in an Airstream on 1,200 acres he owned in Georgia. He credited Reed with embracing the land from the start of their relationship, describing her as having become a skilled equestrian and a key manager of their farm operations.
On Leaving Hollywood
Somerhalder said he does not miss the work itself but does miss the communal nature of large productions, recalling that "The Vampire Diaries" set amounted to nearly half a million square feet of stages and roughly 400 crew members functioning as a self-contained community with their own water, security, and fire services. He said the industry had grown more politically divided since his time on set, a shift he described as reinforcing his decision to move on. "I'm happy I got out when I did," he said. Looking ahead, Somerhalder said he remains optimistic that younger generations will continue reconnecting with regenerative agriculture and the natural world. "The future is bright," he said.