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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.

By Julian Merrick2 min read
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Key takeaways

  • Ian Somerhalder, 47, says a trip to Zimbabwe to observe Allan Savory's regenerative agriculture and land restoration work became the defining pivot of his adult life, moving him from acting toward environmental advocacy.
  • Footage from the Zimbabwe trip became some of the earliest material used in the 2020 documentary 'Kiss the Ground.'
  • Somerhalder helped champion a three-part regenerative agriculture documentary trilogy: 'Kiss the Ground' (2020), 'Common Ground' (2023), and 'Groundswell,' which premiered June 5.
  • He now lives on a farm with his wife, actress Nikki Reed, 38, and their two children, and credits her with becoming a skilled equestrian and a key manager of their farm operations.
  • Somerhalder said he is happy he left Hollywood, citing increased political division in the industry, though he misses the communal nature of large productions.

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.

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Frequently asked

What made Ian Somerhalder leave acting for environmental advocacy?

He 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 toward environmental advocacy.

What documentaries make up the regenerative agriculture trilogy?

The trilogy consists of 'Kiss the Ground' (2020), 'Common Ground' (2023), and 'Groundswell,' which premiered June 5; all three were directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell.

What role did Somerhalder play in the documentaries?

Somerhalder helped champion 'Kiss the Ground' and served as executive producer on 'Common Ground' and 'Groundswell,' also appearing in the final film.

Does Somerhalder miss working in Hollywood?

He says he does not miss the work itself but misses the communal nature of large productions, and is happy he left when he did amid growing political division in the industry.

Where does Ian Somerhalder live now?

He lives on a farm he shares with his wife, actress Nikki Reed, and their two children, continuing a family farming history he traces to the 1700s in rural Louisiana.