Somerhalder was born in Covington and raised in Mandeville, Louisiana. Son of Edna, a masseuse, and Robert Somerhalder, a building contractor independent construction. He attended the private school St. Paul. From ten to thirteen years she worked as a model. His parents divorced when he was fourteen.
As a model, she has worked for the modeling agency DNA Models and his credits include modeled for brands such as Calvin Klein, Versace, Guess, American Eagle Outfitters, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, etc..
In May 2006, DNA Models named him in its list of the ten most successful male models.
From six years of age showed interest in acting and enrolled in several theater workshops. At seventeen she decided to study acting in New York under the direction of Professor William Esper.
