Ian Somerhalder

Portrayed the title character in "The Travels of Marco Polo," the miniseries chronicling Polo's 13th century travels to Mongolia

Starred in "Pulse" a remake of cult Japanese helmer Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Kairo"

Cast as Boone in the first season of the drama "Lost" (ABC); became the show's first casualty in season one

Cast in the leading role of Paul, a young gay student, in the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel "The Rules of Attraction"

Starred as Hamilton, the thoughtfully rebellious son of the dean of his prep school, in The WB's teen drama "Young Americans"

Guest starred on an episode of the CBS sci-fi drama "Now and Again"

At 19, studied acting with William Esper

Was spotted by a manager while working as an extra in an crowd scene in the film "Black & White" (2000); subsequently signed to representation

Began acting training at age 17 (date approximate)

Began modeling at age ten (date approximate)

Worked extensively as a model in NYC and Europe