‘Vampire Diaries’ star Ian Somerhalder makes homecoming at New Orleans fan convention

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Fans of the supernatural teen drama 'The Vampire Diaries' took over the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center hall this weekend.

Fans got the chance to see Paul Wesley, Mathew Davis, Daniel Gillies, Claire Holt, Karen David and other actors from the show.

Most were thirsty for some one-on-one time with the show's star, north shore native Ian Somerhalder.

"You love Ian Somerhalder if you live in Louisiana," said Dena Somerhalder, Ian's sister-in-law. "He is Louisiana's homeboy, and he is home for the weekend!"

Ian Somerhalder, 45, says fans in his home state are special to him.

"Fans everywhere are as lovely as ever. But this is a special kind of homecoming, being here," he said. "What an amazing weekend to be back here."

Between meet-and-greets, photo ops and autograph signings, fans were starstruck. One fan told Fox 8 that she has watched the eight-season series 13 times.

Somerhalder grew up in Covington before launching his modeling and acting career. He first gained national attention in 2004 as an original cast member on the series "Lost."

Being back in his home state for the convention, he got a blast from the past.

"I just ran into someone who had my social studies book at Mandeville High," Somerhalder said. "I was the class of '96, so why is my social studies book still in 2012 when she had it? Needs to be updated!"

Older brother Bob Somerhalder and his wife Dena travel with the convention selling sweatshirts, stickers, cups and more. But Bob said he remembers a much simpler time.

"Growing up, it was like he wanted to hang with the older brother. And I was like, 'No dude, you can't hang out with us. You gotta go,'" Bob Somerhalder said. "Now, I call him up and I'm like, 'Hey, can I come hang out with you can your friends?'"

"The cool factor has shifted," Dena Somerhalder said.

Through the shift, Ian Somerhalder still found his way back home.

"Seeing people that I've known since I was knee-high to a grasshopper," he said. "Seeing everyone's kids growing up, everyone's getting older. It's just amazing."

Ian Somerhalder announced in an interview earlier this year that he was retiring from acting, but planned to remain involved in producing and environmental activism.