Actresses Who Started as Models

Many Hollywood stars began their professional journeys on the fashion runway or in commercial catalogs before transitioning to the silver screen. These performers often used their modeling success to gain entry into the competitive world of film and television. While some faced initial skepticism from critics others proved their talent by winning prestigious awards and establishing long careers. This transition has become a common path for international talent looking to expand their creative horizons.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron won a modeling contract in Italy at the age of sixteen which took her away from her home in South Africa. She spent several years working in Europe and the United States before moving to Los Angeles to study acting. Her first credited role appeared in ‘2 Days in the Valley’ where she played a formidable hitwoman. She eventually won an Academy Award for her transformative work in the film ‘Monster’. Today she is recognized as a leading figure in both dramatic cinema and high budget action franchises.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot gained national attention when she was crowned Miss Israel in 2004 at the age of eighteen. She worked as a model and served her mandatory military service before auditioning for major international film roles. Her big break came when she joined the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise as the character Gisele Yashar. She reached global superstardom when she was cast as the lead in ‘Wonder Woman’ for the DC Extended Universe. Her background in physical training and modeling helped her master the demanding choreography required for her action roles.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich began her professional modeling career at the age of twelve after being photographed by Herb Ritts for a magazine cover. She quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry during the late eighties and early nineties. Her acting career took flight when she starred as Leeloo in the science fiction epic ‘The Fifth Element’. She later became a permanent fixture in the action genre as the lead in the long running ‘Resident Evil’ series. Her unique look and athletic ability have made her a favorite for directors of stylized cinema.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz signed with Elite Model Management at the age of sixteen and spent her teen years traveling the world for major brands. She had no prior acting experience when she auditioned for the female lead in the comedy ‘The Mask’ alongside Jim Carrey. The massive success of that film launched her into a decade of starring roles in major Hollywood productions. She became a household name with hits like ‘There’s Something About Mary’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Her career is often cited as the gold standard for a successful transition from modeling to blockbuster acting.

Monica Bellucci

Monica Bellucci began modeling to help pay for her tuition while studying law at the University of Perugia. She eventually left her studies to move to Milan and work for major fashion houses like Dolce and Gabbana. Her film career started in Italy before she gained international recognition for her role in ‘The Apartment’. American audiences became familiar with her through her work in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Passion of the Christ’. She is celebrated for her elegance and her ability to perform in multiple languages across various film genres.

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger was a successful high fashion model in Germany and France before she pursued a career in cinema. She was a finalist in a major modeling competition and worked frequently with top designers before an injury ended her dreams of becoming a ballerina. Her breakout role came when she played Helen of Troy in the historical epic ‘Troy’ which featured a star studded cast. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the Quentin Tarantino film ‘Inglourious Basterds’. Her ability to speak several languages has allowed her to maintain a diverse career in both European and American films.

Rebecca Romijn

Rebecca Romijn started her career in the early nineties as a swimsuit model and appeared on the cover of numerous international magazines. She was a regular presence in the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows and was often featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her transition to acting was cemented when she was cast as the shape shifting mutant Mystique in the ‘X Men’ franchise. She spent hours in the makeup chair to achieve the iconic blue look for her character. She has since moved into television with significant roles in series like ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘The Librarians’.

Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen moved from the Netherlands to the United States to work as a professional fashion model for brands like Chanel. She eventually retired from modeling to study writing and literature at Columbia University before shifting her focus to acting. She rose to fame as the villainous Xenia Onatopp in the James Bond film ‘GoldenEye’. This performance led to her long tenure as Jean Grey in the ‘X Men’ film series. She has maintained a consistent career in both film and television including a lead role in the series ‘Hemlock Grove’.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields began her career as a child model when she was only eleven months old for a soap commercial. She became one of the most famous faces in the world after her controversial advertisements for Calvin Klein jeans. Her early film work in ‘Pretty Baby’ and ‘The Blue Lagoon’ made her a major star while she was still a teenager. After taking a break to attend Princeton University she returned to the industry with the sitcom ‘Suddenly Susan’. She remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry with a career spanning over five decades.

Andie MacDowell

Andie MacDowell was discovered by a representative from Elite Model Management while she was on a trip to Los Angeles. She became a face for L’Oreal and appeared in high profile advertisements for Calvin Klein during the eighties. Her film debut in ‘Greystoke’ was famously dubbed over but she soon found her own voice in independent cinema. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in ‘Sex Lies and Videotape’ before starring in the classic ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. She continues to work steadily in both television dramas and feature films.

Kim Basinger

Kim Basinger moved to New York City at the age of sixteen to sign with the prestigious Ford Models agency. By the mid seventies she was a top model appearing on dozens of magazine covers and in numerous national television commercials. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and quickly landed a role as a Bond girl in ‘Never Say Never Again’. Her career reached a pinnacle when she won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘L.A. Confidential’. She is widely regarded as one of the most successful models to ever transition into serious dramatic acting.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone was a beauty pageant winner who eventually signed with Ford Models and worked extensively in New York and Europe. She appeared in commercials for hair products and diet sodas before landing a small role in the film ‘Stardust Memories’. Her career took a massive turn when she starred in the psychological thriller ‘Basic Instinct’ which made her a global icon. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the Martin Scorsese film ‘Casino’. She remains active in the industry and is known for her work in both film and television.

Rene Russo

Rene Russo was discovered at a Rolling Stones concert in 1972 and quickly became one of the top models of that decade. She appeared on the cover of Vogue several times and was a staple of the fashion world before she decided to study acting in her thirties. Her first major film role was in the sports comedy ‘Major League’ which proved her natural screen presence. She went on to star in massive hits like ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’. After a brief hiatus she returned to the screen with a powerful performance in ‘Nightcrawler’.

Geena Davis

Geena Davis worked as a model for the Ann Taylor catalog and served as a window mannequin before her acting career began. She was discovered by a casting director who saw her in a Victoria’s Secret catalog and invited her to audition for ‘Tootsie’. This debut led to a series of successful roles in films like ‘The Fly’ and ‘Beetlejuice’. She won an Academy Award for ‘The Accidental Tourist’ and became a feminist icon in ‘Thelma and Louise’. Outside of acting she is known for her advocacy for gender equality in the media.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman started modeling at the age of fifteen and appeared on the covers of British Vogue before she was even out of her teens. Her tall stature and striking features caught the attention of filmmakers who cast her in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. She became a muse for director Quentin Tarantino who cast her in the legendary film ‘Pulp Fiction’. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination and led to her starring in the ‘Kill Bill’ series. She is recognized as one of the most iconic action and drama stars of her generation.

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler began her modeling career at the age of fourteen but decided to focus on acting after appearing in a music video for her father’s band Aerosmith. Her breakout performance in the film ‘Stealing Beauty’ earned her critical praise for her natural talent. She gained massive international fame for her portrayal of Arwen in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Since then she has appeared in a variety of projects including the blockbuster ‘Armageddon’ and the television series ‘The Leftovers’. She is known for her ethereal beauty and versatile acting choices.

Olga Kurylenko

Olga Kurylenko was discovered by a talent scout in Moscow at the age of thirteen and moved to Paris three years later to pursue modeling. She appeared on the covers of Elle and Madame Figaro while working as a high fashion model in Europe. Her acting career began in France before she was cast as a Bond girl in ‘Quantum of Solace’. She has since starred in big budget films like ‘Oblivion’ and ‘Black Widow’. Her international background allows her to work on projects in several different languages.

Jaime King

Jaime King was known by the professional name James King during her highly successful modeling career in the nineties. She appeared in major fashion magazines like Vogue and Seventeen before she turned her attention to Hollywood. Her early film roles included ‘Pearl Harbor’ and the cult classic ‘Sin City’. She found significant success on television as a lead character in the series ‘Hart of Dixie’. She has often spoken about the challenges of transitioning from the fashion world to a serious acting career.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne was one of the most famous supermodels of the early 2010s and won the Model of the Year award twice. She walked for almost every major fashion house and was the face of several high end luxury brands. She made her film debut in a minor role in ‘Anna Karenina’ before landing leads in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She has increasingly focused on her acting work and appeared in the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’. Her transition has been marked by a move away from the runway to pursue creative roles in film.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp began her career as a brand ambassador for Chanel following in the footsteps of her mother Vanessa Paradis. She appeared in numerous fashion campaigns and magazine covers before making her film debut in ‘Tusk’. She has since appeared in several independent films and historical dramas such as ‘The King’. Her career reached a new level of visibility when she starred in the television series ‘The Idol’. She continues to balance her work as a fashion muse with a growing filmography.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy was discovered by a modeling scout while walking her dog outside the Harrods department store in London. She worked briefly as a model before her performance in the horror film ‘The Witch’ brought her to the attention of critics. She became a global phenomenon after starring in the Netflix miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Her unique look and intense acting style have made her one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood. She has since starred in major productions like ‘The Northman’ and ‘Furiosa’.

Elizabeth Hurley

Elizabeth Hurley became a global sensation in 1994 when she wore a famous safety pin dress to a film premiere. She had already been working as a model and became a long term face for the cosmetics brand Estee Lauder. Her acting career included roles in the ‘Austin Powers’ series and the comedy ‘Bedazzled’. She later found success on television with a starring role in the drama series ‘The Royals’. She is often cited as a prime example of how one high profile fashion moment can launch a multi decade career.

Gemma Ward

Gemma Ward was discovered at the age of fourteen and became the youngest model to ever appear on the cover of American Vogue. She was one of the most prominent faces of the doll face era in modeling during the early 2000s. She stepped away from the fashion industry to pursue acting and landed a role in the horror film ‘The Strangers’. She also appeared in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’. After a long hiatus she returned to both the runway and the screen for select projects.

Abbey Lee

Abbey Lee was a highly successful Australian fashion model who worked for brands like Gucci and Chanel for many years. She decided to move into acting and made a memorable debut as one of the wives in ‘Mad Max Fury Road’. This role was followed by a chilling performance in the psychological horror film ‘The Neon Demon’. She has continued to earn respect for her bold choices in projects like the series ‘Lovecraft Country’. Her transition is noted for her willingness to take on unconventional and gritty roles.

Devon Aoki

Devon Aoki started modeling at the age of thirteen and became the face of Versace by the time she was sixteen. She was considered one of the top petite models in the industry and worked extensively with major designers. Her transition to film was marked by roles in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ and as the deadly Miho in ‘Sin City’. Her striking and unique appearance made her a favorite for visually stylized action films. While she has taken time away from acting to focus on her family her early roles remain iconic.

Angie Harmon

Angie Harmon won a modeling contest for Seventeen magazine when she was a teenager and became a successful runway model. She worked for major designers like Giorgio Armani and appeared on several magazine covers before meeting David Hasselhoff on a plane. This chance encounter led to her first acting role in the series ‘Baywatch Nights’. She became best known for her long running role as Abbie Carmichael on ‘Law and Order’. She later starred in the popular crime drama ‘Rizzoli and Isles’.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton began her career as a child model with the Ford agency and appeared in commercials for brands like Calvin Klein. She transitioned into acting at a young age with roles in films like ‘The Sixth Sense’ and ‘Notting Hill’. She achieved massive fame as a teenager when she was cast as Marissa Cooper on the hit show ‘The O.C.’. Her early start in the fashion industry helped prepare her for the intense public scrutiny that came with her television success. She continues to work in independent films and various theater productions.

Chloë Sevigny

Chloë Sevigny was discovered on a street in New York City by a magazine editor and began modeling for teen fashion publications. She became known as an it girl in the nineties fashion scene before making her film debut in the controversial movie ‘Kids’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and starred in the long running series ‘Big Love’. She is highly regarded for her unique style and her commitment to independent and avant garde cinema. Her career spans acting, directing, and fashion design.

Tricia Helfer

Tricia Helfer won the Ford Models Supermodel of the World contest in 1992 and had a high profile career for over a decade. She walked for top designers in Paris and Milan and appeared in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. She retired from full time modeling to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in acting. She gained critical acclaim for her role as Number Six in the reimagined ‘Battlestar Galactica’ series. She has since appeared in numerous television shows including ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Van Helsing’.

Estella Warren

Estella Warren was a synchronized swimmer on the Canadian national team before she was discovered by a talent scout. She became a major model appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and starring in memorable Chanel No 5 commercials. Her acting career began with lead roles in ‘Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Driven’. She appeared in various television shows and films throughout the early 2000s. Her background in professional sports and modeling gave her a strong presence for her early action roles.

Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu won the title of Miss Teen USA in 1985 and worked as a model in Japan and Italy for several years. She transitioned to acting with a role on the soap opera ‘Growing Pains’ before finding success in action projects. She is well known for her roles in ‘The Scorpion King’ and as Lady Deathstrike in ‘X Men 2’. She has also had a prolific career as a voice actress for animated series and video games. Her martial arts training has frequently complemented her roles in action cinema.

Ali Larter

Ali Larter began her modeling career at the age of thirteen and traveled extensively throughout her teenage years. She famously appeared on the cover of Esquire magazine as a fictional character before landing her breakout film role. She starred in the teen drama ‘Varsity Blues’ and became a staple of the horror genre with the ‘Final Destination’ series. She gained further fame for her dual roles in the hit television series ‘Heroes’. She has also appeared in several installments of the ‘Resident Evil’ film franchise.

Amber Valletta

Amber Valletta was one of the most prominent supermodels of the nineties appearing on the cover of Vogue over a dozen times. She transitioned to acting with a supporting role in the film ‘What Lies Beneath’ before landing a lead in ‘Hitch’. She also had a recurring role in the television drama ‘Revenge’ and appeared in the action film ‘Transporter 2’. She has successfully balanced her acting career with continued work as an environmental activist and fashion icon. She remains a respected figure in both the fashion and entertainment industries.

Bridget Moynahan

Bridget Moynahan began her career as a model after graduating from high school and appeared in catalogs and magazines like Glamour and Elle. She moved into acting with a guest role as Natasha on the series ‘Sex and the City’. Her film career includes major roles in ‘I Robot’ and ‘The Sum of All Fears’ alongside high profile leading men. She has achieved long term television success as Erin Reagan on the police drama ‘Blue Bloods’. She is known for her classic style and consistent performances in both film and television.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl started modeling as a child after her aunt sent photos of her to a modeling agency. She appeared in national advertisements and catalogs before transitioning to acting in films like ‘That Night’ and ‘My Father the Hero’. She rose to massive fame for her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her success on television led to a string of starring roles in romantic comedies like ‘Knocked Up’ and ’27 Dresses’. She continues to produce and star in various television and film projects.

January Jones

January Jones worked as a model in New York for several years before moving to Los Angeles to become an actress. She appeared in advertisements for Abercrombie and Fitch and worked in television commercials early in her career. Her breakout role came when she was cast as Betty Draper in the critically acclaimed series ‘Mad Men’. This performance earned her multiple award nominations and established her as a major talent. She has also appeared in films such as ‘Unknown’ and ‘X Men First Class’.

Molly Sims

Molly Sims gained fame as a fashion model and was frequently featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She served as a host for the fashion themed show ‘House of Style’ before moving into scripted television. She is best known for her role as Delinda Deline on the long running NBC drama ‘Las Vegas’. She has since appeared in several films including ‘The Pink Panther 2’ and ‘The Wrong Missy’. She is also a successful author and entrepreneur in the beauty and wellness space.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant in 1983 and began her career appearing in television commercials. Her early work in martial arts films in Hong Kong made her a major action star in Asia. She gained international fame as a Bond girl in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ and for her role in ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’. Her career reached a historic milestone when she won an Academy Award for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She is celebrated for her incredible range and her background in physical performance.

Margaret Qualley

Margaret Qualley trained as a ballerina before transitioning to modeling and walking for high end brands like Chanel. She decided to leave the fashion world to pursue acting and landed a role in the HBO series ‘The Leftovers’. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the miniseries ‘Maid’ and for her role in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Her career is marked by her choice of complex and challenging roles in both television and film. She is currently considered one of the most talented young actresses in the industry.

Isabella Rossellini

Isabella Rossellini began her career as a journalist before becoming a world famous model for the cosmetics brand Lancome. She held that exclusive contract for fourteen years and appeared on the covers of hundreds of magazines. She made her film debut in Italy but became an international star after her role in ‘Blue Velvet’. She has since appeared in numerous films including ‘Death Becomes Her’ and ‘Fearless’. She is also an accomplished filmmaker and author known for her creative short films about nature.

Lauren Hutton

Lauren Hutton was a pioneer in the modeling industry and was the first model to sign a huge exclusive contract with a cosmetics company. She appeared on the cover of Vogue a record twenty six times during her long career in fashion. Her transition to acting included roles in ‘American Gigolo’ and ‘The Gambler’ where she earned praise for her natural screen presence. She has continued to work as both a model and an actress well into her seventies. She is often cited as an inspiration for her longevity and her natural approach to beauty.

Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley spent decades as one of the most famous models in the world and appeared on three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers. She was the face of CoverGirl for twenty five years which remains one of the longest running modeling contracts in history. She made her film debut as the girl in the red Ferrari in the comedy ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’. She has since appeared on Broadway and had a recurring role in the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She remains a prominent public figure and a successful entrepreneur.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks began modeling at the age of fifteen and became the first African American woman to appear on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was a prominent Victoria’s Secret Angel and walked the runways of Paris and Milan for years. Her acting career included roles in ‘Higher Learning’ and the television movie ‘Life Size’. She eventually became a media mogul as the creator and host of ‘America’s Next Top Model’. She also hosted her own daytime talk show and ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Iman

Iman was discovered by a photographer while she was a student at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. She moved to the United States and became a muse for famous designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Gianni Versace. Her acting career included roles in the films ‘Out of Africa’ and ‘Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country’. She also appeared as the queen in the music video for ‘Remember the Time’ by Michael Jackson. Aside from her entertainment career she is a pioneer in the cosmetics industry with her own line for diverse skin tones.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen is often credited with ending the heroin chic era of modeling and ushering in a more athletic look. She was the highest paid model in the world for many years and was a central figure for Victoria’s Secret. She made her film debut in the action comedy ‘Taxi’ and had a memorable supporting role in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. While she has mostly focused on her modeling career and environmental activism her film appearances were highly publicized. She remains one of the most influential figures in the history of the fashion industry.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry was a successful model and beauty pageant contestant who won the Miss Teen All American title. She was a runner up in the Miss USA pageant and became the first African American entrant for Miss World. She transitioned to acting with a role in the television series ‘Living Dolls’ before moving into feature films. She made history as the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She has since starred in numerous blockbusters including the ‘X Men’ series and ‘John Wick’.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda began her career as a model and appeared on the cover of Vogue twice before focusing on her acting studies. She moved to Paris to work with director Roger Vadim and starred in the cult science fiction film ‘Barbarella’. She quickly established herself as a serious dramatic actress and won two Academy Awards for ‘Klute’ and ‘Coming Home’. Beyond her film career she became famous for her series of exercise videos and her political activism. She continues to star in successful television shows like ‘Grace and Frankie’.

Jessica Lange

Jessica Lange was discovered by an agent while she was working as a model for the Wilhelmina agency in New York City. Her first film role was the female lead in the 1976 remake of ‘King Kong’ which brought her immediate international fame. She proved her dramatic depth by winning two Academy Awards for her performances in ‘Tootsie’ and ‘Blue Sky’. In recent years she has found a new generation of fans through her work in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. She is also an accomplished photographer with several published books of her work.

Cybill Shepherd

Cybill Shepherd won the Model of the Year contest in 1968 and became a well known face on magazine covers and in commercials. Her modeling success led to her being cast in her debut film role in ‘The Last Picture Show’. She received critical acclaim for her performance and went on to star in the iconic film ‘Taxi Driver’. She later achieved massive television success as the lead in ‘Moonlighting’ alongside Bruce Willis. She remains a respected actress with a long career in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Please share your favorite performance from these former models in the comments.