Actresses Who Started As Models

Many successful actresses began their professional journeys in the modeling world before transitioning to the screen. This path often provided them with the necessary exposure and confidence to pursue careers in film and television. While some only modeled briefly others were icons of the fashion industry before landing their first major roles. This list explores the talented women who successfully moved from the runway to Hollywood stardom.

Charlize Theron

She began her career as a model in Milan after winning a local competition in her home country of South Africa. A knee injury later ended her dreams of becoming a professional dancer which led her to try acting in Los Angeles. Her breakout performance came in the film ‘2 Days in the Valley’ and she later earned an Academy Award for ‘Monster’. She has since become one of the most prominent and versatile leading ladies in the entertainment industry.

Gal Gadot

Before gaining fame as an actress she won the Miss Israel beauty pageant in 2004. This victory led to a modeling career where she represented numerous international brands. Her first major acting role was in the film ‘Fast and Furious’ which showcased her screen presence to global audiences. She is now most famous for her iconic portrayal of the superhero in ‘Wonder Woman’ and other films in the DC Extended Universe.

Milla Jovovich

She started modeling at age twelve and quickly appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines. Her transition to cinema began with roles in films like ‘Return to the Blue Lagoon’ and ‘Dazed and Confused’. She reached international stardom after playing the character Leeloo in the science fiction hit ‘The Fifth Element’. She eventually became the face of the long running ‘Resident Evil’ movie franchise.

Cameron Diaz

She signed a contract with a major modeling agency at age sixteen and worked on campaigns across the globe. Her acting debut happened when she was cast as the female lead in ‘The Mask’ despite having no previous experience. The film was a massive commercial success and immediately established her as a movie star. She went on to lead several successful romantic comedies including ‘There is Something About Mary’.

Halle Berry

She was a successful pageant contestant who finished as the first runner up in the Miss USA competition. Her modeling background helped her secure her first television acting role in the series ‘Living Dolls’. She made history by becoming the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She also gained widespread recognition for playing the character Storm in the ‘X Men’ series.

Sharon Stone

She worked as a high fashion model in New York and Paris before deciding to focus on her acting career. Her first screen appearance was a brief role in the film ‘Stardust Memories’ directed by Woody Allen. She became a worldwide sensation following her provocative performance in the thriller ‘Basic Instinct’. She later received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Casino’.

Uma Thurman

She began her career as a fashion model at age fifteen and appeared on the cover of British Vogue twice. Her early film roles in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ and ‘Henry and June’ brought her significant attention from critics. She is most widely known for her roles in the Quentin Tarantino films ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Kill Bill’. Her unique screen presence and physical style have made her a favorite of many renowned directors.

Diane Kruger

She was a highly successful fashion model in Paris before she was encouraged to study acting. She gained international fame for her portrayal of Helen of Troy in the epic film ‘Troy’. She later starred in major Hollywood productions like ‘National Treasure’ and ‘Inglourious Basterds’. She has continued to work in both English and French language films throughout her career.

Monica Bellucci

She started modeling to help pay for her university studies and eventually became a prominent face for luxury fashion brands. She transitioned into acting with roles in Italian films before moving into international cinema. Her performances in ‘Malèna’ and ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ established her as a global star. She also appeared as a Bond girl in the film ‘Spectre’ later in her career.

Cara Delevingne

She was one of the most recognizable fashion models of the 2010s and won several major industry awards. She made her acting debut with a small role in the adaptation of ‘Anna Karenina’. She quickly moved into leading roles in films such as ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She continues to work frequently in both the fashion world and the entertainment industry.

Andie MacDowell

She was a top model for brands like Calvin Klein before making her film debut in ‘Greystoke The Legend of Tarzan Lord of the Apes’. She earned critical praise for her performance in the independent film ‘Sex Lies and Videotape’. She is best remembered for her roles in popular romantic comedies such as ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. She has maintained a long and successful career as both an actress and a beauty brand ambassador.

Brooke Shields

She began her career as a child model and became a household name at a very young age. She starred in the controversial film ‘Pretty Baby’ and later gained fame for her work in Calvin Klein advertisements. She reached the height of her early fame with the film ‘The Blue Lagoon’ and later transitioned to television. She has remained a constant figure in the entertainment industry for many decades.

January Jones

She worked as a model in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She had early supporting roles in films like ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Anger Management’. Her career reached a new level when she was cast as Betty Draper in the acclaimed series ‘Mad Men’. She also played the character Emma Frost in ‘X Men First Class’.

Rebecca Romijn

She was a famous swimsuit model who appeared on the covers of many prominent magazines. She transitioned into acting with the role of Mystique in the first ‘X Men’ film. She later appeared in the television series ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘The Librarians’. Her background in the fashion world helped her gain visibility in the early stages of her acting career.

Famke Janssen

She moved to the United States from the Netherlands to pursue a career in fashion modeling. She eventually left modeling to study acting and literature at the university level. She gained worldwide recognition for her role as a villain in the James Bond film ‘GoldenEye’. She is also well known for her portrayal of Jean Grey in the ‘X Men’ film series.

Jennifer Connelly

She started as a child model after being suggested by a friend of her parents. She transitioned to acting with a role in ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ and later starred in ‘Labyrinth’. She received an Academy Award for her performance in the biographical drama ‘A Beautiful Mind’. She is highly regarded for her work in complex and emotional film roles.

Lily-Rose Depp

She began her career by modeling for high fashion brands and appearing on magazine covers. She made her film debut in the horror comedy ‘Tusk’ and continued to work in independent films. She has appeared in projects such as ‘The King’ and ‘Voyagers’ in recent years. She often works in both the French and American film industries.

Amber Valletta

She was a major supermodel in the 1990s and worked with almost every major fashion house. She shifted her focus to acting and landed her first major film role in the comedy ‘Hitch’. She also appeared in the television series ‘Revenge’ and ‘Blood and Oil’. She continues to balance her work in fashion with various acting projects.

Tyra Banks

She had a highly successful career as a fashion model before expanding into acting and television production. She appeared in films such as ‘Higher Learning’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’ during the 1990s. She is most famous for creating and hosting the reality competition series ‘America’s Next Top Model’. She also hosted her own talk show and appeared in various television sitcoms.

Mischa Barton

She began her career as a child model before transitioning into professional acting at a young age. She had early roles in films like ‘The Sixth Sense’ and ‘Notting Hill’. She became a massive star after being cast as Marissa Cooper on the hit television series ‘The O.C.’. She has since appeared in many independent films and television projects.

Elizabeth Hurley

She started as a model and became an international celebrity after appearing at a film premiere in a famous dress. She landed her first major film role as Vanessa Kensington in ‘Austin Powers International Man of Mystery’. She later starred in the comedy ‘Bedazzled’ and the television series ‘The Royals’. She has successfully run her own production company and beachwear line.

Gemma Chan

She worked as a professional model to support herself while she was a student at drama school. She gained early television experience with roles in series such as ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Sherlock’. Her breakout performance came in the successful romantic comedy ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. She later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a leading role in the film ‘Eternals’.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

She won the Miss World title in 2000 which launched her into a massive career in Indian cinema. She became one of the most successful actresses in Bollywood before moving to Hollywood. She starred in the American thriller series ‘Quantico’ and later in the film ‘Baywatch’. She is now a global star and producer involved in many international projects.

Hunter Schafer

She began her career as a fashion model walking for many prestigious luxury brands. She made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the acclaimed television series ‘Euphoria’. Her performance was highly praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. She recently appeared in the film ‘The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’.

Anya Taylor-Joy

She was discovered by a modeling scout while walking in London which led to her early career in fashion. This experience helped her land her first acting roles in television and film. She rose to prominence after her starring role in the horror film ‘The Witch’. She later achieved global fame for her performance in the series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’.

Michelle Yeoh

She won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant before starting her acting career in Hong Kong. She became famous for performing her own stunts in numerous martial arts and action films. She gained international recognition for her roles in ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’. She won an Academy Award for her leading performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Cybill Shepherd

She was a successful fashion model as a teenager and appeared on many prominent magazine covers. Her acting career began with a starring role in the acclaimed film ‘The Last Picture Show’. She went on to star in ‘Taxi Driver’ and the popular television series ‘Moonlighting’. She has enjoyed a career that spans several decades in both film and television.

Rene Russo

She was discovered at a concert and became a top fashion model during the 1970s and 1980s. She transitioned into acting with a role in the television series ‘Sable’ before moving to film. She is well known for her performances in ‘Lethal Weapon 3’ and ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’. She also played the character Frigga in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Courteney Cox

She worked as a model in New York before being cast in a famous music video for Bruce Springsteen. She appeared in the television series ‘Family Ties’ before becoming an international star on ‘Friends’. She is also known for her role as Gale Weathers in the ‘Scream’ horror franchise. She has since moved into directing and producing for television.

Mila Kunis

She began her career appearing in television commercials and working as a child model. She landed her first major role on the sitcom ‘That ’70s Show’ when she was only fourteen years old. She later provided the voice for Meg Griffin in ‘Family Guy’ and starred in the film ‘Black Swan’. She has since become a leading actress in many successful Hollywood comedies.

Kate Upton

She became a famous model after appearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times. She moved into acting with supporting roles in films like ‘Tower Heist’ and ‘The Other Woman’. She has balanced her career between high profile fashion campaigns and film appearances. She continues to be a prominent figure in the media and fashion industries.

Brooklyn Decker

She started her career as a fashion model and was featured on the cover of many major magazines. She transitioned into acting with a role in the comedy film ‘Just Go with It’. She later appeared in ‘Battleship’ and the long running television series ‘Grace and Frankie’. She has successfully established herself as a consistent presence in film and television.

Tricia Helfer

She won a major international modeling competition and had a successful career on the runway. She transitioned into acting with guest roles before landing her breakout role in ‘Battlestar Galactica’. She played the iconic character Number Six in the series which earned her critical praise. She has since appeared in various television shows including ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Van Helsing’.

Estella Warren

She was a professional synchronized swimmer before becoming a high fashion model for major brands. She transitioned into acting with a leading role in the remake of ‘Planet of the Apes’. She also appeared in films like ‘Driven’ and ‘The Cooler’ during her acting career. She has continued to work in various independent film and television projects.

Jaime King

She was a highly successful fashion model as a teenager and appeared in numerous magazine editorials. She moved into acting with roles in films such as ‘Pearl Harbor’ and ‘Sin City’. She also starred in the television series ‘Hart of Dixie’ for several seasons. She has maintained a career that allows her to work in both the fashion and film industries.

Sasha Luss

She began her career as a high fashion model and walked for the world’s most prestigious designers. She made her transition to acting with a role in the science fiction film ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. She later starred in the title role of the action thriller ‘Anna’. She continues to focus on her acting career in international cinema.

Lauren Bacall

She was a fashion model in New York and appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. Her film debut came in ‘To Have and Have Not’ where she starred alongside Humphrey Bogart. She became known for her deep voice and sophisticated screen presence in classic Hollywood films. She enjoyed a legendary career that earned her numerous awards and honors.

Grace Kelly

She worked as a model to support herself while she was studying at an acting academy. She quickly rose to fame with roles in classic films such as ‘High Noon’ and ‘Rear Window’. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘The Country Girl’. She eventually left her acting career to marry Prince Rainier III and become the Princess of Monaco.

Gisele Bündchen

She is one of the most successful supermodels of all time and has appeared on hundreds of magazine covers. She made her acting debut in the action comedy film ‘Taxi’ and later appeared in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. While she is primarily known for her legendary modeling career she has made several notable screen appearances. She is also recognized for her extensive work in environmental activism.

Agyness Deyn

She was a famous British fashion model known for her distinct look and short hair. She shifted her focus to acting and made her film debut in the fantasy movie ‘Clash of the Titans’. She received critical acclaim for her lead role in the period drama ‘Sunset Song’. She has since appeared in several independent films and theater productions.

Suki Waterhouse

She began her modeling career at age sixteen and has been the face of many luxury fashion brands. She moved into acting with roles in ‘The Bad Batch’ and ‘Assassination Nation’. She gained further recognition for her role in the series ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’. She also maintains a successful career as a musician and songwriter.

Freida Pinto

She worked as a model in India before being cast in the award winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. The film became a global phenomenon and launched her international acting career. She has since starred in many major productions including ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’. She is also known for her involvement in various humanitarian and fashion projects.

Kelly Hu

She was a beauty pageant winner who became a successful model before starting her acting career. She landed roles in television series like ‘Growing Pains’ and ‘Sunset Beach’. She gained wider fame for her roles in films such as ‘The Scorpion King’ and ‘X2’. She has also had a prolific career as a voice actress for animation and video games.

Olga Kurylenko

She was discovered as a model at age thirteen and moved to Paris to pursue a professional career. She transitioned to acting with a role in the French film ‘L’Annulaire’. She achieved global stardom as Camille Montes in the James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’. She has since starred in various international action and drama films.

Isabella Rossellini

She was a successful model for many years and was the face of a major cosmetics brand. She transitioned into acting and gained international recognition for her role in ‘Blue Velvet’. She has appeared in many acclaimed films such as ‘Death Becomes Her’ and ‘Fearless’. She is also known for her work as a director and her interest in animal behavior.

Devon Aoki

She began modeling at age thirteen and became one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. She made her acting debut in the film ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ as the character Suki. She also appeared in ‘Sin City’ and ‘DOA Dead or Alive’ during her career. She has successfully balanced her unique look between fashion and film roles.

Liya Kebede

She was a major supermodel who appeared on the covers of many international editions of Vogue. She transitioned to acting with a role in the film ‘Lord of War’. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Waris Dirie in the biographical film ‘Desert Flower’. She continues to work in both the film industry and various philanthropic endeavors.

Tao Okamoto

She was a highly successful fashion model in Japan and internationally before pursuing acting. She made her Hollywood debut as the female lead in the film ‘The Wolverine’. She has since appeared in ‘Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice’ and the television series ‘Westworld’. She continues to be a prominent figure in both the Japanese and American entertainment industries.

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