Actresses Who Started As Models

It’s common for actresses to start their careers in modeling before becoming famous on screen. Modeling helped them gain experience, build confidence, and get noticed. Some did it for a short time, while others became well-known fashion models first. This list highlights talented women who made the successful switch from the runway to Hollywood stardom.

Charlize Theron

After winning a competition in South Africa, she started her career as a model in Milan. A knee injury unfortunately ended her aspirations of becoming a professional dancer, prompting her to pursue acting in Los Angeles. She first gained recognition in the film ‘2 Days in the Valley’ and later won an Academy Award for her role in ‘Monster’. Since then, she’s become a highly successful and adaptable actress, establishing herself as a leading figure in Hollywood.

Gal Gadot

Before becoming a well-known actress, she won Miss Israel in 2004. This win launched her modeling career, and she worked with many international brands. She first gained attention for her acting in ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ and she’s now famous for playing the superhero Wonder Woman in several DC films.

Milla Jovovich

I’ve been following Mila Jovovich’s career for years, and it’s incredible to see how far she’s come. She started out so young, gracing the covers of all the top fashion magazines while still a kid. Then, she smoothly moved into acting with memorable roles in films like ‘Return to the Blue Lagoon’ and ‘Dazed and Confused.’ But it was ‘The Fifth Element’ that really launched her into international superstardom – Leeloo is iconic! And then, of course, she became synonymous with action movies as the lead in the incredibly popular ‘Resident Evil’ franchise. She’s truly built an impressive and diverse career.

Cameron Diaz

At sixteen, she began her career with a top modeling agency, working on projects worldwide. She landed her first acting role as the lead in ‘The Mask’ without any prior acting experience. The film was a huge hit and quickly made her a famous actress. She continued her success with popular romantic comedies like ‘There’s Something About Mary’.

Halle Berry

She initially found success as a pageant contestant, placing second in Miss USA. Her experience as a model led to her first acting job on the TV show ‘Living Dolls’. She then made history as the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Monster’s Ball’. Many also know her for playing Storm in the popular ‘X-Men’ movies.

Sharon Stone

Before becoming a successful actress, she started her career as a fashion model in New York and Paris. She made her film debut with a small part in Woody Allen’s ‘Stardust Memories.’ She quickly gained international recognition for her daring performance in the thriller ‘Basic Instinct,’ and later earned praise – including an Academy Award nomination – for her work in ‘Casino’.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman started her career as a model at just fifteen, even appearing on the cover of British Vogue twice. She first gained critical recognition with roles in films like ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ and ‘Henry and June.’ However, she became a household name thanks to her work with Quentin Tarantino in movies like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Kill Bill.’ Directors consistently praise her distinctive look and captivating on-screen personality.

Diane Kruger

Originally a successful model in Paris, she transitioned to acting and achieved worldwide recognition for playing Helen of Troy in the movie ‘Troy’. She went on to appear in prominent Hollywood films such as ‘National Treasure’ and ‘Inglourious Basterds’, and has consistently worked in both English and French-language cinema throughout her career.

Monica Bellucci

She began her career as a model to finance her education, eventually becoming the face of several high-end fashion brands. She then started acting in Italian films before gaining international recognition. Roles in ‘Malèna’ and ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ made her a worldwide star, and she later played a Bond girl in ‘Spectre’.

Cara Delevingne

I’ve always been captivated by her – she truly defined fashion in the 2010s and was rightfully celebrated with numerous awards. It was exciting to see her transition into acting, starting with a little part in ‘Anna Karenina,’ and then quickly taking the lead in films like ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad.’ Even now, she’s constantly working, successfully balancing her career in both fashion and movies – she’s incredibly talented and versatile!

Andie MacDowell

Before becoming an actress, she worked as a top model for brands like Calvin Klein. She first appeared in films with ‘Greystoke’, and received positive attention for her work in the independent film ‘Sex, Lies, and Videotape’. However, she’s most known for her roles in beloved romantic comedies like ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. Throughout her career, she’s successfully worked as both an actress and a spokesperson for beauty brands.

Brooke Shields

Starting her career as a child model, she quickly became well-known. She first gained attention for her role in the film ‘Pretty Baby,’ and then became famous appearing in Calvin Klein ads. Her breakthrough role came with the film ‘The Blue Lagoon,’ after which she moved into television. She’s been a consistent presence in the entertainment world for many years.

January Jones

She began her career as a model in New York City before relocating to Los Angeles to become an actress. She initially appeared in smaller roles in films such as ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Anger Management’. Her big break came with the role of Betty Draper in the popular series ‘Mad Men’, and she later starred as Emma Frost in ‘X-Men: First Class’.

Rebecca Romijn

Originally a well-known swimsuit model featured on numerous magazine covers, she later became an actress. She first gained recognition for playing Mystique in the original ‘X-Men’ movie, and went on to appear in TV shows like ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘The Librarians’. Her experience in the fashion industry proved valuable in launching her acting career.

Famke Janssen

Originally from the Netherlands, she came to the United States to become a fashion model. Later, she decided to pursue her passion for acting and literature at university. She became famous worldwide for playing the villain in the James Bond movie ‘GoldenEye’ and is also widely recognized for her role as Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ films.

Jennifer Connelly

She began her career as a child model, encouraged by a family friend. She then moved into acting, making her debut in ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ and later gaining recognition for ‘Labyrinth’. She won an Academy Award for her powerful performance in ‘A Beautiful Mind’ and is known for taking on challenging, emotionally demanding roles in film.

Lily-Rose Depp

She started her career as a model, working with major fashion brands and appearing on magazine covers. She transitioned to acting with a role in the horror comedy ‘Tusk’ and has since focused on independent films. More recently, she’s been in movies like ‘The King’ and ‘Voyagers,’ and she frequently works on projects in both France and the United States.

Amber Valletta

A prominent supermodel throughout the 1990s, she collaborated with nearly all the leading fashion brands. She then transitioned to acting, making her film debut in the comedy ‘Hitch’. She’s also been on TV shows like ‘Revenge’ and ‘Blood and Oil’, and continues to work on both fashion projects and acting roles.

Tyra Banks

Initially a successful fashion model, she later transitioned into acting and television production. In the 1990s, she acted in films like ‘Higher Learning’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’. However, she’s best known for creating and hosting the reality show ‘America’s Next Top Model’. She’s also hosted a talk show and made appearances on several TV sitcoms.

Mischa Barton

She started out as a child model and quickly moved into acting. Some of her first roles were in popular movies like ‘The Sixth Sense’ and ‘Notting Hill’. She became widely known for playing Marissa Cooper on the TV show ‘The O.C.’, and has continued to work in both independent films and television ever since.

Elizabeth Hurley

She began her career as a model and quickly rose to international fame after a memorable appearance at a film premiere. Her acting career took off with her first big role as Vanessa Kensington in ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’. She went on to star in the comedy ‘Bedazzled’ and the TV series ‘The Royals’. Beyond acting, she’s also found success as a businesswoman, running both a production company and a beachwear brand.

Gemma Chan

While studying acting, she worked as a model to pay for school. She started her television career with appearances in shows like ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Sherlock’. She became well-known after starring in the hit movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, and later played a major role in the Marvel film ‘Eternals’.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Winning Miss World in 2000 propelled her to fame in Indian cinema, where she became a leading Bollywood actress. She then transitioned to Hollywood, appearing in the thriller series ‘Quantico’ and the film ‘Baywatch’. Today, she’s a globally recognized star and producer working on projects around the world.

Hunter Schafer

She started her career as a fashion model, working with many top luxury brands. She then transitioned to acting, gaining recognition for her role as Jules Vaughn in the popular series ‘Euphoria’. Critics especially praised her realistic and moving performance. More recently, she appeared in the film ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Her modeling career began unexpectedly when a scout spotted her on the streets of London. This led to opportunities in acting, starting with television and film roles. She first gained significant attention for her lead role in the horror movie ‘The Witch,’ but became a global star thanks to her performance in the series ‘The Queen’s Gambit.’

Michelle Yeoh

Before becoming an actress in Hong Kong, she first won Miss Malaysia. She became well-known for doing her own dangerous stunts in many martial arts and action movies. Her roles in films like ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ brought her international fame, and she later won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Cybill Shepherd

Starting her career as a teen fashion model featured on numerous magazine covers, she quickly transitioned to acting. She first gained recognition with a leading role in the highly praised film ‘The Last Picture Show’, followed by memorable performances in ‘Taxi Driver’ and the hit TV series ‘Moonlighting’. She’s maintained a successful and lasting career in both movies and television for many years.

Rene Russo

Originally discovered at a concert, she became a successful fashion model in the 1970s and 80s. She then began acting, starting with a role in the TV series ‘Sable’ and later appearing in films. She’s best known for her roles in movies like ‘Lethal Weapon 3’ and ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ and more recently, she played Frigga in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Courteney Cox

Before becoming a household name, she started her career as a model in New York and appeared in a Bruce Springsteen music video. She gained early television experience on ‘Family Ties’ and then rose to international fame with ‘Friends’. Many also know her for playing Gale Weathers in the ‘Scream’ movies. More recently, she’s expanded her work into directing and producing for TV.

Mila Kunis

She started her career with commercials and modeling as a child. At fourteen, she got her big break playing a role on the sitcom ‘That ’70s Show’. She went on to voice the character Meg Griffin on ‘Family Guy’ and appear in the movie ‘Black Swan’. Since then, she’s become a popular leading actress in several hit Hollywood comedies.

Kate Upton

She rose to fame as a model, appearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue several times. She then transitioned into acting, taking on supporting roles in movies such as ‘Tower Heist’ and ‘The Other Woman’. She’s successfully juggled a career in high-fashion modeling with her work in film, and remains a well-known personality in both the fashion and media worlds.

Brooklyn Decker

She began her career as a fashion model, appearing on the covers of several popular magazines. She then moved into acting, making her debut in the comedy film ‘Just Go with It’. Following that, she had roles in ‘Battleship’ and the hit TV series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Over time, she’s become a familiar and reliable face in both movies and television.

Tricia Helfer

After winning a prestigious international modeling contest and enjoying a thriving career as a runway model, she began acting with smaller television parts. Her big break came with the role of Number Six in ‘Battlestar Galactica’, a performance that received widespread critical acclaim. Since then, she’s continued to appear in popular TV series like ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Van Helsing’.

Estella Warren

Before becoming a successful high fashion model, working with major brands, she was a professional synchronized swimmer. She then moved into acting, landing a starring role in the remake of ‘Planet of the Apes.’ Throughout her acting career, she also appeared in films like ‘Driven’ and ‘The Cooler,’ and she continues to work on independent films and television shows.

Jaime King

Starting her career as a successful teenage fashion model, she graced the pages of many magazines. She then transitioned to acting, appearing in films like ‘Pearl Harbor’ and ‘Sin City’, and later starred in the TV series ‘Hart of Dixie’ for multiple seasons. She continues to balance a successful career in both fashion and film.

Sasha Luss

She started her career as a high fashion model, appearing in shows for top designers around the world. She then moved into acting, making her film debut in the science fiction movie ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. She went on to play the lead role in the action thriller ‘Anna’ and is now focused on building her career in international films.

Lauren Bacall

She began her career as a fashion model, even appearing on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, before transitioning to film. Her first movie role was in ‘To Have and Have Not,’ where she acted alongside Humphrey Bogart. She became famous for her distinctive deep voice and elegant style in classic Hollywood movies, ultimately achieving a celebrated career filled with awards and recognition.

Grace Kelly

To pay for acting school, she began her career as a model. She soon became famous for her roles in well-known films like ‘High Noon’ and ‘Rear Window,’ and later won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Country Girl.’ Ultimately, she left acting when she married Prince Rainier III and became Princess of Monaco.

Gisele Bündchen

A hugely successful supermodel, she’s graced the covers of countless magazines. She began her acting career with a role in the film ‘Taxi’ and went on to appear in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Though best known as a modeling icon, she’s also made memorable appearances in movies and is a dedicated environmental activist.

Agyness Deyn

A well-known British model with a striking appearance and short hairstyle, she transitioned into acting. She first appeared on film in the fantasy adventure ‘Clash of the Titans’ and gained praise for her performance in the historical drama ‘Sunset Song’. Since then, she’s continued to work in independent films and on stage.

Suki Waterhouse

Starting her career as a model at sixteen, she quickly became a prominent face for several high-end fashion brands. She then transitioned to acting, appearing in films like ‘The Bad Batch’ and ‘Assassination Nation’. Her performance in the series ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ brought her even wider recognition. In addition to modeling and acting, she’s also a talented musician and songwriter.

Freida Pinto

Before becoming famous in the award-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, she began her career as a model in India. The film was a huge international success and helped launch her acting career on the world stage. Since then, she’s appeared in several major films, including ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’, and is also recognized for her work with charities and in the fashion industry.

Kelly Hu

She began her career by winning beauty pageants and working as a model before becoming an actress. She appeared in popular TV shows like ‘Growing Pains’ and ‘Sunset Beach,’ and later gained recognition for her roles in films like ‘The Scorpion King’ and ‘X2’. Beyond on-screen work, she’s also enjoyed a successful career as a voice actor in animated projects and video games.

Olga Kurylenko

Discovered as a model at thirteen, she moved to Paris to begin her career. She later turned to acting, making her debut in the French film ‘L’Annulaire’. Her breakthrough came with the role of Camille Montes in the James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’, launching her to international fame. Since then, she’s appeared in a number of action and dramatic films around the world.

Isabella Rossellini

I’ve always been captivated by her. She started as a stunning model, even becoming the face of a huge cosmetics company, and then seamlessly moved into acting. I first really noticed her in ‘Blue Velvet’ – she was incredible and quickly became known around the world. Since then, she’s been in so many fantastic films like ‘Death Becomes Her’ and ‘Fearless’. But she’s not just an actress; I admire her even more knowing she’s a talented director and is deeply passionate about understanding animal behavior. She truly is a Renaissance woman!

Devon Aoki

I first noticed her when she was just thirteen – she quickly became a really famous model, one of those faces you just know. Then she surprised everyone by landing a role in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ as Suki! I also remember seeing her in films like ‘Sin City’ and ‘DOA Dead or Alive’. What’s really impressive is how she’s managed to build a career that seamlessly blends her work in fashion with her acting, and she always brings something special to every role.

Liya Kebede

I was such a fan of her when she was a huge supermodel, gracing the covers of Vogue all over the world! It was so cool to see her move into acting, starting with a part in ‘Lord of War’. But I was really blown away by her performance as Waris Dirie in ‘Desert Flower’ – everyone said it was amazing, and I totally agree. She’s still working on films and doing a lot of really important charity work, which is awesome.

Tao Okamoto

Rinko Kikuchi began her career as a successful model, working in both Japan and around the world, before becoming an actress. She first appeared in a major Hollywood film as the lead actress in ‘The Wolverine,’ and has since been in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ and the TV show ‘Westworld.’ She remains a well-known and respected figure in the entertainment industries of both Japan and the United States.

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

2026-02-20 09:49