Most Famous Actresses who Started as Models

Many of the world’s most recognizable actresses first learned how to work a camera on runways and in print campaigns. Modeling sharpened their poise, presence, and ability to tell stories without words—skills that later translated smoothly onto film sets and soundstages. From fashion capitals to casting calls, their early careers built discipline and global name recognition that helped open doors in Hollywood and beyond.

This list spotlights 20 actresses who began as models before building major screen careers. You’ll see how each one moved from agencies and brand campaigns to screen roles, awards, and long-running franchises—proof that a start in fashion can be a powerful springboard into movies and television.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron won a local modeling contest in South Africa as a teenager, signed with an agency, and spent time working in Milan and New York before shifting toward acting training. A knee injury ended her ballet ambitions, and a chance encounter with a talent manager in Los Angeles set up her first auditions.

She went on to lead films such as ‘The Devil’s Advocate’, ‘Monster’, and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, and has also produced projects through her company. Theron’s work spans action, drama, and comedy, with roles in ‘Atomic Blonde’ and the ‘Fast & Furious’ series expanding her global profile.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz signed with Elite Model Management at 16 and modeled for international brands, including campaigns for cosmetics and denim, while traveling between the United States and Asia. After several years of print and commercial work, she began auditioning and studying acting in Los Angeles.

Her first major screen appearance in ‘The Mask’ led to a steady run of studio hits, including ‘There’s Something About Mary’, ‘Charlie’s Angels’, and voice work in ‘Shrek’. Diaz also explored dramatic roles in films like ‘Gangs of New York’, balancing comedy and drama throughout a long filmography.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich began working as a child model after immigrating to the United States, landing magazine covers and a cosmetics contract early in her career. While still modeling, she took acting classes and started making the leap into film.

Jovovich headlined ‘The Fifth Element’ before anchoring the long-running ‘Resident Evil’ series. Her credits range from science fiction to historical adventure, with appearances in projects like ‘Dazed and Confused’ and ‘Monster Hunter’ broadening her action credentials.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot won a national pageant, modeled for fashion and lifestyle brands, and studied law before turning fully to acting. Work in commercials and print campaigns helped her transition to casting opportunities in film.

She joined ‘Fast & Furious’ as Gisele and later took on the title role in ‘Wonder Woman’, continuing the character across DC films including ‘Justice League’. Gadot has also appeared in thrillers and ensemble projects such as ‘Death on the Nile’ and ‘Red Notice’.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne rose quickly in high fashion, walking for major houses and fronting beauty and ready-to-wear campaigns across multiple seasons. As she diversified into acting, she trained for screen work while continuing selective fashion projects.

Her film and TV roles include ‘Paper Towns’, ‘Suicide Squad’, and the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’. Delevingne also appeared in ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ and has pursued music and documentary work alongside screen performances.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda modeled for magazines early on, including notable fashion covers, while studying acting. Those assignments built visibility that complemented her theatre and on-camera training.

She later starred in films such as ‘Barbarella’, ‘Klute’, and ‘Coming Home’, earning major awards for her performances. Fonda returned to series television with ‘Grace and Frankie’, adding to a career that also spans fitness publishing and documentary work.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone signed with a top modeling agency and worked in New York and Europe, appearing in print and television commercials. She then pivoted to acting classes and small roles, steadily building a screen résumé.

Stone gained wide recognition with ‘Basic Instinct’ and received major accolades for ‘Casino’. Other notable credits include ‘Total Recall’ and projects in television, where she has taken on guest and recurring roles in dramas and limited series.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields started as a child model, appearing in print and TV ads before moving into acting roles while balancing education. Early attention from advertising work led to casting in feature films as a young performer.

Her films include ‘Pretty Baby’ and ‘The Blue Lagoon’, followed by a transition to television with the sitcom ‘Suddenly Susan’. Shields has continued to work across stage, film, and TV, and has authored books reflecting on her career and education.

Kim Basinger

Kim Basinger began as a beauty-pageant contestant and commercial model, eventually signing with a major agency and working as a “Breck Girl” in national ads. After relocating to Los Angeles, she trained for screen work and secured early television roles.

She appeared in ‘Never Say Never Again’ and ‘Batman’ before winning significant awards for ‘L.A. Confidential’. Basinger’s later filmography includes thrillers and dramas, along with appearances in projects connected to the ‘Fifty Shades’ series.

Andie MacDowell

Andie MacDowell worked with leading photographers and brands, including cosmetics and fashion houses, and became known for long-running advertising partnerships. She studied acting while modeling and began auditioning for feature films.

Her screen credits include ‘Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan’, ‘Sex, Lies, and Videotape’, and ‘Groundhog Day’, followed by ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. MacDowell has continued with film and television roles, including the limited series ‘Maid’.

Monica Bellucci

Monica Bellucci modeled in Italy and later in Paris, appearing in campaigns for luxury fashion houses and fragrance lines. As interest in acting grew, she trained and began accepting European film roles.

She gained international visibility with ‘Malèna’ and later joined franchises such as ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘Spectre’. Bellucci has worked in multiple languages, alternating between European auteur cinema and large-scale commercial productions.

Rebecca Romijn

Rebecca Romijn built her profile through ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit issues and runway work, becoming a familiar face in fashion and television specials. She studied acting and gradually transitioned into screen roles.

Romijn portrayed Mystique in ‘X-Men’ and later joined ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘The Librarians’ on television. She appears as Una Chin-Riley in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’, continuing a steady presence across genre television and film.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley became a well-known runway and campaign model, including work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and collaborations with British fashion houses. She added product design and brand partnerships to her portfolio before exploring acting.

Her first major film role came with ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’, followed by ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, where she played the Splendid Angharad. Beyond screen roles, she has launched beauty ventures and continues to appear in fashion projects.

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger trained in ballet before switching to modeling in Paris, where she worked for couture and ready-to-wear labels and appeared in fragrance campaigns. She studied acting and moved into European and American films.

Kruger’s roles include ‘Troy’, ‘National Treasure’, and ‘Inglourious Basterds’, as well as the crime drama ‘The Bridge’. She earned major festival recognition for ‘In the Fade’, further cementing her range in international cinema.

Olga Kurylenko

Olga Kurylenko was discovered by a scout, moved from Ukraine to Paris, and built a career in fashion editorials and campaigns. She studied acting and began securing film roles while continuing print work.

She appeared in ‘Hitman’ before playing Camille in ‘Quantum of Solace’, later joining ‘Oblivion’ opposite a science-fiction setting. Kurylenko has continued in action and drama, including a role in ‘Black Widow’.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman worked as a fashion model in New York as a teenager, appearing in magazines while taking acting classes and auditioning. She quickly moved into film, balancing independent projects with studio releases.

Thurman’s filmography includes ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, ‘Pulp Fiction’, and the ‘Kill Bill’ duology. She has also appeared on television and stage, taking on comedic, dramatic, and action-oriented roles throughout her career.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall modeled as a teenager, with a magazine cover leading to a screen test and a studio contract. Mentorship and training prepared her for a rapid transition into feature films.

She debuted opposite Humphrey Bogart in ‘To Have and Have Not’ and reunited with him in ‘The Big Sleep’ and ‘Key Largo’. Bacall later returned to prominence with roles like ‘The Mirror Has Two Faces’, adding stage work and memoirs to her body of work.

Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen modeled in Europe and the United States, working with fashion houses and catalog clients before enrolling in acting classes and university studies. She shifted steadily from print and runway assignments to auditions.

She played Xenia Onatopp in ‘GoldenEye’ and later portrayed Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ films. Janssen’s credits include the action series ‘Taken’ and television roles in shows like ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Hemlock Grove’.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone became a leading Indian model, featuring in major fashion weeks, print campaigns, and the Kingfisher Calendar. After formal acting training and music-video appearances, she made the move to feature films.

She made her Hindi-film debut with ‘Om Shanti Om’ and went on to headline ‘Chennai Express’ and ‘Padmaavat’, among other hits. Padukone has also worked in Hollywood with ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ and continues to lead films such as ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan began with modeling and advertising assignments before winning an international pageant that amplified her global visibility. She signed beauty contracts and appeared at major festivals while preparing for film roles.

Her acclaimed performances include ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ and ‘Devdas’, with historical drama in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and contemporary roles in ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’. She has also appeared in international projects like ‘Bride & Prejudice’ and ‘The Pink Panther 2’.

Share your picks—who else started on the runway before conquering the screen—down in the comments!