Most Famous Actors who Started as Models

From magazine covers and runway shows to leading roles on screens worldwide, plenty of well-known male actors first learned how to work in front of a camera as models. That early experience with posing, presence, and brand storytelling often opened doors to commercials, music videos, and eventually auditions for film and television roles. Many also signed with major agencies, fronted campaigns for global labels, and built name recognition before their first credited parts.

This list spotlights thirty male actors who began their careers in modeling before transitioning to acting. For each, you’ll find a quick look at the modeling chapter—agencies, campaigns, and milestones—followed by the projects that helped them gain momentum in film and television. Titles of movies and shows are in single quotes to keep things clear and consistent throughout.

Mark Wahlberg

Before film stardom, Mark Wahlberg worked as a professional model and became widely recognizable through high-profile underwear campaigns that made heavy rotation in print and outdoor advertising. The exposure led to broader entertainment opportunities, including music videos and commercials that put his name and image in front of casting directors.

He moved into acting with roles that showcased dramatic range and physicality, leading to standout performances in titles such as ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘The Departed’, and ‘The Fighter’. He has since built a long-running career across drama, action, and comedy, as well as producing projects for film and television.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum began as a fashion and commercial model, appearing in catalog work and brand campaigns for labels in apparel and lifestyle. He also booked early television commercials, which leveraged his comfort on camera and helped him transition smoothly toward screen auditions.

His breakout came through dance-centered storytelling in ‘Step Up’, followed by star-making turns in ‘Magic Mike’ and action-comedy work in ’21 Jump Street’. Those projects established him as a bankable lead who could move between physical roles and character-driven ensembles.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher was discovered by a talent scout and signed with modeling agencies that placed him in fashion capitals and major print campaigns, including work associated with Calvin Klein. The modeling circuit introduced him to on-camera sets and production schedules that mirrored television days.

He shifted into sitcom and film roles with ‘That ’70s Show’, expanded into unscripted television with ‘Punk’d’, and later anchored projects like ‘No Strings Attached’ and ‘The Ranch’. Alongside acting, he has produced multiple series and features, drawing on early lessons in branding from his modeling years.

Jamie Dornan

Jamie Dornan’s modeling career included headline campaigns for fashion houses such as Calvin Klein and Dior, building a global profile across magazines and billboards. That visibility made him a familiar face to casting teams seeking intensity and range for complex roles.

He earned critical attention on television with ‘The Fall’ and reached worldwide audiences in the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ film series. He has continued to balance television miniseries and feature films, including acclaimed work in ‘Belfast’, while occasionally returning to fashion editorials.

Jason Statham

Jason Statham modeled for contemporary fashion labels, most notably working with French Connection, after a competitive athletics background in diving. The combination of athletic discipline and modeling exposure led him to commercial shoots and industry introductions beyond fashion.

He parlayed that experience into screen roles that emphasized practical stunts and tightly choreographed action, first gaining notice in ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ and then headlining ‘The Transporter’. His filmography now includes ensemble franchises such as ‘Fast & Furious’ and action vehicles like ‘The Expendables’.

Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder started out as a model with campaigns and runway work for international brands, including assignments linked to Calvin Klein, Guess, and Dolce & Gabbana. Time spent on sets helped him build comfort with direction, lighting, and audience-facing performance.

He established a television following with roles in ‘Lost’ and later led the cast of ‘The Vampire Diaries’. He has since continued in genre and drama projects, including ‘V Wars’, while remaining active in advocacy and production efforts shaped by his long experience in front of the camera.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson worked as a teen model for British brands and magazines, which led to print editorials and commercial appearances. Those early shoots provided a foundation in styling, character posing, and set etiquette before he began pursuing screen roles.

He achieved global fame with the ‘Twilight’ saga and subsequently diversified into auteur-driven projects like ‘Good Time’ and ‘The Lighthouse’. He later took on the title role in ‘The Batman’, continuing a path that mixes studio blockbusters with independent cinema.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore paid early-career bills through catalog and commercial modeling, gaining steady experience on photo sets and in campaign work. The exposure helped him secure auditions for daytime television and primetime pilots.

He became a familiar face on soap operas with ‘The Young and the Restless’ and later headlined procedural dramas such as ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’. His career includes producing and hosting credits, built on the on-camera confidence developed during his modeling start.

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou was discovered by fashion designer Thierry Mugler and walked runways while appearing in high-visibility editorials. Music video appearances further expanded his on-screen skill set and introduced him to narrative storytelling.

His transition to film brought powerful performances in ‘Amistad’ and ‘Blood Diamond’, with additional roles in large-scale productions like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He continues to work across prestige drama and franchise entertainment, often in roles that draw on his commanding presence.

Tom Welling

Tom Welling worked as a model with European and U.S. agencies, doing catalog and commercial print that placed him in front of major retail brands. The steady bookings provided a pathway to audition rooms for television roles.

He won widespread recognition as Clark Kent in ‘Smallville’, later adding film credits such as ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’. He has also produced and directed television episodes, building on early training in framing, composition, and audience engagement that began in modeling.

Josh Duhamel

Josh Duhamel was a successful model, earning industry recognition, including a Male Model of the Year honor at a major talent convention. Work across print, runway, and commercials gave him a platform to test for scripted roles.

He broke through on television with ‘Las Vegas’ and moved into films as part of the ‘Transformers’ series. He has balanced studio features with television leads, including ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’, maintaining a presence across genres that suit his action and dramatic chops.

Kellan Lutz

Kellan Lutz appeared in fashion editorials and catalog campaigns, including work with lifestyle brands and print spreads that circulated widely. The modeling bookings led to commercial appearances and youth-oriented castings.

He reached international audiences with the ‘Twilight’ films and later took on action-focused roles in ‘The Legend of Hercules’. Television work, including ‘FBI: Most Wanted’, extended his range into procedural storytelling and ensemble dynamics.

Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch signed with a major modeling agency and worked in print campaigns and commercials while recovering from a sports injury that ended hockey ambitions. The industry connections he made through modeling led him to acting classes and auditions.

He drew acclaim for the character arc of Tim Riggins in ‘Friday Night Lights’, then led projects such as ‘John Carter’ and portrayed real-life figures in ‘Waco’. He has continued with grounded drama and limited series work, including a key turn in ‘True Detective’.

Travis Fimmel

Travis Fimmel was scouted in Australia and quickly landed global campaigns, most famously fronting Calvin Klein ads that made him a recognizable face. The visibility accelerated opportunities in commercials and screen tests.

He transitioned into television as the central figure of ‘Vikings’ and later starred in the sci-fi series ‘Raised by Wolves’. Feature films such as ‘Warcraft’ showcased his ability to anchor effects-heavy storytelling while retaining the grounded intensity that marked his early roles.

Godfrey Gao

Godfrey Gao’s modeling career included a landmark achievement as the first Asian male model to be a global face for Louis Vuitton. That distinction, along with other fashion work, made him a cross-market figure in both Chinese-language media and international campaigns.

His acting expanded from Taiwanese dramas to Hollywood with ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ and Chinese features including ‘Shanghai Fortress’. He became a bridge figure for East–West co-productions, appearing in projects across multiple languages and formats.

Daniel Henney

Daniel Henney worked as a model in the United States and South Korea, booking fashion editorials and commercials that established his bilingual marketability. The transpacific exposure positioned him for roles on Korean television.

He gained wide recognition with the romantic comedy drama ‘My Lovely Sam-Soon’ and later joined American network series in ‘Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders’. His feature credits include ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’, and he appears in the fantasy series ‘The Wheel of Time’.

John Abraham

John Abraham rose to prominence as a model in India through print campaigns, runway shows, and a national talent hunt victory. His profile led to widespread advertising work before he made the leap to films.

He debuted in Hindi cinema and became a marquee action star with titles like ‘Dhoom’, later moving into production and politically themed thrillers such as ‘Madras Cafe’. His filmography spans action, drama, and ensemble comedies, reflecting a versatile career after modeling.

Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal built a top-tier modeling career with runway and print assignments for leading Indian and international designers. Frequent magazine covers and campaign work made him a natural fit for screen auditions.

He moved into films with a steady slate of roles and earned recognition for performances in ‘Rock On!!’ and appearances in commercial successes such as ‘Om Shanti Om’. He continues to work across mainstream cinema and streaming projects, often taking on layered antagonists and mentors.

Milind Soman

Milind Soman is widely recognized as one of India’s first male supermodels, with extensive print, runway, and music video appearances. His visibility across advertising helped normalize male fashion endorsements in a rapidly growing market.

He transitioned into acting with television and film, including the cult sci-fi series ‘Captain Vyom’ and the streaming hit ‘Four More Shots Please!’. He also appears in feature films and reality formats, leveraging a public persona shaped by years in front of the lens.

Noah Mills

Noah Mills achieved international success as a fashion model, notably working with Dolce & Gabbana and other major houses across campaigns and runways. He later began auditioning for screen roles that benefited from his ease on set.

His acting credits include ‘Sex and the City 2’ and television leads in ‘The Brave’. He has since appeared in ensemble series such as ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ and ‘The Equalizer’, continuing to build a steady television portfolio.

Kim Woo-bin

Kim Woo-bin started as a runway model in South Korea, walking for top designers and appearing in fashion editorials that quickly raised his profile. The momentum led to commercials and casting opportunities in youth dramas.

He became a household name with the school drama ‘The Heirs’ and the melodrama ‘Uncontrollably Fond’. After a health hiatus, he returned to screen work and continued to add film and series credits, including the omnibus drama ‘Our Blues’.

Nam Joo-hyuk

Nam Joo-hyuk began as a model, appearing in fashion shows and editorial spreads that led to music video features and screen tests. The modeling-to-acting pathway gave him familiarity with camera blocking and performance.

He broke out in coming-of-age and youth dramas such as ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo’ and later headlined ‘Start-Up’. He expanded into more serious material with ‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’, balancing film roles alongside serial television work.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa won a regional modeling honor in Hawaii and booked catalog and lifestyle shoots that highlighted his athletic build. He soon transitioned to television casting, starting with lifeguard roles that fit his background.

He gained early recognition on ‘Baywatch’ and later joined genre television with ‘Game of Thrones’. His move into blockbuster cinema included the title role in ‘Aquaman’, building a franchise presence while maintaining television projects and producing credits.

Mehcad Brooks

Mehcad Brooks worked in fashion and commercial modeling, including high-visibility underwear campaigns that boosted his name recognition. Those credits supported a shift into auditions for teen and genre television.

He built a resume with ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘True Blood’ and later became a series regular on ‘Supergirl’. His film appearances include action titles such as ‘Mortal Kombat’, complementing ongoing television work in procedurals and dramas.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne appeared in fashion campaigns for Burberry, bringing a classic look to menswear shoots alongside notable models and actors. The modeling experience coincided with stage work that sharpened his performance craft.

He transitioned to film with roles that culminated in acclaimed turns in ‘The Theory of Everything’ and ‘The Danish Girl’. He also joined a major wizarding franchise with ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’, combining prestige projects with large-scale fantasy.

Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe, signed with leading agencies, became a prominent fashion and commercial model with extensive magazine and campaign credits. His multilingual background and athletic history added to his versatility in advertising.

He shifted to acting with a key role in the series ‘Soul Food’ and later appeared in films such as ‘Brown Sugar’. He remains active on television, including roles in ‘Station 19’, while continuing philanthropic and hosting endeavors.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje modeled in Europe, working in Milan and other fashion hubs before moving toward acting. His early exposure to international sets and stylists proved useful as he pursued screen roles.

He established a strong television presence with ‘Oz’ and ‘Lost’, then expanded into films including ‘Suicide Squad’. He has also written and directed, drawing on a global career that started with editorial spreads and runway bookings.

William Levy

William Levy began as a model and pageant participant, leading to commercial work and music video appearances in the Latin market. This visibility helped him land roles in Spanish-language television.

He headlined telenovelas like ‘Triunfo del amor’ and ‘Cuidado con el ángel’ before appearing in English-language projects, including ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’. He continues to work across markets, splitting time between series work and films.

Sidharth Malhotra

Sidharth Malhotra started his career as a model, walking runways and shooting print campaigns in India and abroad. He later worked behind the scenes in film production, which gave him a practical understanding of sets.

He debuted as a leading man in ‘Student of the Year’ and went on to star in projects such as ‘Ek Villain’ and the biographical drama ‘Shershaah’. His choices span romance, action, and true-story adaptations, reflecting a broad post-modeling trajectory.

Jamie Campbell Bower

Jamie Campbell Bower modeled for Burberry and appeared in fashion editorials while also performing as a musician. The combined creative exposure led to casting opportunities in fantasy and historical dramas.

He moved into film with ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ and took on memorable television work in ‘Camelot’ and ‘Stranger Things’. His roles often draw on a striking screen presence honed through photo shoots and stage performances.

Share your picks in the comments—who else started in modeling before making it big on screen?