Models who became successful actresses

Discover the women who dominated the runways before conquering the big screen. This list celebrates the careers of high fashion models who successfully transitioned into the world of acting, establishing themselves as influential figures in Hollywood and beyond. From classic icons to contemporary stars, explore how these artists demonstrated their versatility and talent. Get to know the actresses who began their careers in modeling and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

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  1. 1

    Charlize Theron

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    • Began career as a model

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    Charlize Theron began her professional journey as a model before establishing a highly successful acting career, demonstrating a remarkable transition from the runway to the big screen. Her acting talent earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Monster", highlighting her ability to take on complex and transformative roles.

  2. 2

    Halle Berry

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    • Transitioned from successful beauty queen and model to major Hollywood star

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    Halle Berry began her career in modeling before successfully transitioning into acting, where she reached the pinnacle of the film industry. Her most notable achievement includes becoming the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her status as a high-caliber actress.

  3. 3

    Jennifer Connelly

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    • Began career as a child model

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    Jennifer Connelly began her career in modeling before achieving significant success in acting, starring in acclaimed films like "Labyrinth" and "A Beautiful Mind". Her talent was recognized with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the latter, demonstrating a successful transition and establishment in the film industry.

  4. 4

    Cameron Diaz

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    • Began modeling career at 16

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    Cameron Diaz began her career as a model at 16, working in Japan and appearing on magazine covers before transitioning into film. Her debut in "The Mask" (1994) launched her into a highly successful acting career, starring in numerous critically and commercially successful films.

  5. 5

    Lauren Bacall

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    • Photogenic young model

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    Lauren Bacall began her career as a fashion model before making a successful and legendary transition to film. Her distinctive presence and talent propelled her to stardom, cementing an acting career that made her a Hollywood icon. Her trajectory demonstrates how a foundation in modeling can be a springboard for a highly impactful cinematic career.

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  7. 6

    Grace Kelly

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    • Became a successful actress

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    Grace Kelly began her career as a model before achieving fame as one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses in the 1950s. Her transition from modeling to a successful film career, culminating in an Oscar, demonstrates her versatility and talent. Her legacy as an actress and princess makes her a prime example of this trajectory.

  8. 7

    Uma Thurman

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    • Began career as a fashion model at age 15

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    Uma Thurman began her professional journey as a fashion model at age 15, gracing covers of magazines like British Vogue before transitioning into acting. Her move to cinema proved highly successful, securing prominent roles in films such as "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill," which established her as an internationally recognized actress.

  9. 8

    Monica Bellucci

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    • Began career as a fashion model

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    Monica Bellucci began her career as a highly successful fashion model before making a remarkable transition into acting. Her ability to establish a distinctive screen presence allowed her to build an international acting career in Italian, American, and French films.

  10. 9

    Andie MacDowell

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    • Had a successful modeling career

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    Andie MacDowell began her career as an internationally successful model before making a remarkable transition to acting. She secured leading roles in acclaimed films such as 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape' and 'Groundhog Day', solidifying her status as a versatile and recognized actress.

  11. 10

    Rebecca Romijn

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    • Portrayed Mystique in X-Men film series

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    Rebecca Romijn began her career as a successful model, posing for publications like Sports Illustrated and brands such as Victoria's Secret. She subsequently made a notable transition into acting, establishing herself with iconic roles like Mystique in the original 'X-Men' trilogy. Her career demonstrates a successful evolution from the catwalks to both the big and small screens, with prominent roles in film and television.

  12. 11

    Rene Russo

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    • Began career as a model

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    Rene Russo had a highly successful career as a fashion model in the 1970s, appearing on covers for Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Her transition to film saw her star in major action films and thrillers throughout the 1990s, establishing her as a notable actress.

  13. 12

    Tyra Banks

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    • Appeared in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"

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    Tyra Banks has demonstrated a remarkable transition from supermodel to a recognized actress, participating in various film and television productions. Her ability to diversify her career beyond the runways establishes her as an example of success in acting for models.

  14. 13

    Cara Delevingne

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    • Won two Teen Choice Awards for Paper Towns

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    Cara Delevingne began her career as a highly successful fashion model, winning Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards twice. She subsequently made a notable transition into acting, taking on significant roles in high-profile films such as "Paper Towns", "Suicide Squad", and "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets".

  15. 14

    Emily Ratajkowski

    0 Global Votes
    • Became a successful actress

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    Emily Ratajkowski has made a notable transition from the runways to the big screen, establishing herself as a recognized actress. Her role in 2014's "Gone Girl" marked a turning point, paving the way for other performances in films such as "We Are Your Friends" and "Cruise".