MomSkoop
Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars didn’t start their careers on movie sets—they began in front of fashion cameras. Many wealthy actors today first made their mark as models, gracing magazine covers and runway shows before transitioning to the silver screen.
Their journeys from modeling to acting prove that talent and ambition can open doors to incredible success and fortune.
1. Charlize Theron
Born in South Africa, Charlize didn’t plan to become a movie star.
She moved to New York at 18 to pursue modeling and dance.
A chance encounter with a talent agent in a Los Angeles bank changed everything.
Her raw talent caught Hollywood’s attention quickly.
Winning an Academy Award for Monster cemented her place among acting royalty.
Today, she’s also a powerful producer with her own company.
Her estimated net worth exceeds $170 million.
Beauty, brains, and business savvy make her one of the industry’s most respected figures.
2. Cameron Diaz
At just 16, Cameron signed with Elite Model Management and appeared in magazines worldwide.
Modeling took her to exotic locations and introduced her to the entertainment world.
Her acting debut in The Mask opposite Jim Carrey was pure luck—and pure magic.
Audiences loved her bubbly personality and natural comedic timing.
Throughout the 2000s, she commanded $20 million per film.
Hits like Charlie’s Angels and Shrek made her a household name.
With a fortune estimated at $140 million, she now enjoys retirement focused on family and wellness.
3. Mark Wahlberg
Remember those iconic Calvin Klein underwear ads?
Mark’s chiseled physique made them unforgettable in the early 1990s.
Before modeling, he was rapper Marky Mark, but he wanted more.
Acting seemed like a natural next step for someone hungry to prove himself.
His performance in Boogie Nights showed he had serious talent beyond his looks.
Since then, he’s starred in blockbusters and produced hit shows like Entourage.
Worth around $400 million today, Mark built an empire through film, TV production, and smart business investments including burger chains.
4. Gal Gadot
Winning Miss Israel at 18 launched Gal into the modeling spotlight.
She balanced photo shoots with mandatory military service in the Israeli Defense Forces.
Her athletic background and discipline made her perfect for action roles.
Landing Wonder Woman transformed her from model to global superhero icon.
The Wonder Woman films earned over $1.6 billion worldwide combined.
Her portrayal inspired millions of young girls and redefined female superheroes.
With an estimated net worth of $30 million and climbing, Gal continues landing major roles and endorsement deals worldwide.
5. Halle Berry
Pageant crowns came naturally to Halle—she won Miss Teen All American and finished as first runner-up in Miss USA.
Modeling gigs followed, but she dreamed bigger.
Breaking into Hollywood wasn’t easy for a Black woman in the 1990s.
She persevered through rejection and small roles until her breakthrough came.
Making history as the first Black woman to win Best Actress at the Oscars remains her proudest achievement.
Her emotional acceptance speech moved millions.
Now worth approximately $90 million, Halle continues acting and producing while breaking barriers for diverse representation.
6. Jason Statham
Before throwing punches on screen, Jason was a competitive diver who represented Britain at the World Championships.
His athletic physique caught the eye of modeling scouts.
French Connection hired him for their athletic wear campaigns in the 1990s.
Director Guy Ritchie spotted him and cast him in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
His tough-guy persona and real martial arts skills made him an action star.
The Transporter and Fast & Furious franchises solidified his status.
Jason’s estimated $90 million fortune comes from doing most of his own stunts and choosing smart, action-packed projects.
7. Milla Jovovich
At age 11, Milla graced the cover of an Italian magazine, launching a supermodel career.
She walked runways for top designers and appeared in countless fashion editorials.
Her ethereal beauty made her a favorite of photographers worldwide.
But she craved artistic challenges beyond striking poses.
The Resident Evil franchise gave her that opportunity—six films spanning 15 years.
She performed intense fight choreography and became synonymous with video game adaptations.
Worth an estimated $50 million, Milla balances acting with designing her own clothing line and raising her family.
8. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Winning Miss World 2000 at just 18 years old changed Priyanka’s life forever.
The crown opened doors to Bollywood, where she quickly became one of India’s biggest stars.
Not content with dominating one film industry, she set her sights on Hollywood.
Landing the lead role in the TV series Quantico made her a crossover sensation.
She’s now a global brand—actress, producer, singer, and entrepreneur.
Her production company champions diverse stories from South Asia.
With an estimated net worth of $70 million, Priyanka proves talent and determination can conquer any border or barrier.
9. Brooke Shields
Few people can say they modeled as a baby, but Brooke can.
Her mother pushed her into the spotlight at 11 months old for Ivory Soap.
By 12, she was already controversial—appearing in provocative Calvin Klein jeans ads.
Movies like The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love made her a teen icon. Later, she found success in TV comedies and Broadway shows.
Her estimated $40 million net worth reflects decades of consistent work.
Brooke remains active in entertainment while advocating for mental health awareness.
10. Ashton Kutcher
Picture a college kid studying biochemical engineering who gets discovered at a bar.
That’s exactly how Ashton’s journey began in Iowa.
Modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch paid better than studying molecules.
He soon moved to Los Angeles to try acting.
That ’70s Show made him America’s favorite goofball for eight seasons.
Movies like Dude, Where’s My Car? and later Jobs showcased his range.
Smart tech investments in companies like Uber and Airbnb boosted his fortune to approximately $200 million.
He’s as savvy with money as he is charming on screen.
11. Tyra Banks
Rejection from four modeling agencies couldn’t stop Tyra.
At 15, she signed with Elite Model Management and quickly became a runway sensation.
She was the first Black woman on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Her modeling achievements broke significant racial barriers.
Acting roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and movies showed her versatility.
But creating and hosting America’s Next Top Model became her legacy.
Worth an estimated $90 million, Tyra built a media empire through producing, writing books, and empowering young women worldwide.
12. Uma Thurman
Standing nearly six feet tall at 15, Uma felt awkward until modeling scouts saw her unique beauty.
She worked briefly as a teen model in New York.
Acting classes revealed her true passion, though.
Her breakthrough came with Dangerous Liaisons, but Pulp Fiction made her unforgettable.
Quentin Tarantino’s muse, she delivered iconic performances in his films.
Her yellow tracksuit from Kill Bill remains one of cinema’s most recognizable costumes.
With a net worth around $45 million, Uma continues choosing interesting, complex roles that challenge her considerable acting abilities.
13. Sofía Vergara
Discovered walking on a Colombian beach at 17, Sofía became a popular TV host and model throughout Latin America.
Her charisma and curves made her a regional sensation.
Moving to Miami to escape violence in Colombia, she rebuilt her career in English.
Small roles slowly led to bigger opportunities.
Landing Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family changed everything.
For years, she was television’s highest-paid actress, earning $500,000 per episode.
Her estimated $180 million fortune includes acting income, endorsement deals, and her own production company.
Sofía proves that accents and authenticity are assets, not obstacles.