Models Crossing Over Hollywood

It seems that nowadays everybody wants to try new experiences, and not do just one thing. It regards every one of us. So, why blame the models? Yes, it’s true, more and more models seem to be interested in the movie business. A recent example is Gemma Ward, whose debut is in the suspense thriller “The Strangers”, where she is starring opposite to Liv Tyler. Another gorgeous Argentinean model, Carolina Ardohain, although she didn’t make it to the Hollywood (yet), she was proud to host some TV variety shows. The beautiful geisha, Zhang Ziyi, the 27-year-old star in “Memoirs of a geisha” was a model too. However, I would very much like to go through a “golden” list of models crossing over Hollywood, and look for some of the most beautiful and talented actors. We cannot but start with an example of a Diva: Marilyn Monroe.

Norma Jeane Dougherty started her modeling career working with “The Blue Book Agency”. A photographer discovered her, when he was doing a research in the factory Norma Jeane was working. From this point she became one of the most successful models in that agency, and not far away from the movie industry. At first, the American critics were reserved in according too much credit on her acting skills, but they didn’t hesitate to accept her sex appeal. And this was enough for her to start a career at Hollywood. The critics focused on the magnetism between Marilyn and the camera. She was the first woman in the business to open her own Production Company – Marilyn Monroe Productions. Marilyn remains in our minds with the reputation of the most legendary public image of all times.

Rene Russo is another models crossing over Hollywood. She was discovered at the age of 18, at a Rolling Stones concert, and encouraged to become a model at Ford Agency. She attracted Hollywood’s attention with the role in “Major League”. She is doing comedy (“Tin Cup” in 1996 with Kevin Costner), as well as drama (with Mel Gibson, in a thriller where she plays the role of a mother whose kid was kidnapped). Jaime King is another model that has become actress, just like Rene Russo. She left Nebraska for New York when she was only 14. Soon she became a top model, in shows for Armani, Tommy Hilfiger or Victoria’s Secret. She is also the image for Revlon. Here are some of the movies she played in: Happy Campers, Blow, Pearl Harbor, and the box-office success – Slackers. Now it’s time to talk about one of my favorite actresses of our times: Charlize Theron. She is the expression of Beauty and Grace.

Theron is coming from South Africa, but first she went to Milano for a one-year contract as a model. She went to New York where she thought she would become a great ballet dancer, but unfortunately she had a knee injury and her career seemed to have an end. It wasn’t at all like this; she became an actress and even got an Oscar in 2004 for the role in Monster. She is the image for J’Adore by Christian Dior starting from the same year 2004 and she has her own star on The Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Milla Jovovich continues the list of models crossing over Hollywood.
 

Model at the age of eleven, millionaire at fifteen, married to Luc Besson at 20, she is successful on every way: the movies, her rock band or her fashion creations. The ex child-model forced to grow up, knows exactly what to do in the changing world of Hollywood. These models are real expressions of brilliant women, who knew how to listen to their dreams. They are examples of great talent and beauty at Hollywood, so, models out there; if you think you can join these stars, feel free to believe in your dreams!