The Top 10 Best Models Turned Actors
These Models Turned Actors Are Really, Really, Ridiculously Good Looking
Beautiful, dashing young men have been a staple of the silver-screen ever since the early days of cinema. So, it makes sense that some guys who are professionally beautiful might get the thought in their heads that they could make it in movies, which is why I’m taking a look at the best models turned actors. Like you might have, I initially scoffed at the idea of some “vapid” pretty boy being able to portray the intricate depths of human emotion. Well, after doing a bit of research, I’m eating those words because there are actually a lot of great former models working on the big-screen. As I’ve implied, this list will be focusing on male models turned actors since the ladies definitely deserve a list of their own. The rankings themselves will be based on a combination of talent, success, and that certain “popcorn je ne sais quoi” when it comes to the transition from single pictures to moving ones. Now get ready for some eye candy, because this list of models turned actors is ready for the catwalk!
10. Ashton Kutcher
Notable Works: The Butterfly Effect, The Guardian, and Jobs
Ashton Kutcher is probably best known for his work on the big screen (like a number of the models turned actors on this list), but he also had a few notable movies hit theaters over the years. He’s also appeared in quite a few not so great movies, like the twin film, No Strings Attached. However, he’s consistently been one of the more pleasant parts of all the flicks he’s shown up in. Before he got into acting though, Kutcher had a contract with Calvin Kline and modeled in Milan and Paris. His dashing good looks made the transition pretty easy for him, even it took him a while to find the right roles (remember the atrocious “comedy” Dude, Where’s My Car?). He might not exactly be a household name these days, but Kutcher has been working steadily since changing careers, and I’d say that’s a pretty solid sign of success.
9. Brandon Routh
Notable Works: Superman Returns, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, and Zach and Miri Make a Porno
Like Kutcher, Brandon Routh is another of the models turned actors on this list who has found more success in tv series recently. Before moving to the CW’s DC Shared Universe, Routh actually picked up multiple comic book roles in movies as well. Perhaps his most iconic was the titular hero in Superman Returns. However, I liked him best as one of the seven evil exes in Scott Pilgrim vs the World, since he’s shown a lot of talent when it comes to comedic performances. It goes without saying that Routh is a good looking guy. I mean, have you ever seen an ugly Superman. As much as I’ve loved watching him play Ray Palmer on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, I’m hoping his recent departure means that he has more time to make movies. It could be just that he’s so dang handsome it’s hard not to like him, but I can’t help rooting for Routh to become a major leading man.
8. Tyrese Gibson
Notable Works: The Fast and Furious Franchise, Transformers, and Baby Boy
Gibson is a bit of an entertainment renaissance man having worked in everything from movies to music to just being ridiculously good looking for money. He seems to have left a lot of that behind him since he managed to snag roles in two of the biggest blockbuster franchises in the film industry these days, Transformers and the Fast and the Furious. Unfortunately, he’s had some beef with his co-star, WWE wrestler turned actor, Dwayne Johnson. Hopefully, that will all subside in time for the two to remain professional on future collaborations, especially since as successful as Gibson has been, he’s small potatoes compared to The Rock. No one is going to accuse Gibson of deserving an Oscar anytime soon, but he’s remained a solid member of ensemble casts so far. While I don’t think he’ll be ready for lead roles any time soon, I certainly don’t mind seeing him in movies.
7. Josh Duhamel
Notable Works: Transformers, Love, Simon, and Win a Date with Tad Hamilton
Up next is a guy who actually beat out one of the other models turned actors on this list for the title of Male Model of the Year in an International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) competition in 1999 (sorry, Ashton). After that, he moved from being an extra in music videos to a recurring role in soap operas, where he used that smoldering stare of his to win over stay-at-home housewives during the day. This led to him eventually getting the role of Tad Hamilton, and from there he just kept on going. Perhaps his biggest role to date is in the Transformers franchise and is one of the few actors to appear in all four films. Other than that, you can usually catch him playing the mature heartthrob in romantic flicks, which makes sense given how ridiculously handsome he is.
6. Robert Pattinson
Notable Works: The Rover, High Life, and The Lighthouse
Before Robert Pattinson was making teenage girls shriek over a sparkly vampire, he was a teenage model. As the offers started to dry up, Pattinson moved on to looking pretty while speaking at the same time. Of course, many of us regretted that at first, but he’s grown tremendously since the days of Twilight and has been actively distancing himself from playing a heartthrob. As much as I hated Twilight, I have a lot of respect for Pattinson these days. Not only that, but the guy is actually one of the better models turned actors out there. He’s taken on a wide variety of roles and has given some pretty decent performances. Pattinson’s hard work has paid off, and he’s set to join the alumni of actors to have played Batman on the big screen. As a huge fan of the superhero I’m interested to see Pattinson’s take, but I hope he does the character justice.