Olivia Wilde
Few people know that Olivia Wilde used to model for Abercrombie & Fitch. Her modeling career was short-lived, however, as she chose to pursue acting instead. When she began her career on television, she appeared on a show called “skins” under the name Jewel Goldman. She changed her name to Olivia Wilde after her favorite writer, Oscar Wilde.
The actress made a breakthrough in her career after she earned a role on “The O.C.” and later on “House.” Wilde has also appeared in films including “The Change-Up,” “In Time,” “Butter,” and more. She hasn’t permanently quit modeling. In fact, she’s recently finished a five-year partnership with Revlon.
Leighton Meester
Most people recognize Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf from “Gossip Girl,” but before taking on this role she was a model. She appeared in ads for Jimmy Choo, Herbal Essences, Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, and Limited Too. Meester also dabbled in acting as a child, appearing in commercials for Tamagotchi and Clearasil.
Before her breakout role, Meester made guest appearances in “Law & Order,” “Veronica Mars,” “Entourage,” and more. While starring on “Gossip Girl,” Meester continued to do some modeling. During this time she partnered with Reebok, Nikon, and more.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow was born to appear before the camera. She started acting in films as a teenager but did some modeling as well. This included an ad for Esprit condoms, which seems to be right up the actress’s alley. Paltrow went on to appear in her first film, “High,” which was directed by her father.
She went on to appear in other films like “Hook,” “Se7en,” and “Shakespeare in Love.” Despite becoming a successful actress, Paltrow never stopped modeling. She became the face of Coach and Estée Lauder's Pleasures perfume. Today, she mostly models for her lifestyle brand, Goop.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt used to serve as the face of Levi’s jeans, appearing in both print and commercial ads. His modeling career didn’t last long though, as his acting abilities quickly got him noticed by Hollywood. After several uncredited appearances on film, he earned his first major role on the NBC soap opera “Another World.”
It wasn’t long before his acting career took off, and Pitt was everywhere you looked. His breakthrough was when he was cast in “Interview with the Vampire”. Now an award-winning actor, Pitt is best known for starring in “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Fight Club,” and “Inglourious Basterds.”
Mark Wahlberg
At the age of 13, Mark Wahlberg was one of the original members of New Kids On The Block. He left the group abruptly, however, to start his own group, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. During this time he also did some modeling work and is best known for showing off his abs in an ad for Calvin Klein underwear.
Wahlberg's first acting gig was in the TV film “The Substitute,” inspiring him to change his name from Marky Mark to Mark Wahlberg. Since then he has appeared in many popular films including “The Departed,” “The Lovely Bones,” and “Daddy’s Home.”