The trajectory from dominating the glossy pages of Vogue to commanding the intimate close-up of a Netflix series has become a definitive modern career arc. In an era where personal branding is paramount and streaming services offer boundless content opportunities, top models are increasingly leveraging their global visibility and on-camera training to make the jump to Hollywood. These are not just fleeting cameos; many are securing major roles in prestige television and blockbuster films, proving that the discipline learned on the runway translates powerfully to the dramatic arts.
The Foundation: Presence and Professionalism
The success of models who shift to acting isn’t just a happy accident of good looks; it’s a testament to the rigorous, demanding environment of high fashion. The modeling world prepares them for acting in crucial ways: Camera Comfort, Discipline, and Character Embodiment. This intense training makes them uniquely suited for the demanding schedules and focused performance required on a film set.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne is a key example of the modern pivot. After defining the “It Girl” look of the 2010s, she deliberately shifted her focus. She moved from major film roles like Suicide Squad to starring in the Amazon Prime fantasy series Carnival Row and more recently the Hulu hit Only Murders in the Building. Her ability to cultivate a quirky, authentic persona online helped convince audiences and casting directors of her range beyond the runway.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy is a fascinating example. Although she had a brief but impactful early modeling career that led to her being discovered, her rise to stardom has been almost exclusively cinematic. Roles in The Witch, and particularly her magnetic, Golden Globe-winning performance in Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, cemented her status as a serious actress capable of carrying a massive global series. Her success proves that a compelling presence, whether in a photo shoot or on screen, is the most crucial asset.
Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski, known for her boundary-pushing modeling and massive social presence, has strategically taken on supporting roles in acclaimed projects like the film Gone Girl. While maintaining her modeling and writing career, she utilizes her unique brand of fame and visual impact to lend a specific type of contemporary authenticity to dramatic narratives, demonstrating how models can selectively choose roles that amplify their existing personal brand.
Hoyeon (Jung Hoyeon)
A truly explosive case of the transition is Hoyeon (Jung Hoyeon). A successful high-fashion model who walked for major houses and appeared on Vogue covers, she made her acting debut in the Netflix global phenomenon Squid Game. Her performance earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award and instantly catapulted her from a major name in fashion to a major name in Hollywood, showcasing the immense potential for models to break through using the reach of streaming content.
