The road from model to actor isn’t as rare as one might imagine. Both require a unique look, on-camera charisma, and the flexibility to make it work in the biz. To make the transition, you must be open to learning new things, expanding your skill set, and slowly working your way up the industry ladder.
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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” Courtesy Paramount Pictures
Although modeling and acting are very different, both models and actors must be adept at emoting and communicating a variety of moods with their faces and bodies. Specific skills that models can use in the acting realm include:
- Being comfortable in front of the camera and an audience: Comfort and confidence in different environments is key to both posing and performing.
- Getting into character: Both acting and modeling require the ability to channel the moods, emotions, and nuances that make compelling characters. A model may emulate a moody character to promote a goth clothing brand and a more wholesome one in an advertisement for a family-friendly theme park. It’s all about leaning into the performative.
- Knowing how to communicate nonverbally: From smizing to voguing, models communicate through their body, gestures, and facial expressions. This ability is also what differentiates acting greats from the rest—think of Jack Nicholson’s famously expressive eyebrows and the vast array of emotions Viola Davis can share with just a single look.
- Experience working on a professional set: Experience working with photographers, clothing and makeup, and other people in the industry smooths the transition into becoming an actor.
- Understanding the process: The high-pressure process of growing your career bears many similarities for modeling and acting. Both positions entail refining your unique style, auditioning, networking, growing your social media presence, attending industry events, and being open to opportunities.
The Best Model Poses to Practice & Perfect 
Eddie Redmayne in “Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald” Courtesy Warner Bros.
It is possible to be a model and an actor simultaneously—but it might be difficult. You may come to a point where you have to prioritize one career over the other, especially if you’re asked to travel or work on a longer project. The good news? Multihyphenates are desired now more than ever before in entertainment.
Cara Delevingne on “Only Murders in the Building” Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu
Making the move from modeling to acting requires that you learn about acting and your acting type, practice, work with an agent, find gigs, and self-promote.
1. Decide what kind of actor you want to be
Are you drawn to drama on the silver screen? Do you thrive showcasing your sitcom-style comedic chops? Or do you prefer the live performance of stage acting? It helps to narrow down your acting type so you can work on deepening your skill set for that type—and you can always broaden your range from there.
2. Study
Immerse yourself in learning about acting. Start by observing other actors across media in films, plays, commercials, and TV. Learn the fundamentals of acting, especially when it comes to elements that you don’t often use for modeling, such as speech and voice control. During this process, you’ll get a clearer idea of what type of acting you’re interested in pursuing. If you find a performance particularly moving, try to discern exactly why, and see if there are elements you can incorporate into your own creative work. Read scripts, plays, and how-to guides about acting. Learn what the different types of production processes look like and the elements that casting directors look for in auditions.
3. Take acting classes
Once you have some foundational knowledge about acting, taking acting classes can help to hone your skills and gain confidence. You can take classes on topics including scene study, technique, auditioning, on-camera acting, cold reading, improv, commercials, vocal training, and body and movement.
To choose an acting class, ask friends in the industry if they have any recommendations and search through reviews of teachers and studios. If you can’t find any in-person classes nearby that speak to you, you can always take online classes. Seek out classes that are challenging yet introductory enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Another benefit of acting classes? You’ll be able to network with those in the industry, from course leaders to directors. You might also be presented with opportunities to gain acting experience.
4. Practice
Keep up with the acting classes, attend workshops, and work with an acting coach. The more you refine your acting technique, the more likely you’ll be able to land gigs.
How to Become an Actor With No Experience 5. Gather your acting materials
You’ll need an acting résumé, headshots (luckily, you likely have those already from your modeling career), and a professional actor website to get started.
6. Get an acting agent
Working with an agent is the best way to grow your career as an actor. Agents take much of the secondary work required to be an actor off your hands, including submitting for auditions, pitching for roles, following up on submissions and auditions, and all things negotiations. Look for an agent who works at a legitimate agency that has lots of reviews, a professional site, and SAG-AFTRA status.
7. Promote yourself
Making the move from modeling to acting is essentially a form of rebranding. Take some time to define your personal brand as an actor. Consider how that relates to your brand as a model, and then use that to market yourself.
- Use social media. Follow casting directors, agencies, and other actors—particularly models-turned-actors—and interact with them as much as possible across social media platforms. Post about your interest in moving from modeling to acting and be responsive to feedback.
- Reach out to people in the biz. If you’re migrating from modeling to acting, there’s a good chance that you already know some people in the industry. Suggest going out for a coffee, get talking about your aspirations, and ask for career advice.
- Attend acting conferences, conventions, and expos. Events such as the A1 Conference, SAG-AFTRA conference, Southwest Actors Conference & Expo, Actors Pro Expo, the Actor’s Convention, and local theater alliance events are great ways to rub shoulders with other actors and people involved in acting.
8. Submit to roles
Use our auditions and casting calls database to submit to roles. Be open to extra, background, and day player roles, which help build your acting résumé and get you acquainted with working on a set.
9. Be realistic but optimistic
Although being a model means you have a foot up in the industry, you’ll still need to work hard to get into your acting groove. It might take a lot of time and effort to transition, but remember to keep your eye on the prize.
Andrea Raffin/Humberto Vidal/Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Many actors started off as models, and some of them continue to model today. Famous models-turned-actors include:
- Mark Wahlberg: Long before appearing in “Ted” (2012) and “Uncharted” (2022), Wahlberg appeared in 1990s Calvin Klein underwear adverts and commercials.
- Channing Tatum: The “Magic Mike” (2012) and “Dog” (2022) actor modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch in 2001, sporting a rugby shirt and a chicken mascot uniform.
- Jamie Dornan: The star of “The Fall” (2013–16) and “Belfast” (2021) initially got his start in modeling. He modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch in 2002 and Calvin Klein in 2005.
- January Jones: Another member of the Abercrombie & Fitch model alumni, the “Mad Men” (2007–15) actor sported a denim jacket and boho-style earrings for the brand back in 2005.
- Elle MacPherson: The famous supermodel may be better known for her catwalks, but she’s also worked as an actor, including a part on “Friends” (1999–00) and one in “Batman & Robin” (1997).
- Cara Delevingne: After starting her career in modeling, Delevingne expanded her range to include acting. Her credits include “Paper Towns” (2015), “Suicide Squad” (2016), and “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” (2017).
- Milla Jovovich: Jovovich found fame as a supermodel in the 1990s and 2000s and was even named designer Miuccia Prada’s muse in 2002. Her acting work includes “The Fifth Element” (1997), “Ultraviolet” (2006), and the “Resident Evil” franchise (2002–16).
