Making it in the Hollywood scene has not been easy for aspiring actors. It takes a lot of time and dedication to navigate such convoluted industry. To make it, you need thick skin, great versatility, networking skills and most importantly, talent. A great thing about Hollywood is that all of the best actors have these features prominent and credit goes to these people who have set the standards and established merit that is widely followed in the industry today.
Starting as an actor today in Hollywood does require a lot, and one key facet here is your network. If you have a strong network and people know you from previous projects, then you have a shot at any opportunity that you are suitable for. A great pathway for some has been a successful career in modeling. It works as a pivot to give people the opportunities they are aiming for. Today, many successful actors lead by the example of starting as models, working their way up to have a spot in different Hollywood productions. Here are some examples –
Cara Delevingne: The British model gained immediate success after ruling the catwalk in many fashion shows around the world. She’s been a leading model for Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu, Burberry, etc. Cara gave a shot to acting after appearing in roles in mega blockbusters like Suicide Squad and Paper Towns.
Mark Wahlberg: Mark’s campaign with Calvin Klein underwear was a mega success in the 1990s. He ruled a benchmark and remained an ideal of masculinity. Even Justin Bieber’s recent appearance for the same ad campaign by Calvin Klein as compared to that of Mark a few decades ago. Mark is a prominent actor in the Hollywood who needs zero introduction!
Jeff Gum: The American model gained success after being the face of Men's Health magazine, 2Xist underwear, and many other publications and brands for many years. He has appeared on the cover of Men's Health more than 15 times! Now a successful actor and film producer, he has starred alongside James Franco in The Vault (2017), He has starred across from Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana in The Forgiven (2018), Day of the Dead: Bloodline (2018), and is currently producing a film alongside Jamie Foxx called Groove Tails.
James Marsden: This American actor started his career as a Versace model before he hit it big in film and TV. He went on to find big success starring in films such as X-Men, 27 Dresses, and Hairspray. He is currently starring in the hit TV series Westworld.
Jamie Dornan: Jamie Dornan, the Irish actor before The Fall (TV Series) and The Fifty Shades trilogy, was only known for his modeling. He has been the face of many fashion ads for mammoth brands like Armani and Dior. His transition is something to talk about!
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: She’s a renowned model and actress. Engaged to Jason Statham, Rosie has been a popular Victoria’s Secret model. She hit big fame when she appeared in Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Mad Max: Fury Road.
These incredibly talented individuals are the flag bearers of the idea that merit is high in Hollywood and different sorts of talents and skills always come handy when you are looking to hit the top spot.