There are a lot of attractive male actors that did not start their careers in show biz. Popular and well-known actors of today such as the new 50 Shades of Grey hottie, Jamie Dornan, and Vampire Diaries’ Ian Somerhalder got their start as male models. A number of these actors stripped down to their underwear and showed off for brands like Calvin Klein. Josh Holloway found success strutting his stuff on the runway, while Chad Michael Murray made his mark in Tommy Hilfiger.
At one point or another, these men left the modeling world in order to pursue another career. They have found success on both the big and small screen, starring in famous movies and sitcoms. Although a loss to the modeling industry, we enjoy having the eye candy in our favorite shows and movies. Here is a top ten list of attractive male actors that started out as models.
10. Antonio Sabato Jr.
Antonio Sabato Jr. got our attention long before he appeared just about everywhere on TV. In 1990, he was flaunting his body as a Calvin Klein underwear model. He is now most known for his work in The Bold and the Beautiful, and General Hospital: Night Shift.
9. Josh Holloway
Before Josh Hollaway was stranded on an island, he was a runway model in Europe throughout the '90s. He made his TV debut in 1999, and continued to land small roles. That is until he was cast as conniving, sarcastic, “redneck,” Sawyer in Lost.
8. Josh Duhamel
Josh Duhamel was a model before he broke into the acting business. He even won Male Model of the Year Award in an International Modeling and Talent Association competition in 1997. The runner-up of this competition was former model turned actor, Ashton Kutcher.
7. James Marsden
Before breaking into acting as a leading man, James Marsden was a Versace model. He landed himself a role in X-Men and Disney's Enchanted.
6. Chad Michael Murray
Before landing a role in Gilmore Girls, Dawson’s Creek, and most notably, One Tree Hill, Chad Michael Murray modeled for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Gucci.
5. Ian Somerhalder
Lost and The Vampire Diaries hottie Ian Somerhalder was a model before he decided to go into acting when he was 17.
4. Jamie Dornan
Jamie Dornan, soon to be Christian Grey for the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey was a Calvin Klein underwear model before he began his acting career opposite Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette.
3. Ashton Kutcher
Before starring as Kelso in That 70’s Show, Ashton Kutcher modeled underwear for Joe Boxer and Calvin Klein.
2. Mark Wahlberg
When Mark Wahlberg was known as rapper Marky Mark, he was a popular underwear model for Calvin Klein. He later broke into Hollywood success with Boogie Nights. His career continued to climb, and he received an Oscar nomination for his role in The Departed in 2006.
1. Channing Tatum
Before he was famous, Channing Tatum was an exotic dancer and a model for brands such as Nautica and Abercrombie & Fitch.