Before Penn Badgley was stirring up trouble as Dan Humphrey in “Gossip Girl,” he was trying to make it big in Hollywood. In addition to making appearances in shows like “Will & Grace,” “What I Like About You,” and “The Young and the Restless,” Badgley did some modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch.
Badgley’s first major role was in “John Tucker Must Die,” helping him gain the recognition to earn his role in “Gossip Girl.” Despite never having actually gone to high school, the actor spent most of his youth portraying high school students. Today he’s best known for starring in the Netflix original “You.”
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher was discovered at a bar in Iowa where he was a college student. After competing and placing first in the “Fresh Faces of Iowa” competition, Kutcher was awarded a modeling contract. This led to his appearance in ads and commercials for Calvin Klein as well as walking runways in Paris and Milan.
It was Kutcher’s success as a model that landed him his breakout role as Michael Kelso on “That ‘70s Show.” This experience led to several comedic roles in films like “Dude, Where's My Car?,” “Just Married,” etc. He continues to work in television as well.
Taylor Swift
Before Taylor Swift and her guitar produced multiple hits, she used it as a prop while modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch. Her modeling career didn’t last long though and was a publicity stunt arranged by her talent manager at the time. She and her family moved to Nashville to push her musical career.
With the help of her father, Swift’s career in the country scene took off. She has since released numerous hit albums, transitioning from country to pop over the years. In addition to a music career, Swift also has dabbled in acting in films like “The Giver,” and “Cats.”
Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson got started in Hollywood modeling at just 12 years old. He was the face of Dior for a short period, crediting his “androgynous look.” As he got older, however, he no longer had the look brands desired, putting an end to his modeling career.
Pattinson’s transition into acting included work in the theater. He landed small roles in productions of “Guys With Dolls,” “Macbeth,” “Anything Goes,” and “Tess of the d'Urbervilles.” His breakout role as Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” launched his career. Pattinson is best known for starring in “Twilight,” “Remember Me,” and “Water For Elephants.”
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan was thrown into the spotlight at just 3 years old. She appeared in ads for Calvin Klein Kids and Abercrombie, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, and more. At 11 years old, Lohan earned her famous role in the Disney film “The Parent Trap.”
As Lohan got older, she landed roles in teen movies like “Get a Clue,” and “Freaky Friday.” During this time she was also working on a music career and recorded several songs for Disney. At the peak of her career, Lohan took on more serious roles in films like “Mean Girls,” and “Bobby.” Unfortunately, substance abuse issues have since hindered her career.