Models-turned-actresses

Models and actors typically share one trait in common… they're easy on the eyes! But how many of your favorite actresses actually got their start on the runway? Diane Kruger actually first made a name for herself as a model, taking part in her native Germany's Elite Model Look contest back in 1992. She took home the top prize and from there became one of the biggest models of the era, working alongside the likes of Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen. But Diane's not the only catwalker to make a career conversion. In honor of the star turning 41 on July 15, 2017, take a look at these other stunners who've transitioned from model to actress…

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After taking the fashion world by storm, Cara Delevingne transitioned to acting. In 2015, she received rave reviews for her performance as Margo in 2015's "Paper Towns," and she followed that up with a role as a mermaid in "Pan." 2016 saw the supermodel joining the likes of Hollywood heavyweights such as Ben Affleck and Will Smith in "Suicide Squad," as well as acting in the coming-of-age flick "Kids in Love." Next up for the star? 2017's "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" alongside Rihanna and Dane DeHaan.

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Model Emily Ratajkowski made her movie debut in a big way: She played Ben Affleck's character's mistress in 2014's Oscar-nominated thriller "Gone Girl" shortly after making headlines as one of the topless models in Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" music video. She followed it up with a role in the "Entourage" movie and then starred in the Zac Efron flick "We Are Your Friends" in the summer of 2015. Next on the brunette bombshell's docket? 2017's "In Darkness" opposite Natalie Dormer and 2018's "Welcome Home" with Aaron Paul.

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Russian model Irina Shayk made a name for herself in the modeling world in 2007 when she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In 2014, the beauty transitioned to the big screen when she starred alongside Dwayne Johnson in "Hercules" as his character's on-screen wife, Megara. But since then, with the exception of popping up on an episode of "Inside Amy Schumer," Irina's opted to lay low in the acting world.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley models for some of the biggest designers in the world but has also managed to carve out time to try her hand at acting. Though the stunner has only been in two films, they're both pretty major motion pictures: Her first role was in 2012's blockbuster hit "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," and her most recent acting gig was in 2015's "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Tyra Banks is the quintessential supermodel: She's been on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, served as a Victoria's Secret Angel for eight years, and walked the runway for some of the biggest designers in the world. But Tyra has also crafted a career for herself on the small screen, starting with a role on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Most notably, the star created and hosted her own reality TV series in 2006, "America's Next Top Model," which she will be returning to host for Cycle 24 in December 2017. She also joined "America's Got Talent," where she replaced Nick Cannon as the host in May 2017.

Brooke Shields started modeling when she was 11 months old, launching a career that earned her the distinction of becoming the youngest model ever to appear on the cover of fashion bible Vogue — when she was just 14. She made her film debut in 1978's "Pretty Baby" and two years later starred in her most famous film to date, "The Blue Lagoon." Since then, Brooke has continued to expand her acting credits, largely working in television.

Rising to fame in a series of Old Navy ads and appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Molly Sims had an extremely lucrative modeling career before she transitioned to acting in 2003. She starred on the NBC series "Las Vegas" for five years and continues to act, most recently making an appearance on the reality show "Barely Famous" in 2015.

Milla Jovovich's modeling career started very early: At age 12, she was photographed by one of the most famous fashion photographers in the world, the late Herb Ritts, for the cover of Italian magazine Lei. Shortly after that, Milla tried her hand at acting and starred in the sequel to Brooke Shields' big hit, "The Blue Lagoon" — 1991's "Return to the Blue Lagoon." She became a legitimate action-hero actress in 1997 with her role in "The Fifth Element," a reputation she solidified with her work in the "Resident Evil" film franchise, which saw the release of the final installment, "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter," in 2016.

Like many models who transitioned to acting, Kate Upton got her start in the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, appearing on the cover of the issue back-to-back in 2012 and 2013. Kate also landed campaigns for major brands like Guess and Dooney & Bourke before being bit by the acting bug. Her first major role came in 2014 when she starred alongside Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann in "The Other Woman." She'll next appear in 2017's "The Layover."

Though most recently best known for being part of Taylor Swift's circle of famous besties, Jaime King actually started her career modeling at age 14. After landing in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and other fashion magazines early on, Jaime made the switch to acting at 19. She snagged a role in 2001's "Pearl Harbor" and acted throughout the '00s. From 2011 until 2015, the former model had a role on The CW's "Hart of Dixie," and next up you'll see her opposite Sylvester Stallone in "Escape Plan: Hades" in 2018.

After making a name for herself as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model, Brooklyn Decker decided to try her hand at acting. Since hitting the big screen in 2012's "Just Go With It," Brooklyn's cut back on modeling and focused more on acting in recent years. You can now catch her as Mallory on Netflix's hit show "Grace and Frankie."

British model Suki Waterhouse has appeared in fashion magazines and served as the face of Burberry during her modeling career, but her transition to the acting world is proving just as successful. In 2015, Bradley Cooper's ex-girlfriend graced the big screen in "Insurgent" and starred alongside Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves in "The Bad Batch" in 2016. Ever since then, she's found steady work in the acting world. Her upcoming projects include "Future World" with James Franco, "Billionaire Boys Club" opposite Kevin Spacey and Ansel Elgort, and "Assassination Nation" alongside Bella Thorne, all of which are slated for release in 2017.