If you’re a man with a pulse and internet access, you’re familiar with Kate Upton. The young model shot to super stardom when she posed for her now famous 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover at the tender age of nineteen. Since then, Upton has set her sights on doing more than posing in a teeny bikini. Read More about “Who’s That Girl? Models Turned Actors”

You might find yourself wondering ‘Sure, she’s a bombshell, but can she act?’ More importantly, if you’re already an established face in the modeling industry, why make the move to film?

The successful model turned actor isn’t an entirely new concept. In fact, Upton’s The Other Woman co-star Cameron Diaz also got her start as a model. Modeling and acting have long gone hand in hand and even the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Lucille Ball got their start in print and showroom modeling. In the age of the internet an actor’s modeling past can follow them like a leaked sex tape and it is now easier than ever to look up photos of Channing Tatum on the runway or Kellan Lutz in his Abercrombie and Fitch days.

Why does this happen? Career longevity. Unless you are genetically blessed like Gisele Bundchen, the expiration date on a modeling career is somewhere around age 27, if not sooner. The fashion industry prizes youth and therefore models age in dog years. Kate Upton can only keep posing in bikinis for another few years before someone younger will come along and make her look like Shrek’s body double. However there is hope for models; charisma doesn’t get stretch marks. Kate Upton has a better chance of finding success and marketability in film than she does by giving it all up and working as an accountant. In essence, this could be the beginning of a very smart business move on Upton’s part.

So what are you waiting for? Upton’s career all started when she had a few photos taken and was signed to Elite Model Management. It’s time for you to get out there and explore all the opportunities this industry has to offer. It all starts with a phenomenal headshot or portfolio.