Gemma Ward
Model Beginnings: Ward signed with IMG in 2003 and by September made her debut at Prada in Milan – as an exclusive. It didn’t take long for Ward to start popping up everywhere, from runways to covers, and she even replaced big names like Kate Moss and Stella Tennant as the face of some major brands.
Big Acting Break: Ward’s first role came in the film Black Balloon, in which she played the girlfriend of a boy dealing with his brother’s autism. Then she took a role in The Strangers terrifying Liv Tyler (and audiences everywhere) as a masked intruder. Ward was last seen as a mermaid in the latest installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but has a small role in the highly anticipated Great Gatsby film due out later this year.
The Verdict: Ward officially retired from modeling in 2009, so we’re excited to throw our support behind her acting career–particularly when she’s been brave enough to eschew typical “hot girl” roles that many models gravitate towards.