The unexpected path to stardom
Halle Berry: From 'Miss Ohio' to the Oscars
Michelle Pfeiffer: The Californian beauty queen
Sharon Stone: Pennsylvanian beauty queen
Gal Gadot: From 'Miss Israel' to 'Wonder Woman'
Vanessa Williams: 'Miss America' with scandal Included
Priyanka Chopra: From 'Miss World' to international star
Sophia Loren: The Italian charm
Lynda Carter: The first 'Wonder Woman'

The unexpected path to stardom

Some of Hollywood's most recognized actresses began their careers with a crown on their heads. Beauty pageants were their springboard to stardom.

Halle Berry: From 'Miss Ohio' to the Oscars

Before becoming the first African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress, Halle Berry was Miss Ohio USA in 1986 and a finalist in Miss USA. The camera loved her early on.

Michelle Pfeiffer: The Californian beauty queen

Michelle Pfeiffer, the eternal Catwoman, won the Miss Orange County pageant in 1978. Although it wasn't her main goal, the exposure opened doors for her in cinema.

Sharon Stone: Pennsylvanian beauty queen

Sharon Stone won the title of Miss Crawford County in her native Pennsylvania, and Hollywood discovered her years later.

Gal Gadot: From 'Miss Israel' to 'Wonder Woman'

At just 18 years old, Gal Gadot was Miss Israel 2004. After serving in the Israeli army, the pageant opened the door to Hollywood and turned her into a DC Comics icon.

Vanessa Williams: 'Miss America' with scandal Included

Vanessa Williams was the first African American to win Miss America in 1983. A scandal over leaked photos forced her to resign, but it launched her career as an actress and singer.

Priyanka Chopra: From 'Miss World' to international star

In 2000, Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss World. The crown gave her international visibility. Today, she alternates successes in Bollywood and Hollywood, alongside an entrepreneurial career.

Sophia Loren: The Italian charm

Though she never won Miss Universe, Sophia Loren competed in youth beauty pageants in Naples. Her photogenic appeal caught the attention of producers, and the rest is cinematic history.

Lynda Carter: The first 'Wonder Woman'

Lynda Carter was Miss World USA in 1972. Two years later, she portrayed Wonder Woman on television, becoming a pop icon before cinematic universes existed.