Before they became household names, these Hollywood stars were already turning heads on the pageant stage. Competing in beauty contests helped them develop the confidence, poise and stage presence that would later serve them in the spotlight. Here are 11 A-listers who traded crowns and sashes for successful careers in entertainment.

Michelle Pfeiffer<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">MEGA</span>

Before becoming a household name, Michelle Pfeiffer‘s early participation in beauty pageants helped launch her storied career and gave her the confidence to shine on and off the silver screen. At just 19 years old, she entered the Miss Orange County Beauty Pageant in 1978, which led to a Hollywood agent discovering her talent, as reported by the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pfeiffer’s journey from glamour contests to starring roles is a classic tale of beauty, talent and ambition coming together under the spotlight.

Vanessa Williams<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">MEGA</span>

As the first Black woman crowned Miss America, Vanessa Williams triumphed over challenges and redefined what it meant to be a beauty queen in the spotlight. She made history on September 17, 1983, becoming the first African-American woman to win the title in the pageant’s 63-year history, according to History.com. Williams transformed her pageant platform into a powerful launching pad, building a decades-long career as both a celebrated musician and lauded actress.

Ali Landry<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / MEGA</span>

Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / MEGA

Best known for her iconic moment as the “Doritos Girl,” Ali Landry has channeled her Miss USA 1996 success into a thriving television and modeling career. In the original ad, viewers watched Landry being eyed by two men before she performed gymnastics while eating chips, per The Hollywood Reporter. Her effortless charm and signature style continue to captivate fans and the fashion world alike.

Gal Gadot<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">MEGA</span>

Gal Gadot‘s discipline and determination led her from pageantry to international action stardom as Wonder Woman. She was chosen as Miss Israel 2004, winning a crown and a Citroën C3 supermini car, according to E! News. Her journey inspires fans around the world, proving that resilience and charisma can make a global impact.

Lynda Carter<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Steven Bergman / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA</span>

Steven Bergman / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

Lynda Carter remains a beloved pop culture symbol after winning Miss World USA in 1972 and earning the role of Wonder Woman in 1975, per Miss World’s official site. Her pageant past continues to inform her lifetime of achievements in entertainment and advocacy.

Olivia Culpo<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">MEGA</span>

Olivia Culpo‘s journey from local pageant winner to Miss Universe set the tone for a successful career in fashion, modeling, acting and social media influence. Culpo became the first American to win the Miss Universe crown in 15 years, according to NPR.

Gretchen Carlson<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Jen Lowery / MEGA</span>

Gretchen Carlson has become a fierce advocate for workplace rights and a recognized TV journalist, blazing new trails far beyond her pageant days. As reported by Columbia Journalism Review, she won Miss Minnesota before being crowned Miss America 1989 in Atlantic City, beating out the favorite, Miss Colorado. Her advocacy has led to real changes and cemented her status as a force for empowerment.

Hannah Brown<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">MEGA</span>

Hannah Brown held the 2018 Miss Alabama USA title before becoming the star of The Bachelorette season 15, according to Good Morning America. Her charm remains a defining element of every public appearance.

Chelsea Handler<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Gilbert Flores / Broadimage / MEGA</span>

Gilbert Flores / Broadimage / MEGA

While best known as a comedian and sharp-witted host, Chelsea Handler‘s involvement in modeling and pageantry provided her with early stage experience and a fearless attitude. As a teen, she competed in the Miss New Jersey pageant before pursuing acting in Los Angeles at age 19, per Britannica. Her journey spotlights the value of embracing every opportunity along the path to stardom.

Priyanka Chopra<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / MEGA</span>

Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / MEGA

Priyanka Chopra‘s multi-hyphenate career includes being an acclaimed actress, producer and philanthropist. At 18 years old, Chopra was crowned Miss World 2000, beating 94 other contestants for the title, as reported by CNN. Chopra’s blend of ambition and advocacy furthers the legacy of pageant winners in today’s entertainment world.

This story 10 Hollywood A-Listers Who Got Their Start as Beauty Queens first appeared on First For Women. Follow First For Women on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.