How Abbey Lee Kershaw Transitioned from Fashion Runways to a Hollywood Career

In the early 2000s, Abbey Lee Kershaw made a name for herself as one of the most sought-after models in the fashion industry. Known for her striking beauty, distinct style, and captivating presence on the runway, the Australian model quickly became a fixture in the world of high fashion. From walking for iconic designers like Chanel and Oscar de la Renta to being a regular in Victoria’s Secret fashion shows, Kershaw was on top of the modeling world.

However, in the mid-2010s, Abbey Lee made a bold decision to step away from her successful modeling career and venture into the world of acting. Today, she is known not only for her modeling achievements but also for her roles in Hollywood films, showcasing her versatility and talent in a completely different arena.

Abbey Lee Kershaw’s journey from the fashion runways to the silver screen is a testament to her determination and ability to adapt in an ever-changing industry. Her story is one of reinvention, proving that with passion and focus, it is possible to make a successful transition from one career to another.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Abbey Lee Kershaw grew up in a suburb called Kensington. Her father, Kim Kershaw, was a former Australian Football League player, and her upbringing in Melbourne gave her a strong foundation in her early years. After attending a Catholic school for girls in Fitzroy, she was discovered as a model during her teenage years. In 2004, at the age of 17, Abbey Lee won the Girlfriend Model Search competition, which paved the way for her modeling career. Soon after, she signed with Chic Management, a modeling agency that helped launch her career internationally.

After completing high school, Kershaw moved to Sydney and soon caught the attention of modeling agency Next Management. This partnership allowed her to move to New York City, where her career truly took off. By 2008, Abbey Lee was a name synonymous with the top fashion shows around the world, including Chanel, Versace, and Gucci.

Kershaw’s rise to fame in the fashion industry was meteoric. She quickly became a regular on runways for some of the biggest names in fashion. Her tall, statuesque figure and unique features made her a favorite among designers. However, it wasn’t just her looks that set her apart—Abbey Lee had an undeniable charisma and stage presence that made her one of the standout models of her generation.

One of the highlights of her modeling career was her involvement with Victoria’s Secret, one of the most prestigious runway shows in the world. In 2008, Kershaw made her debut in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, walking alongside other top models. She returned the following year in 2009, cementing her status as a runway star. During this period, Abbey Lee also became known for her work with fashion giants like Alexander McQueen, Fendi, and Calvin Klein.

Despite her incredible success, the demands of the fashion world also took a toll on Kershaw. In a memorable moment during a 2008 Alexander McQueen show, she fainted on stage due to the constraints of wearing a tight leather corset. Incidents like this highlighted the physical and emotional challenges models often face, even at the height of their careers.

While Abbey Lee was dominating the runways, she felt a pull toward something different. The world of modeling, as glamorous as it seemed, lacked the creative fulfillment she was seeking. As she transitioned out of her modeling career, Kershaw decided to pursue acting—a passion she had long harbored but never fully explored.

In 2015, Abbey Lee made her acting debut in Mad Max: Fury Road, an action-packed blockbuster that starred Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy. In the film, Kershaw played the role of “The Dag,” one of the wives in the post-apocalyptic narrative. Her portrayal was captivating, and it proved that she had the acting chops to hold her own alongside established stars. The role was a turning point in her career, and from that moment, Abbey Lee knew that acting was her true calling.

Reflecting on her acting debut, Abbey Lee admitted that she hadn’t initially considered a career in film but quickly fell in love with the craft. In an interview, she shared that acting was “the best thing [she] had ever done in [her] entire life.” She embraced this new path with enthusiasm, leaving behind the modeling world to focus entirely on acting.

Following her breakout role in Mad Max: Fury Road, Abbey Lee went on to land a series of roles in both film and television. That same year, she starred in the Australian film Ruben Guthrie, portraying Zoya, a model—though she was initially hesitant to take on a role so closely tied to her previous career. Nonetheless, the role allowed her to showcase her acting skills and further solidify her place in Hollywood.

In the years that followed, Abbey Lee appeared in a variety of films, including The Neon Demon, Gods of Egypt, and Elizabeth Harvest. These roles spanned different genres, allowing her to demonstrate her range as an actress. Whether she was playing a mystical goddess or a complex, introspective character, Kershaw consistently delivered performances that were both memorable and nuanced.

By the 2020s, Abbey Lee had fully established herself as an actress. In 2023, she appeared in the Netflix series Florida Man, further expanding her repertoire with a role in a popular streaming series. In 2024, she starred in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, acting alongside Kevin Costner in the Western epic.

Even though Abbey Lee shifted her focus to acting, she occasionally made appearances in the fashion world. In 2023, she walked the runway at Milan Fashion Week for Roberto Cavalli, reminding the fashion world that she still had her modeling prowess. These rare appearances were a nod to her roots, though her primary focus remained on her burgeoning acting career.

In 2024, Kershaw returned to the spotlight with several high-profile appearances, including attending the Cannes Film Festival and the premiere of Blink Twice, a film directed by Zoë Kravitz, in London. Her ability to effortlessly switch between the fashion and film worlds demonstrated her versatility and enduring appeal.

Abbey Lee’s journey from supermodel to actress has been a remarkable one. Today, she continues to thrive as an actress in Hollywood while maintaining a low-key presence in the public eye. Now 37, Abbey Lee has embraced a new chapter in her life, one where she continues to challenge herself creatively and take on new roles.

With a net worth of an estimated $4 million, Abbey Lee Kershaw has not only conquered the world of modeling but also made a successful transition to acting, proving that reinvention is possible with talent, hard work, and passion.