Her modeling career wasn't bad either. Her most high-profile modeling job was for Revlon (which also featured Karen Duffy and Cindy Crawford).

She won the Miss Teen All-American Pageant and was the runner-up in the Miss USA Pageant. She didn't become a top model only because of her height (or lack thereof).

Personality & Talent
She can be tough when she wants to be -- just like ex-husband, baseball player David Justice found out -- but when her soft side comes out, she is one of the most caring people around. In Hollywood, she is well-known for her professionalism and tenacity. Lately her defenses are up though, due to the media's excruciating coverage and criticism of her hit-and-run incident in 2000. She was nearly brutalized in the press, but managed to survive the incident stronger albeit more jaded.

It wasn't the first time she had to overcome abuse; she lost 80% of the hearing in her left ear from a physically abusive boyfriend.

As for her acting talent; whether you saw her in Jungle Fever or Monster's Ball, you know Halle Berry has the acting thing down pat. Her range as an actress is impressive considering the limited education and training she received in the craft.

Sexiness
She was put on this earth to make men's jaws drop. She has done a great job so far; her sex appeal is undeniable. Men literally get numb and tremble when they stand next to her (that includes us).