Celebrity
Shawna Craig: Hollywood’s New “It Girl” On The Rise
Shawna Craig is having a moment and Hollywood is finally paying attention.
Once known for her glamorous turns on reality TV, the actress and model is stepping firmly into the spotlight with a renewed focus on her film and television career. Nik Richie, CEO of WNA, who recently signed Craig says her recent rise is only the beginning. “Shawna has that rare mix of beauty, humor, and hustle. You’re going to be seeing a lot more of her.”
FROM SMALL-TOWN ROOTS TO HOLLYWOOD RUNWAYS
Born in Los Angeles but raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Shawna grew up far from the glamour of Hollywood. She first made waves in the modeling world, winning competitions and booking runway work before she was even out of her teens. By 2009 she decided to take the leap that would change everything: she moved to Los Angeles to chase her entertainment dreams full-time.
From there, she quickly landed modeling and promotional work, from motorsport events to high-profile brand campaigns, earning a reputation as a natural on camera.
REALITY TV MADE HER A STAR BUT SHE WANTED MORE
Shawna became a household name thanks to her appearances on Celebrity Wife Swap and later the E! hit Second Wives Club, where viewers immediately gravitated toward her warm personality, glamorous lifestyle, and honest vulnerability.
While many reality-TV stars fade away once the cameras stop rolling, Shawna used the exposure to reinvent herself. Those close to her say she always had her sights set on something bigger.
“She never wanted reality TV to be the final chapter,” a friend shares. “It was just her introduction.”
A BREAKTHROUGH INTO SCRIPTED HOLLYWOOD
In recent years, Shawna has turned her attention to acting and Hollywood is starting to reward her persistence.
She’s appeared in notable TV projects including Bosch: Legacy and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, and she’s earned credits in a range of independent films. Her social-media presence shows a woman committed to the craft, promoting improv training, theatrical reels, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of upcoming projects.
Producers say her ability to shift seamlessly from glamour to comedy is helping her stand out. “Shawna’s got range,” one producer tells Star. “She’s not afraid to put in the work, and it shows.”
THE SECRET TO HER RISE? REINVENTION.
Hollywood loves a comeback and Shawna Craig is crafting one of her own. After her highly publicized marriage (and later divorce) from actor Lorenzo Lamas, Shawna handled her personal life with grace, using the attention to propel her next chapter instead of hide from it.
That resilience and grounded charm have become part of her brand. And fans love it.
“She’s relatable,” says Nik Richie. “She’s glamorous, but she’s also the girl next door who picked herself up, dusted herself off, and decided to go after her real dream.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR HOLLYWOOD’S NEWEST RISING FACE?
With casting directors increasingly interested, industry watchers believe Shawna is on the brink of a breakout. Whether in indie dramas, streaming-platform roles, or a big studio project, she’s positioning herself as a versatile performer who can take on comedy, drama, and everything in between.
One thing is clear: Shawna Craig isn’t just riding a wave of fame. She’s building a lasting Hollywood career one role, one red carpet, and one reinvention at a time.
