15 Break-Out Film Actors Who Ruled 2012

By Chris Henson /

6. Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter, Gina Carano€™s good looks and tremendous physicality were destined for the big screen. Once director Steven Soderbergh caught her in action, he decided to craft a stylish, action-packed feature film around her and her unique skill set. The film that emerged, written by Lem Dobbs (The Limey, Dark City), was Haywire, about a black-ops soldier who is double-crossed. Though her acting was understandably amateurish (and will likely get better with more experience), Carano left no doubts about her action and fighting skills €“ prominently on display in memorable fights with Michael Fassbender and Channing Tatum among several others. What€™s Next: The Fast and the Furious 6 w/ Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson; In the Blood w/ Cam Gidget & Danny Trejo; and an in-development female-centric, Expendables-like action film.