Gemma Ward Plots Her Modeling Comeback

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(Getty Images)

Gemma Ward made a splash on the modeling scene back in 2003, when the Australian stunner's wide-eyed look had designers clamoring to sign models with "alien babydoll" faces. See: Masha Tyelna, Lily Donaldson, and Tanya Dziahileva.

But after a string of high-profile campaigns for luxury labels like Calvin Klein, Valentino, and Burberry (not to mention a gig as the first-ever model to cover Teen Vogue), Ward unexpectedly exited the fashion industry in 2008 — a decision that was spurred by the death of her close friend, Heath Ledger.

(Courtesy of Teen Vogue)

Since then, Ward has taken on acting roles, most recently appearing in Baz Luhrmann's soon-to-be-released Great Gatsby, and, in a bit of perfect casting, as a mermaid in 2011's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. And now, Frockwriter reports that she's signed with IMG Models Australia — the same agency that reps Miranda Kerr — meaning we may be seeing Ward's Mattel-like face staring at us from the pages of our fashion magazine once again.

Tell us, are you excited for a Gemma Ward comeback?