Before his widespread breakthrough, I guess Brad Pitt would count. Brad enters the acting industry in 1986, having sporadic roles in minor TV and movies as supporting character, before becoming the sex symbol of J.D. in Thelma and Louise, he was more known for his pants and his good looks than acting skill. Even when he became more well known, he was known for his looks, it was only until 12 Monkeys that he really showed some fantastic acting chops.
Supposedly in 1988, he had slept with Mike Tyson’s wife while they were undergoing divorce, Tyson caught them in the act and was furious. Fortunately, Brad managed to got away from Tyson without his pretty face being split open.