The Surprising Career Path Bridget Moynahan Almost Followed

Known for her role as Erin Reagan on Blue Bloods, Bridget Moynahan didn't always plan for her career to lead her into the spotlight. According to her interview with CBS Watch!, Moynahan started college at UMass to follow her dream of becoming a dentist, but quickly dropped out to pursue a career in modeling. She spent the majority of her 20s gracing the covers of fashion magazines such as French Vogue, Elle, and Glamour.

Moynahan's modeling career eventually landed her the role of Natasha on Sex and the City, playing Mr. Big's ill-fated, relatively quiet wife. After gaining exposure on HBO's hit series, Moynahan landed roles in movies like Coyote Ugly, I, Robot, and Lord of War. Eventually, she gained even more media attention when she started dating then-Patriots' quarterback, Tom Brady. 

Why Bridget Moynahan gave up her dream to become a dentist

While it's hard to imagine the brunette beauty doing anything other than gracing our screens, it seems that she fell into the spotlight after attending an audition with a friend when she was in high school (via CBS). The money was too good, so she said goodbye to her heart being set on becoming a dentist.

Had she gone that route, we likely wouldn't have her movies, roles on the silver screen or her book, Our Shoes, Our Selves. Moynahan shares her experience going through a public breakup with Brady while pregnant, and how a pair of black books helped her during those difficult days (via Yahoo Entertainment). 

The book chronicles her experience "taking her power back" after buying the pair of black boots, offering women a touchstone through similar experiences. While she didn't become the dentist she dreamed of, Moynahan boasts an impressive resume that keeps fans coming back for more.