Handsome criminal Jeremy Meeks released from prison

Jeremy Meeks. Photo / Stockton Police Department/Facebook

A convicted felon known as the world's best looking criminal is out of prison and focusing on becoming an actor and model.

Jeremy Meeks of California became known as the "Hot Felon" after his mug shot went viral when it was posted on the Stockton Police Department's Facebook page in 2014.

According to the Daily Mail the 30-year-old has been signed by a talent agency after being released from prison earlier this month where he was serving time for possession of a firearm.

Meeks shared a photo on Instagram this week saying: "I want to thank my family and everybody for all your love, support and prayers. I'm overwhelmed and grateful for what lies ahead. I'm ready."

View this post on Instagram

I want to thank my family and everybody for all your love, support and prayers. I'm overwhelmed and grateful for what lies ahead. I'm ready @jimjordanphotography and @whitecrossmanagement #jeremymeeks #jimjordan #whitecrossmanagement

A post shared by JEREMY MEEKS (@jmeeksofficial) on Mar 9, 2016 at 4:43pm PST

He told ABC News last February while still incarcerated that he was now in a position where he could provide for his family.

"I never thought that everyone in the world would recognize me for my looks, so I feel extremely blessed and very thankful."

Meeks said he was eager to get into acting as well as modelling and would love to be on a show like Sons of Anarchy.

- nzherald.co.nz