Penélope Cruz is currently one of Hollywood's most sought after actresses, but the Spanish beauty holds painful memories of a physical breakdown she suffered years ago.

Cruz, who is dating MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (1996) actor TOM CRUISE, moved into the realm of acting in her early teens, while still living in her native country, Spain. But as the work piled in thick and fast, the young actress, who was also a dancer, soon realised it was at a far more strenuous pace than she could possibly manage.

In time, stress and overwork led to a physical breakdown. Cruz says, "I was doing too many things at the same time. I had to make a choice to go into one direction, not five. From the time I was little, I have felt a need to share feelings, to communicate, to express emotions. And I was always fascinated by people's behaviour. "

This fascination led to Cruz deciding on taking the plunge to fully immerse herself in acting. She adds, "Acting is a way of investigating life by playing different people. Also, like many actresses, I admit there was a need to be liked and loved. " (RGS/LAT/ES)

Source: WENN