Drop out Hilary Swank

Jan 11, 2007, 12:20 GMT

Hilary Swank was a high school drop out.

The Oscar-winning actress plays an inspirational high school teacher in new movie 'Freedom Writers' but admits she was far from inspired when she was a pupil herself.

She said: "I'm not proud to say I'm a high-school dropout. I'm not proud to admit that happened, but it happened. I think school is really, really important and we have an education problem in America and it's a shame. It's a shame for any kid to feel hopeless about their future."

However, Swank insists unlike the students in the movie, who are all from a deprived inner-city neighbourhood, she never despaired about her future because her mother, Judy, was always there to support her.

The 32-year-old actress admits her problems at school were that she talked too much and always broke the rules.

She explained: "It was kind of the relentless, 'Stop talking, Hilary. You've got to stop talking.' On the report cards it said, 'Hilary will not stop talking. She's a blabbermouth.' That kind of thing."

Swank's mother famously moved herself and her daughter to Los Angeles when she was around 16 so she could pursue an acting career. The pair were forced to live in their car until Judy could raise enough money to rent an apartment.

It was in Los Angeles where Swank enrolled at South Pasadena High School to finish her education - she attended Sehome High School, in Bellingham, until she was 16 - but subsequently dropped out.

(C) BANG Media International