Jul 17, 2008, 4:00 GMT
Meryl Streep once had to sleep rough in London.
US actress Meryl Streep arrives at the world film premiere of director Phyllida Lloyd's new film, 'Mamma Mia!', held at the Odeon Leicester Square in Central London 30th June 2008. EPA/DANIEL DEME
Before she made it big in Hollywood, the 59-year-old actress spent the night in Green Park because she couldn't afford to stay in a hotel or hostel.
Meryl, who was 20 at the time, said: "On my very, very first trip to London I went around busking to earn a few pennies to afford some food and overnight accommodation. One night, when I hadn't made enough, I actually slept in the open in Green Park under a tree."
Meryl insists the grounding experience made her determined to make a success of her career.
She added to Closer magazine: "The view from the park was of the Ritz hotel, and I vowed to myself that night that I was going to stay there one day ? and I have."
Meryl - who is often referred to as the finest actress of her generation - also says she remains down-to-earth by doing her own chores.
She explained: "You can't possibly get spoiled if you do your own ironing and get the station wagon out to go into town to get the weekly groceries."
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