Jul 20, 2008, 4:00 GMT
Sigourney Weaver's mother used to call her "plain".
Sigourney Weaver, who is the voice of 'Ship's Computer' poses for photographers at the premiere of 'Wall-E' in London, Britain, 13 July 2008. EPA/FRANTZESCO KANGARIS
The actress tried to seek reassurance from her mother about her unconventional looks when she was growing up, but was always left unhappy by the response.
She said: "I had an English mother who was always trying to make sure I wouldn't be conceited, to the point where I had a real inferiority complex.
"I would say, 'Mummy am I pretty?' and she would say, 'Well no, you're plain dear, but never mind.' I thought, 'Gosh, if my mother doesn't think I'm pretty, I had better crawl under the sofa.' "
Sigourney, 58, is convinced her mother's brutal honesty is a character trait that many English people have.
The actress - who voices a character in new animated movie 'WALL.E' - added to Britain's The Times newspaper: "I think it's an English thing. There's this feeling that you're going to spoil your child if you keep saying how wonderful they are."
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