Will Smith credits cheating ex for success

Rex Features

Will Smith has revealed that his successful career was inspired by an ex-girlfriend who cheated on him.

The actor admitted that he became determined to do well after having his heart broken when he was 15. He has since starred in several blockbuster movies and found happiness with his wife Jada Pinkett.

"My first girlfriend cheated on me when I was 15 years old, and I processed in my mind that she cheated on me because I was not good enough," Smith explained. "And I remember my walk home after I found out, and I remember just vowing to myself that I would never not be good enough again.

"In my childlike mind I connect that to Jada's love for me, even though she tells me, 'Baby, OK, you're good enough, let's take a vacation.'"

Smith recently said that he would like to play presidential nominee Barack Obama in a new movie.