Meryl Streep was too ugly for a part: the only actor nominated for 18 Academy Awards recalled the time she was dismissed by a legendary movie producer from a part because she was "ugly." The incident happened very early in her career, but apparently Streep already had the spite for a seething response.

In an appearance at the "Graham Norton Show," Streep eased the worries of current Hollywood actors and hopefuls regarding their body image, especially if whether the latter makes the cut in the eyes of bigwigs in the industry. Meryl Streep said she was called ugly at least one time in her career, but remained unfazed; she is currently among Hollywood's A-list actors.

The "Bridges of Madison County" actress confessed she flunked at least one audition because she didn't have the good looks for the part. Legendary movie producer Dino De Laurentiis's son reportedly saw her perform in a play, and scheduled an audition for 1976's "King Kong."

Laurentiis cut her short before she even began, though, and said to his son in Italian, "Why do you bring me this ugly thing."

Streep's feisty, no-nonsense personality took over, and she responded to Laurentiis in Italian; the producer was taken aback the actor understood and spoke the language (gossipcop.com).

"I'm sorry I'm not beautiful enough to be in... King Kong." The role of the damsel in distress went to Jessica Lange.

Streep previously addressed the issue of looks in an acceptance speech for an honorary doctorate from Indiana University. Addressing a crowd of 3,200 students, she said, "I thought I was too ugly to be an actress."

The actor encouraged up-and-comers not to worry too much about their looks and waistlines, sharing her insecurities in light of an Academy Award for her role in "Kramer vs. Kramer":

"I think I was probably like every other girl who puts on a princess dress and expects everyone to pay full and total attention. And most of us grow out of that. I was always in plays, but I thought it was vain to be an actress." (dailymail.co.uk)