Charlize Theron says smoking is the key to her success

Actress Charlize Theron says smoking has been the key to her success.

The 32-year-old 'Battle in Seattle' actress reckons her unhealthy habbit was the main reason she landed a starring role in upcoming Paul Haggis directed movie 'In the Valley of Elah'.

The Oscar winner said: "I still smoke, occasionally. But it led to a role in my new film, 'In the Valley of Elah'.

"I kept on running into writer and director Paul Haggis when we were at an awards event. He was there for his film 'Crash' and I was there for 'North Country'. We were the only two losers in an alley, smoking. He said, 'I'm going to write a film for you.' And he did."

In the movie - where Theron stars alongside Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon and James Franco, she plays detective Emily Sanders, who must unearth the truth behind the disappearance of a soldier following his return from Iraq.

The film is due to hit cinemas later this month.

(ENL)

By Owen Williams, Jan 12 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy