Catherine Zeta-Jones says US move humbled her before big break with Steven Spielberg

Catherine Zeta-Jones has said she had an ego check after moving to America in the 1990s.

The Swansea-born star had become a household name in the UK, but Hollywood quickly provided a reality check for the rising star and she was even asked by casting agents if she had any acting experience.

It was during her stint on CBS mini-series Titanic that she was seen by Steven Spielberg who suggested she go for a role in The Mask of Zorro which he was producing.

“Five days later I got the job, and three days after that, I was down there starting my sword-fighting lessons,” she said.

Zeta-Jones had become a star in the UK thanks to her breakout role in The Darling Buds of May that originally aired from 1991 to 1993.

But when she touched down in California, she was no longer recognised by the public and had a six-month visa to “give America a shot”.

But Zeta-Jones told Business Insider it was “good” for her to have her ego knocked down a bit.

It was only when the Spielberg saw the Titanic series that she was given a major opportunity.

“I was shipped down to Mexico to screen test with Antonio Banderas,” she said.