Actress Charlize Theron has revealed that her modelling career was hampered by the fashion industry telling her to lose weight.

Speaking to News24.com, the Oscar-winning actress said: "I had the capability to be a bigger model than I was. They were always telling me, 'Lose five pounds and you'll be a supermodel'. But I saw modelling like waitressing - it was a way to pay for another career, and that career was dance."

Theron had to give up her dreams of becoming a dancer when she injured her knee at 19. Turning to acting, she picked up an Academy Award for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003's "Monster."

The South African gained 30 pounds for the part but feels weight gain shouldn't affect how audiences see her on screen.

"It's naive and a little sweet that people think weight gain constitutes acting.

"In the case of Aileen, there were reasons for her size. She'd led a homeless life, and if you sleep under a bridge, you don't go to the gym. Your body looks a certain way."