Selena Gomez says acting helps her "escape from the madness" in her life.
The 'Rudderless' star, who sought treatment in rehab earlier this year and recently split from Justin Bieber again, prefers to take on roles that help her to grow as a person and always insists on auditioning, as she wants to earn her success.
The 22-year-old beauty told UsMagazine.com: "Honestly, the reason why I take certain parts is not because I feel like I could just accept it. I want to be the person who earns it. I've auditioned for every movie I've been a part of, and I've wanted to genuinely feel like I earned it."
The 'Spring Breakers' star is often "uncomfortable" on set, but thinks it's a good thing.
She explained: "That makes me a better actress. Even though I feel like it can be uncomfortable sometimes, that's honestly what's going to make me grow.
"I'm extremely lucky. I could be doing certain films that I'm comfortable [doing]. I love to push myself. I can't say I got this [role] because of who I am. I got this in spite of who I am. That's what I love about acting. I can escape from the madness. This project ['Rudderless'] in particular made me feel like I get to be a real actress."
She added: "I would rather be in a smaller part and learn from people like Bill [William H. Macy], Felicity [Huffman], and Billy [Crudup].
"One of my best friends always told me, 'If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.' "
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