James McAvoy inspired by teenage crush

James McAvoy has claimed he was inspired to become an actor thanks to a teenage crush. The Atonement star landed his first film role in 1995’s “The Near Room” at the age of 15.

McAvoy admitted to not being very interested in pursuing a career in acting when he joined the cast, reports the Daily Star.

However, after falling for co-star Alana Brady, he decided to enroll in her theatre classes.

“I liked a girl on the set, Alana Brady & I followed her to a drama group,” said McAvoy. “From that I got a tiny bit more work and realised I could make a career out of drama.”

Brady, who now works for the National Theatre of Scotland, said, “It is nice that he remembered. We did both like each other, but we were just teenagers. It was a long time ago.”