The Hurt Locker star Jeremy Renner had an unexpected back-up career planned before he became a successful actor - he was a trained make-up artist.

The star received his first Oscar nomination earlier this month (Jan10) for his role in Kathryn Bigelow's war film.

But the 39 year old can still recall playing with make-up pallets and mascara as a struggling actor - before his role as a U.S. Army soldier skyrocketed him to international fame. He explains, "Instead of waiting tables I got to put make-up on gals, so that was kind of nice. I didn't know how to do make-up at the time. I convinced the ladies at the counter - I said, 'Why is it that you guys are wearing makeup? Maybe you want a guy's opinion (on how) to put on your make-up.'" (JMA/WNVVW/KL)

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