Matilda star reveals horrifying secret.

The child star of films Matilda and Mrs Doubtfire has revealed a troubling secret that shows how early stardom has impacted on her self-esteem.

Mara Wilson, who shot to fame in a series of top-rating movies, has revealed that puberty ended her career.

Now 29, Mara has written a book about the bruising process, lifting the lid on the reality of working in the film industry at a young age.

'At thirteen, being pretty mattered more than it ever had,' she writes. 'Auditions were a lost cause. I knew by then that if I wanted to be in film, I had to be beautiful.'

She revealed she fantasised about being in a terrible accident that disfigured her face, so she could get cosmetic surgery "guilt-free".

She says she's 'come a long way' but is still critical of her own appearance.