Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank has sealed her status as one of today’s finest actors with a star on the famous Hollywood walk of fame.

The 32-year-old actress first arrived in the Los Angeles city as a teenager with her mother and only $75 (£37) in their pockets.

Speaking at the ceremony, an emotional Swank told reporters: "I remember my mom using a roll of quarters to call agents from a pay phone and telling agents they should sign me."

Swank’s career began with a small part in Buffy the Vampire Slayer but she hit the big time with roles in Boys Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby - both of which earned her Oscars for best actress.

She is currently appearing in Freedom Writers as a teacher who inspires her students to reach their potential.

Swank’s star is the 2,325th on the walk of fame; she joins a prestigious list of actors including Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and Tom Cruise.