Amy Adams decided to become an actress because she failed chemistry.

The 'American Hustle' star dreamt of being a doctor or a performer when she was growing up, but opted to pursue the latter because she wasn't very good at science.

The 39-year-old Oscar-nominee told PEOPLE.com: ''I knew I wanted to be an actor. I wish I had a more inspiring answer... I wanted to be a doctor or a performer and I failed chemistry so that left me with this option.''

Amy, who has a three-year-old daughter Aviana with her fiancé Darren Le Gallo, admitted she is inspired by her 'Doubt' co-star Meryl Streep, who has four adult children, because she has been able to maintain a healthy balance between her career and personal life.

She said: ''I've been inspired by a lot of actors, it's hard to pick one. Meryl knows I always name her and the reason is not just because of her amazing ability, which is unquestionable, but it's all the balance that she's been able to achieve in her life. That's something I hope to attain so I look to her not only as an actress but as a woman, and as a role model.''