Connelly grateful for son's influence
Jennifer Connelly credits her 11-year-old son with allowing her to pursue quality acting roles - because he changed her outlook on life.
The star was already a well-established name in Hollywood when she gave birth to son Kai, by photographer David Dougan, in 1997.
But it was 2001's 'A Beautiful Mind', which won her Best Supporting Actress gongs at the Academy Awards, the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes that really established her acting credentials.
And Connelly is adamant the youngster played a big part in helping her garner the role.
She tells the Sydney Morning Herald: "I don't think I would have been able to do the quality work that followed if it hadn't been for my son.
"He changed me. He helped me to understand myself and find my place in the world."
Connelly is now married to Paul Bettany and they have a five-year-old son, Stellan.
