United Kingdom, April 12 -- Heather Graham was once dismissed as a "nerdy" teenager before landing a breakout film role that changed how others saw her and marked the start of her career.

The 56-year-old actress, known for roles in films including Boogie Nights and Austin Powers: The Spy Who S****** Me, reflected on her early experiences during an appearance on Dinner's on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

Heather said she had been underestimated at school before securing the role of Mercedes Lane in License to Drive, which she described as a turning point that brought financial independence and visibility.

She added: "I was nerdy. You know, I was smart, and I was just, like, nobody thought I was that pretty.

"So, I got this job as, like,...