Actor Tom Cruise presents the Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 79th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 25, 2007. [AP]

Hollywood actor Tom Cruise's intense drive for success stems from his poor childhood and love of the movies.

The actor and boss of studio United Artists spoke of his upbringing during a conference with the heads of UA parent company MGM.

In the talk, leaked on HollywoodInterrupted.com, he said, "I was raised by a single mother with three sisters and I would save my money to go to the movies. It was very much part of my childhood. So when the opportunity came to start up the studios I had to do it. The cinema is something I value and reminds me of my childhood."

Cruise also revealed he feared he would never make it as a Hollywood businessman - frequently doubting his ability throughout his career.

He adds, "I wanted the studio to make money. But what was important to me was to be good at making films. I often asked myself 'Am I any good? Can I do this?' I just wanted to make the best films."