Actress Zoe Saldana has credited her mother with landing her a role in Star Trek - because she never would have accepted the part without her persuasion.

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The 30-year-old plays Uhura in the new prequel, taking on the character made famous by Nichelle Nichols in the original sci-fi series.

But Saldana was initially fearful about signing on to the project and insists it was her mom's enthusiasm that eventually changed her mind.

She says, "My mom was absolutely ecstatic when I got the role. But when director JJ Abrams offered it I was sort of afraid of saying yes. My mother was like, 'Zoe, are you crazy? It's Uhura!' She was like, 'Oh my God - you have to do it!'"

And Saldana admits her mother's interest in the movie carried on while she was filming the blockbuster.

She adds, "She read the script and she'd call and leave these funny voicemails. She'd say, 'Zoe, it's Mommy. For this scene, Uhura is concerned. Please play her hard.' She was the best acting coach, I was like, 'Thank you, Uhura expert.'"

Zoe Saldana Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)