Forest Whitaker has admitted he would rather starve than play a dull character.

The Oscar-winning actor – who has played ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and Captain Ed Ramey in cliffhanger movie ‘Phone Booth – admits his “secret” is to only select the very best roles offered to him by casting directors.

He said: “In the beginning of my career I was so idealistic. I didn’t care if I got a part. I was just trying to become better. I’d say no to something because it didn’t interest me.

“I didn’t want to play a drug dealer for 10 years on a soap opera. At that time, I didn’t care about money. I’d rather starve. That’s my secret. I built a career playing interesting characters because I followed my heart.”

The 48-year-old also admits his recent weight loss has been as a result of a healthier living regime.

He told Parade: “I’ve just been living life and trying to live it to the fullest. That’s all I’m trying to do — live happy and healthy. I gained a lot of weight to play Idi Amin and afterwards I got a little more serious about diet and exercise. Also, I don’t think being a vegetarian hurts.”