Chrissy Metz on landing 'This is Us': 'I had 81 cents in the bank'

Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Chrissy Metz says she had "81 cents" to her name when she landed This is Us.

The 36-year-old actress recalled in the March issue of Glamour her struggle as an aspiring actress before booking Kate Pearson on the NBC series.

"Some young women and I caravanned all the way from Florida, then lived in a two-bedroom apartment, three of us to each room, in Burbank," Metz recounted. "I paid my own way by nannying or finding odd jobs."

"I kept auditioning, with no savings and no money, credit card debt gaining interest. I went on unemployment. I bought ramen noodles at dollar stores. I never had to -- God forbid -- live in the streets," she said.

"People who supported me were like, 'If you don't have money for food, I'll cook you dinner,'" the star recalled. "I am so grateful that I had such an amazing support system, but when I booked This is Us, I had 81 cents in my bank account. I could cry right now just thinking about it."

This is Us proved an instant success following its premiere in September, and was renewed for two additional seasons in January. Metz, meanwhile, was nominated at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress.

"Getting the role of Kate has changed everything," the actress said. "It's crazy to go from not having enough money to buy food to getting free dinners."

"Mainly, I hope I can be successful enough to provide for those who supported me when I thought, I can't do this anymore," she shared. "There is something that happens when you are grateful: You continue to keep receiving blessings. So I will always be grateful."

This is Us co-stars Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore and Sterling K. Brown, and airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET. The series follows the stories and connections of several people who all share the same birthday.