The 'Law Abiding Citizen' star turned his back on a fledgling career as a solicitor when he was just weeks away from qualifying in order to pursue his Hollywood dream, but admits he wasn't in his right mind when he did so.
He told the December issue of Britain's Men's Health magazine: "You have to understand that I was completely out of control. If I hadn't been so lost and insane, I'd still be a lawyer. I said to myself, I'm aiming for the stars. I'll worry about the details later."
The 39-year-old star admits he had reached a low point in his life when he made the decision, but is overjoyed with how his life has turned out.
He said: "That was the worst day of my life, now it's the best."
The 'P.S. I Love You' actor credits a stroke of luck with helping him achieve success, but insists he wouldn't have made it if he didn't work hard.
He explained: "The universe conspires. Once you decide to do something, the universe starts to help you.
"There are a lot of people who are really talented, and I can see they're not going to make it because they don't work hard enough."
Gerard recently admitted he had got so used to the Hollywood lifestyle, he struggles with everyday tasks when not filming.
He said: "I get a bit lost for about a week. I think, 'No one is bringing me lunch anymore - I've got to go do that myself?' "
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