Robert Pattinson is crippled by his lack of self confidence

Robert Pattinson still doubts his talents every time he signs on for a new role.

The 29-year-old actor, who became a household name thanks to his role as vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight film franchise, has become a critics' favourite but he continues to suffer from a lack of belief in his own acting skills, which can cause problems when he embarks on a new role.

"I still have lots of doubts about myself," Robert told Numero Homme magazine. "The people I work with know this. Three weeks before filming, I just panic and call my family or friends telling them I will never be able to do it.

"My confidence leaves me, reduced in tatters. And then it is back when I enter the set. Even knowing this, the next time, it happens again. The people around me don’t even listen to me anymore.”

Since his success in the Twilight films, Robert has starred in a variety of projects, including thriller The Rover alongside Guy Pearce, and Life, in which he portrayed photographer Dennis Stock.

Despite his success onscreen, he still feels he has a lot to prove, and is constantly trying to challenge himself with varied roles - and remind film fans there's more to him than a pale-faced vampire.

“I imagine the (Twilight) audience kept a certain image of me," he added. “I always feel like I have to prove myself. I did not have enough lead roles to make the people forget about it or to see me any differently. Waiting for that, I follow my path, with the constant reminder to diversify.

“I had a chaotic progression, with moments of explosion. It took years to digest what happened to me, the movies' success, the celebrity... (Before), I did not have a career’s plan, no particular ambition. I had to create them from time to time. That said, my career has not suffered from it.

"I am not blacklisted from anywhere yet. I am working with whomever I want... so I don’t have the intention to force the audience to change their point of view. I need things to go in an organic way. Maybe one day I’ll be seen differently.”