Pinkett Smith's Lion King blushes

Jada Pinkett Smith has revealed her role in the Madagascar movies makes up for an embarrassing audition for The Lion King.

The actress plays sassy hippo Gloria in the animal-themed animation, which is back for its third instalment on October 19.

She told the Telegraph: "I once auditioned for Simba's mother in The Lion King. And I was absolutely horrible. I had no idea what I was doing.

"I made myself sound like a lion, because I had no idea I could use my own voice.

"I felt I need to do this to make up for that faux pas in my career."

Jada stars alongside Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer in Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.

"I think you almost have to become a child to act like this," she explained.

"You have to let go all that seriousness of being an adult."