Los Angeles, Jan 29 (IANS): Singer Jennifer Lopez, who will be seen on the big screen in upcoming crime thriller "Parker", believes the difficulties in her personal life have helped her become a better actress.

The year 2012 was tough for Lopez as she split from husband Marc Anthony after seven years of marriage.

"I think I am now ready to really work as an actress. Maybe because I am different now. I have suffered some experiences lately," she told New York Post newspaper, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"These last years, I have had to face life. The truth is, that must be it. To be a great actress you must live through difficult times in order to feel it and remember that pain," she added.

"Parker" director Taylor Hackford has also praised the 43-year-old star's acting skills in the film, admitting he was knocked out by her talent.

"Jennifer's wonderful in this. I have known her. After I did a couple of drafts, I called her. The action's set in Palm Beach, and, since Florida's really Latin America, who's better than Jennifer?

"Her work knocked me out. There's moments in other projects that I knew were not great. Give an actor notes, best he will give you is 25 per cent. Give Lopez notes, and she gives you 100 percent," said Hackford.