Never thought that I`d reach 40: Jada Pinkett Smith

London: Actress Jada Pinkett Smith says turning 40 was surreal because because she did not think that she would live past 21.

The ‘Madagascar 3’ star, who raises Trey, 19, Jaden, 14, and 11-year-old Willow with husband Will Smith, said she grew up in such a tough neighbourhood that she never expected to live so long, reported Contactmusic. "I grew up in a drug-infested neighbourhood where you walk out each day and you just hope that you make it. I came from a war zone. "There was a possibility that I wouldn`t make it past 21 - that was the reality. When I turned 40 it was a surreal moment because I had never imagined reaching 40. I looked at my husband and said, `Oh my God, I`m 40! What am I going to do now?` So yes, it does put things in perspective`," she said. Jada, who was raised by her drug-addicted mother Adrienne and grandmother Marion, said she is thankful that her own children do not have the upbringing she had. "I`d be terrified if I had to raise my kids in the environment I grew up in. When I look at them, I see them flourishing at such young ages." PTI