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LL Cool J says being cast in the action film Charlie's Angels got him through a "tough moment" in his life and put his acting career on a new track. 

Speaking at a gala Tuesday benefiting the Women's Guild of Cedars-Sinai hospital, the rapper and NCIS: Los Angeles star explained the importance of his cameo in 2000 in Charlie Angeles, which was made possible by the evening's honoree, Hollywood producer Leonard Goldberg.

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"Leonard, we have our own personal history, because he actually put me in the film Charlie's Angels and gave me a cameo in that film," LL said. "And that really changed a lot for me in my film career and in my acting career -- it was a pivotal moment. He put me in that, and I didn't forget."  He added: "Charlie's Angels definitely helped me through a few tough moments in life."

The Women's Guild Cedars-Sinai -- which has been supporting the hospital's patient care, medical programs, equipment, research, and education for more than half a century -- presented Goldberg and his wife Wendy with its first Hollywood Icon Award. LL said he was pleased to host the event as a way of giving back.

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Watch the video to hear Goldberg's reaction to receiving the award and to find out why singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks decided to perform at the gala. 

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