RACHEL WEISZ - WEISZ: ACTRESSES NEED THEIR BODIES

RACHEL WEISZ concedes actresses put a lot of pressure on women with their perfect looks - but protests their bodies are the only things they've got going for them.

The MUMMY star is acutely aware images of women in the media can promote an unattainable ideal for the public, but is resigned to the fact that her looks - maintained by a vigorous yoga regime - are key to a successful career in the movie industry.

She reasons, "Women who read COSMOPOLITAN magazine feel like they have to get the perfect thighs, the perfect nose, the perfect boobs, so there's immense pressure on modern society.

"But being an actor is a little like being an athlete - unless you're older and you're playing character roles. This body is all you get to act with.

"I can't paint a painting and give it to you. All I can do is look after my body as much as I can - in a way that a professional athlete might. So I chose to do yoga."