The `Jeff, Who Lives at Home` star - who has three children daughter Eva Amurri, 27 with Italian film director Franco Amurri, and Jack, 22, and Miles, 19, her two sons with former partner Tim Robbins - was told not to become a mother because she would no longer be considered desirable.

She said:"I was told by director John Cassavetes when I did `The Tempest` never to be a mom because I would not be sensual anymore. I think I laughed."

However, the 65-year-old star is glad she refused to take the advice because she thinks men these days like "strong" women.

She said: "I`m happy to be considered desirable. I love it!

"Besides, I think there`s a lot of guys who like strong women. Maybe because women have raised sons who have different expectations. I think we can take some credit for that!"

Susan also admitted she is surprised she hasn`t turned to drugs or alcohol to cope with being an older woman in Hollywood because good roles for women of a certain age are few and far between.

She told People magazine: "It`s true there aren`t that many good parts. I`ve had my disappointments. It`s hard to be in this business and not be an alcoholic or a drug addict or bitter as an older woman.

"But, that`s one of the things you have to make your peace with - or get out of the business because everyone has those moments. I`m not the only one."
sections: Celebrities