Nov 9, 2008, 8:00 GMT
Kate Beckinsale was "traumatised" by having an assistant.
Kate Beckinsale was "traumatised" by having an assistant. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
The British actress - who also hires a nanny for nine-year-old daughter Lily and a driver - was reluctant to employ staff when she first moved to Los Angeles as she didn't understand why she would need help.
She said: "I know it's ridiculous. I remember when Claire Danes turned up on this movie we were doing together, 'Brokedown Palace' in 1999, with an assistant and I just couldn't believe it. I didn't understand why anybody would need somebody to assist you to act.
"The production company insisted on hiring me one as well and I was traumatised."
Despite her initial reluctance, Beckinsale does now have an assistant and is adamant she is a good employer,
The 35-year-old actress added: "Let me just point out that I am always very nice to her, I haven't lost my British manners. The way I see it, you can't possibly shout at someone who knows which kind of tampons you use, can you?"
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