People News

Role model Scarlett Johansson

Apr 27, 2010, 12:01 GMT

01/24/2010 - Scarlett Johansson - "A View From the Bridge" Broadway Show Opening Night After Party - Arrivals - Espace, 635 West 42nd Street - New York City, NY, USA © Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

Scarlett Johansson loves being a role model.

The 'Iron Man 2' actress - who plays secret agent Natalie Romanova and her alter ego Black Widow in the forthcoming superhero sequel - enjoyed getting the chance to play a strong female character and hopes the film is inspirational for young girls.

Speaking about herself and Gwyneth Paltrow's character Pepper Potts, Scarlett said: "These characters are strong, independent women that could function with or without the men in their lives. They run a smooth, efficient operation and are at the head of their game and I really attribute that to the director Jon Favreau's appreciation for a strong lady.

"It's very exciting to be that kind of role model for young girls and for women to see that you don't have to be the damsel in distress.

"You can actually kick some a*s and look fabulous doing it."

As well as her on-screen persona, 25-year-old Scarlett - who is married to actor Ryan Reynolds - is viewed as a good role model off screen, thanks to her preference for a quiet life.

She told US TV show 'Access Hollywood': "I do go out occasionally. I like to go out. I like to hear music and go out for dinners and stuff like that but I'm not really a party in the club kind of girl.

"You know, it's hard, particularly in this day and age, to kind of surprise your audience because they already know so much about you personally. So I try to avoid that kind of scene as much as possible."