Andie MacDowell was terrified of stripping off in her latest films.

The 51-year-old actress stars as District Attorney Monique Lamont in new TV movies 'At Risk' and 'The Front' - based on the mystery books by Patricia Cornwell - and found shooting the sex scenes mortifying.

She explained: "I play a real b***h, I was a narcissistic sex addict and had to sleep with young men. But it was embarrassing because I'm pretty shy and yet I had to look at myself in the mirror and take my clothes off."

Despite finding the part challenging, Andie is pleased she decided to tackle it.

She claims it is too easy for older actresses to fade into the background, and is determined to keep working for as long as possible.

Andie added to FOX News: "We live in a society that sees getting older in a certain way, but I keep trying to tell myself of my value and my worth.

"I'm really comfortable with my age, I have no shame about that whatsoever and I'm really comfortable in my skin. I take really good care of myself and I insist to not go away. I want to work because it brings me a sense of self worth and dignity, I like my job."

Andie credits yoga and clean living with helping her keep her youthful appearance.

She explained: "Drinking a lot of water, getting enough sleep and doing yoga - but I really think it is acceptance. We all get older so I'm celebrating it."