KIRSTEN DUNST struggled to play sexually active women in CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL and THE VIRGIN SUICIDES - because she was still a virgin herself.

The 22-year-old actress was thrust into adult roles before she'd had the chance to experience adult emotions, and she admits to finding the parts difficult as a result.

Dunst, who is dating actor Jake Gyllenhaal, says, "The trouble was, I really was a virgin. I have had to act emotions I have not felt or experienced.

"I am not complaining, because this is what acting is all about. I have had my own way of dealing with it.

"I am not a party girl or a dating girl, but a home girl. That is what's kept me sane."

05/07/2004 17:19