SUBMITTED BY Movie God

September 28, 2002 — The star of the new film "Sweet Home Alabama" said she used to be like the character she portrays: someone who's ashamed of her southern roots.

"The shame that this character feels about her upbringing is very similar to the shame I felt about mine," said Witherspoon, who grew up in Nashville, Tenn.

However, that insight, she said, also helped her bring out her comic side with grace in the film.

"It was important for me to represent my own upbringing with dignity," the 26-year-old actress told reporters. "But also celebrate the eccentricities of being a southerner."

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