Actor George Clooney never tires of his sex symbol status - because he accepts he won't always be admired for his good looks.

The Leatherheads star insists he didn't appreciate compliments about his appearance in his younger years, fearing the praise implied he had a handsome face, but an unintelligent mind.

But at 46 years old, Clooney now revels in his fans' admiration.

He says, "Well, you know, people have been nice to me most of my life. I mean, fairly kind. But there was a time when compliments about your appearance were used to make it sound as though you weren't bright, in some way - so much so that you almost wanted to avoid them.

"But you get to an age when you'll take any compliments you can get - you know, 'Yeah, thanks' - so when people are trying to be nice, I'm never bothered."