AT the age of just 27 Reese Witherspoon is one of the most powerful players in Hollywood. Along with her multi-million dollar salary she also heads her own successful production company.

But she says there are still plenty of people who dismiss her as a dumb blonde - much like the character she plays in the movie sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.

"It doesn't help when you're on a set with a lot of people who don't think that you have a lot to say," she says.

"I've also faced prejudice from people just for being an actor. People assume that actors aren't very smart and don't have anything interesting to add. That's been a struggle for me, to try and assert my opinions to things."

Not that the Nashville-born star is too down about it. As well as being beautiful, rich and famous she's also married to hunky actor Ryan Phillippe and the pair are expecting their second baby.

The couple's first child Ava was born three years ago and Witherspoon admits she can't wait to be a mum again.

"I think the second one must be easier because you know what to expect and you know what's happening. It's not as much of a shock to your system," she laughs. "I'm really excited to have two kids. I think it'll be fun."

The star says one of the people she wants to team up with on screen is her husband. The pair worked together on the hit movie Cruel Intentions and Witherspoon says she'd love to repeat the experience but it looks unlikely that will heppen on screen in the near future

Witherspoon's career has gone into orbit and she's now one of the most in demand actresses in Hollywood. Not bad for someone who shot to stardom playing a fluffy blonde in the first Legally Blonde movie.

The film was a huge surprise hit, taking more than $10m at the box office. Not surprisingly the star was more than willing to step back into the stiletto shoes of Elle Woods for the sequel.

"I am still enamoured with Elle," she says of her on-screen alter ego. "She almost magically finds she can relate to every single person on one level or another. She doesn't think she's above or below anyone. She sees each person as an individual and finds the good in everyone. I think that's really great about her."

For this latest outing, not-so-dumb Elle has conquered Harvard law school and now tries her manicured hand with the powers that be at Washington DC.

But even though she's taking on the grey suits at Capitol Hill, fans will be pleased to know Elle's lost none of her colourful fashion sense - another reason Witherspoon was keen to step back into the role.

"We went in and found an entirely new wardrobe. We did a lot with the hair, the make-up and certainly the clothes. I was totally transformed," she says excitedly. "I arrived in the morning in my sweat suit, they put on fake nails and hair and then I stepped into a totally fabulous outfit as a totally different person. I felt like Elle."

The actress admits she couldn't be more different to her on screen character when it comes to her own fashion sense.

"Unlike Elle, I'm not driven by it. I don't have a whole lot of time to shop. I did keep all the clothes from the Legally Blonde movies," she says. "I'm storing them, but I never wear them. I wear the same trainers every day, same track suit. I have all these beautiful shoes and they just sit in the closet like 'Want to come out and play?'," she adds with a laugh.

In fact, Witherspoon admits her own life is a million miles away from the glamourpuss she portrays.

"I take the kids to school in the morning when I'm not working. I cook dinner every night when I'm not working. I have a pretty normal life. I take out the trash and change nappies and wipe dirty biscuit stains off my skirt," she says.