Jessica Alba says her role model is Angelina Jolie because the Oscar-winning mom of six has built a successful career based on her talent and not her sultry good looks.

“My role model is Angelina Jolie,” Alba, 29, tells UK’s Look magazine. “She’s so beautiful and has an incredible career. People talk more about her film career and her humanitarian work than about her looks.”

Jessica, who’s known mostly for her sex appeal and stunningly fit physique, concedes her beauty has helped her carve out an enviable career, but wants to be recognized for her acting.
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“Even though my looks have helped me get parts, I’ve always tried to find roles that get past the stereotypes,” says Alba. “Now I think I’m in a position to make that philosophy pay off.”

In her latest film, “Machete,” Jessica plays a tough immigration officer tracking a hired killer.

Despite her frail physique and cover-girl looks, Alba insists the role was a good match for her.

“I’m a lot tougher than people imagine, as I’ve always had to defend myself,” Alba has said. “I never fitted in as a kid, I was always a loner who got beaten up or picked on by other kids and I was always changing schools.

Check out Jessica’s photos; click to enlarge.

“Then, when I was first auditioning I had to work hard to win roles and overcome a lot of rejection.

“I’m Hispanic and looked a little different, which made it more difficult to get accepted. But I didn’t let that affect me.

“I learned to fight for what I wanted in life, to stand up for myself and not take crap from anyone. That experience made me stronger.”

Interestingly, Jessica did a digitally enhanced nude shower scene in Machete where her underwear was photoshopped off, making her appear naked, although she was clothed.

Despite the fuss made over her slammin’ bikini body, Alba refuses to do a nude scene, citing her religious upbringing and her desire not to be typecast as a sex symbol.

“I want to distance myself from roles more geared to how I look in a sexy outfit,” she says. “My goal is to work with the best directors out there. I’ve always taken my career seriously and I want to work that I can be proud of.”