Reese Witherspoon understands Robert Pattinson as she's had a "trippy" life too.

The 35-year-old actress starred alongside the British actor in Water for Elephants. Robert, 25, has gained a legion of fans since rising to fame as vampire Edward Cullen in the hugely successful Twilight film franchise.

Reese has discussed being Robert's age when she become famous.

"I wasn't used to people recognising me on the street, so I guess I can relate a little bit to what goes on with Rob," she told the March edition of Glamour magazine. "I've had a pretty trippy life".

Reese admires how Robert appreciates his fans. She became aware of just how patient he is when they were promoting Water for Elephants together.

"At the London premiere, people slept out in sleeping bags and they were crying and sobbing. But he takes the time to say hello to everybody and sign autographs," she said.

"I think everybody was looking at him [expecting] to see, Ugh, this guy's some spoilt rotten brat,' and he wasn't. He was incredibly gracious, smart and actually shy and introverted. He's a very grateful person."