(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Reese Witherspoon has joked she is quitting acting to pursue a circus career.

The Oscar-winning actress plays a circus performer in new movie Water for Elephants, which also stars Robert Pattinson. Reese enjoyed the role so much she has claimed she is considering turning her back on Hollywood to focus on perfecting an act featuring an elephant, just like her character in the movie.

Im actually here to announce my retirement as an actress and I am going on to an elephant act, I am sold out across the country, so dont even bother getting tickets, she quipped during an interview with British television show Lorraine.

When asked whether she was following in troubled actor Charlie Sheens footsteps by performing live for fans across America, Reese replied, Oh yeah, I am his opening act!

Even though Reese enjoyed working on the film and shooting scenes with an array of animals, she admits it was tough at times. She was required to complete several stunts and sometimes worried about how safe they were. While she initially feared she would get injured while working with the elephant, it was another animal which ended up causing problems.

There was a day when I fell off a horse pretty badly, but the elephant; I never had any problems with falling. Yes, there were moments when I thought, I have two kids, is this a good idea? Reese laughed. It was really exciting to work with an elephant; I never thought I would work on a circus movie with an elephant and do all this incredible training. It was a really magical experience. (C) Cover Media