Shailene Woodley feels "protected" by her co-star George Clooney.

The 20-year-old actress and George have leading roles in the new comedy-drama The Descendants.

George plays Matt King, Shailene's character Alexandra King's father in the film.

Although Shailene loves George, she would consider it bizarre to have him as her father in real life.

"I feel very protected by George. But he's not like a father to me," Shailene told People magazine.

"He's a mentor, a teacher, a friend. It would be awkward if he were too dad-like."

The Descendants is overflowing with expletives. Shailene admits that she sometimes uses curse words on occasion.

"Bad words are definitely part of my vocabulary, but I'm not somebody who uses them in every sentence," she explained.

Shailene is busy with a host of creative projects currently. Receiving numerous accolades for her work in teen television drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager, the star is grateful for the professional experience she has garnered through filming the series.

"On a personal level, [The Secret Life of the American Teenager has] given me another family," Shailene said.

"I've also learned a lot about acting. George mentioned to me that ER helped him with that as well."

Although Shailene is making huge strides professionally, should acting not work out she has other employment alternatives in mind.

"I would start an organic biodynamic farm. I would love to move to Hawaii and have little naked babies picking avocados off trees."

The Descendants is currently in US theatres.