Steve Carell says his children helped his career as they made him "looser" at auditions.

The actor has Annie, 11, and Johnny, eight, with his wife Nancy. Although he is now appearing in blockbuster movies, Steve assures people he knows how lucky he is.

He spent time trying out for roles he never got, explaining it was having a family which really boosted his career.

"You know what? Career's luck. Right place, right time. I never lose sight of being fortunate," he told New York Post.

"Actually, things only broke for me after we had Annie, because I was suddenly happy. Priorities shifted. I didn't care so much about career. Being looser about the outcome, I auditioned better, and suddenly more work came."

Steve is well known for appearing in the US version of TV show The Office, where he played Michael Scott. He has now left the programme but he's adamant that's not so he can appear in more films.

The 49-year-old star wanted to spend quality time with his loved ones.

"I needed more time with my family. Sounds clich, but it's true. Seven years I was gone all day, every day. My kids, eight and 11, are little for only a finite time," he explained. "They were here, and I wasn't, so it was time to leave. I do sliding ponds, vacations, Disney World with them. Life's too short not to. Every morning I take them to school. I truly love it. I love them. I love my wife."

Steve isn't above helping out around the house and can often be found sorting out the recycling. He also enjoys going to the supermarket and is amazed by how astounded people seem when they spot him perusing the aisles.

"We were out of non-fat vanilla Coffee-mate, so I ran in, and people say hello to me. Some guy pushing a cart nods to me and says, Nice,'" he laughed.