Reese remembers Katrina

Showbiz

13:30 16 May 2006

Reese Witherspoon has vowed never to forget Hurricane Katrina's orphans.

The 'Legally Blonde' star, who has two children with actor husband Ryan Phillippe, says being a mother made her realise she had a responsibility to the victims of the devastating natural disaster.

After visiting the disaster zone, she told US current affairs show 'This Week': "Once you have children in your life, you can no longer close your eyes to people who are in a similar situation.

"I feel really blessed to be able to be on this side of it, but I also recognize the huge responsibility that we have to these people. And I will never forget this experience."

The Oscar-winning star, along with fellow Hollywood mother Jennifer Garner, was among a group of women who toured devastated areas across New Orleans and met with affected families last week.

Meanwhile, Reese has quashed rumours that her marriage to actor Ryan Phillippe is on the rocks.

She said: "It's sad to see that when you are honest and talk about the normal ups and downs it gets taken out of context.

"Ryan and I have a great marriage, I see him not only as my husband but also as my best friend."

(C) BANG Media International