Kirsten Dunst has claimed she has managed to maintain a normal life despite starting her career at the age of 12.

Kirsten Dunst claims her life has remained normal despite her career.

Although the 'Melancholia' star - who first shot to fame in 'Interview With The Vampire' at the age of 12 - suffered with depression issues in the past, she wouldn't change her upbringing and believes her parents did the right thing in letting her become an actress.

She said: "My parents did a really good job with me. I was a very extrovert kid and it felt normal to me to act. I've never been a prima donna so I never had problems. I always went to regular schools - I always had my seat at the cafeteria when I came back from acting and I never felt like an alien in my life because of what I did.

My mum was way more laid back than my dad, so I had a good balanceKirsten Dunst

"My mum wasn't my manager but she was always with me on set. She would bring the pasta machine and make home-made pasta wherever we went. My mum was way more laid back than my dad, so I had a good balance."

Kirsten - who is thought to be dating Garrett Hedlund - also revealed her career occurred by accident when people recommended she take part in commercials because she was such a "happy child".

She added: "My mother told me that when I was born she just knew I would be an actress. Every time we'd go to the grocery store, everyone would come up to her and say, 'Your daughter is so animated, she's such a happy child, she has such a light. You should put her in commercials.' My mum thought, 'Ok we'll try acting and put away some money for college'. I booked my first commercial and that was it."