My work as child actor helped deal with bullying: Mae Whitman

Mae Whitman of "Independence Day" and "One Fine Day" fame, whose film "The Duff" is set to hit multiplexes in India on Friday, says her work as a child actor helped her deal with bullying.

"I'd be like, 'Sorry you don't like the shoes I wore, but I have to get up tomorrow and go to work, and I don't have time to let that affect me'," she said in a statement.

Directed by Ari Sandel, "The Duff" captures the journey of a young girl who has been branded the 'DUFF' - Designated Ugly Fat Friend - of her group and her struggle to break free from the high school tag.

One of Whitman's earliest roles was in 1996's "One Fine Day", in which she played George Clooney's daughter. The two have remained close ever since.

"He's the coolest, nicest guy on the planet," she said.

"I saw him a few years ago, when I was dating my now-ex-boyfriend, and he took the guy around the corner and gave him a talking to - he warned him not to break my heart. He's really the best."

That romance ended and now she's in a better one.

"I'm dating a musician who's really smart and nice, and it's a cool adult relationship," she said and added: "I realise I sound like I'm 10 years old, but it feels really healthy and respectful. I have been in a lot of tumultuous relationships."

Whitman has been making a mark as an actress for some time now. The actress has a pivotal role in the Emmy-nominated series "Parenthood" and "Arrested Development".