She's a well-renowned actress who boasts over three decades in the acting industry.

So it comes as no surprise that Julia Roberts has branded age discrimination towards women in Hollywood 'silly' in an interview with i newspaper.

The Pretty Woman star, who is set to celebrate her birthday , insisted she's 'proud and happy' at 55 with her award-winning career.

Candid: Julia Roberts has branded age discrimination towards women in Hollywood 'silly' in an interview with i newspaper 

Addressing age discrimination in the film industry, the actress explained: 'I think that's made-up bulls**t that at a certain age, the bell is going to ring and you are done, go on back home.'

Adding that she's 'grateful and satisfied' after 35 years as an actress, she elaborated: 'It's silly and I don't think anybody buys into that. I don't think I am special. I've always been fortunate that I have always found the work I am looking for.'

Julia rose to fame following her role as Vivian in 1990 romantic film Pretty Woman, and has since starred in over 45 films, including Runaway Bride, Mona Lisa Smile and more recently Ben Is Back.

Long-running career: The Pretty Woman star, who is set to celebrate her 51st birthday on Sunday, insisted she's 'proud and happy' at 55 with her award-winning career (pictured with Richard Gere in the 1990 film)

Speaking on turning 54 last year, the Smurfs star said: 'Honestly, I don't know what freak-out we're all supposed to have turning 54? Wouldn't it be fun if they made up all these things to make us feel overly excited about these little passages?

'For myself, Iast year, I was quite proud and happy', she added.

Julia also shared her thoughts on equal pay in employment, explaining that she is 'happy' about the steps being taken. 

Pleased: Julia also shared her thoughts on equal pay in employment, explaining that she is 'happy' about the steps being taken

'It's an ongoing thing that we wish was more in the rear view. But every day… I know the World Surfing League announced that they will have equal pay for their female surfers and male surfers. 

'I think there are places where people are really making those efforts in the right direction. So if it's a little bit of time, then we have to take it and be happy for it.'

The blonde, who resides in Malibu, also spoke about her surprising love for her favourite UK football team, Manchester United:

Fan: The blonde, who resides in Malibu, also spoke about her surprising love for her favourite UK football team, Manchester United

'That's our home team, that's who we cheer for in our house. My oldest son [Finn] got into that and it's always been his team.' 

In her latest stint, Julia plays the lead in Homecoming, a thriller directed by Mr. Robot's Sam Esmail and based on the fictional podcast of the same name.

Discussing her role in the psychological film, she said: 'It's a great old-fashioned yarn set in this really modern conundrum of a morality play. 

Veteran: Julia rose to fame following her role as Vivian in romantic film Pretty Woman, and has since starred in over 45 films (pictured in The Mexican in 2001 with Brad Pitt)

'I heard the podcast and, many months later, I got a call about getting together with Sam Esmail. We had a Facetime meeting and I fell under the spell of his unique, nerdy genius.

'He's a total treasure and I loved every minute we spent together creatively and socially', the screen star added. 

Her co-stars include Dermot Mulroney, with whom she starred in the 1997 big screen comedy My Best Friend's Wedding.

This in an extract from the full interview with Julia Roberts, available to read in this Friday's issue of the i newspaper.

Scare factor: In her latest stint, Julia plays the lead in Homecoming, a thriller directed by Mr. Robot's Sam Esmail and based on the fictional podcast of the same name