Lily Collins says it's ''helpful'' to date another famous person.

The 'Mirror Mirror' actress - who has previously romanced Taylor Lautner and has recently been linked to Zac Efron - can understand why celebrities get involved with other celebrities because they can relate to each other.

She said: ''As an actor you go away for long periods of time. It's not normal. So the idea of dating someone who understands what you're going through is helpful.''

Lily - daughter of music legend Phil Collins and his ex-wife Jill Tavelman - also revealed how she's been determined to make it as an actress ever since she was little despite having a very privileged upbringing.

The 22-year-old beauty told Stella magazine: ''I've been driven since the day I was born; I've never been in it for the money. I grew up watching my dad, who is an incredibly strong man. I look up to him because of the lives he's affected with his talent and passion. That made me want to make a mark on the world as well.

''My mum was strict. I had to wash dishes, make the bed, do the laundry. She kept a really good balance of being strict but being so open that I could talk to her about anything.