(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Julia Stiles believes empathy is the most valuable quality for an actor.

The American actress is famed for her roles in romantic drama movies.

Julia learned to have compassion from her mom, and believes this influenced her acting career greatly.

"I learned by example from my mother about how to treat people. She's got an endless amount of compassion and empathy," she told Psychologies magazine.

"As an actor you have to be empathetic in order to understand, no matter what type of character you play."

Julia also misses her grandmother giving her advice.

The 30-year-old star says she was always on hand to offer some wise words if ever she was in doubt.

"I wish that my grandmother were still around because there are so many conversations I'd love to have with her," she revealed.

"She was very, very wise." (C) Cover Media