Comedian Chris Rock was so determined to act the part in his new movie I Think I Love My Wife he hired Nicole Kidman's acting teacher to help him perfect his skills.

The funnyman admits he had never before sought out acting advice, but now he wants his roles in comedies to be taken more seriously.

He says, "This is the first time I had an acting coach on set every day and she's the same one who works with Nicole Kidman. In a sense she would direct me. I put myself in her hands, except when it came to something funny.

"I liked playing a grown-up for a change. I think most guys play guys that won't grow up. That's easier."