Jennifer Coolidge discovered she was allergic to glue by playing ''ditzy'' characters on the big screen.

The 54-year-old actress made a name for herself in Hollywood portraying blonde bimbos such as Stifler's Mom in the 'American Pie' films and Paulette, the manicurist, in 'Legally Blonde' but every time she put on fake nails and eye lashes she would break out in a rash and she was later diagnosed with an allergy to glue.

Speaking to the Las Vegas Sun newspaper, she revealed: ''I'm allergic to a certain kind of glue. Most eyelash glues are terrible, the glue in acrylic nails. I get a rash up my arm and face.

''I was playing all these trophy wives and ditzy blondes, and I would break out in these horrible rashes after eyelash extensions were applied. I had to go to the ER, so no more glue for me.''

Jennifer's career has spanned three decades and although she can pick out several favourite parts she considers Stifler's Mom and her role as

Sherri Ann Cabot in dog competition mockumentary 'Best In Show' as her most important performances.

She explained: ''The biggest reactions industry-wide was 'Best in Show'. It opened a lot of doors, as did playing Stifler's Mom in the 'American Pie' films. They helped my career and offered me opportunities.

'Best in Show' was such an insider-industry film, and I had the most control over the role that I've ever had. Christopher Guest gave us a lot of freedom and let us come up with our own stuff. 'Best in Show' legitimised me, and it was a great experience in Vancouver for six week with all those dogs!''