James Marsden reflects on his pretty boy image

CEBU, Philippines – James Marsden is the first to admit that he was always cast as the pretty boy. Whether playing Prince Edward in “Enchanted” or as Lon Hammond in “The Notebook,” the actor excelled at being the good-looking star.

But after turning 41 earlier this month, Marsden now realizes he can’t rely on those irresistible looks that helped launched his career.

“When I was younger, I was always going to be cast as the preppy, good-looking guy at school. It was a good thing when I was 19. That helped me get work,” he told Los Angeles Confidential magazine. “Now that I’m 40…I can’t get by on my 19-year-old good looks.”

What’s an actor to do? For Marsden, he’s ready to explore new opportunities on the big screen.

“It’s been great to be the guy who is viewed as multipurpose, but the only thing that’s absent is that defining role,” he said while gracing the publication’s Men’s Issue. “And that’s maybe something I’d want to zero in on.”

Along his journey, Marsden is more than ready to admit his strengths and weaknesses. Believe it or not, he’s never viewed himself as the “cool guy.”

“My main struggle was I never thought of myself as the cool guy because I wasn’t that guy in high school,” he explained. “I see myself more as James Bond’s goofy younger brother, as opposed to James Bond.”

He added, “I need to find my Dude!”

Marsden has a full schedule ahead of him including a starring role in the romance “The Best of Me.” The Nicholas Sparks story features a pair of former high school sweethearts who reunite after spending years apart. Michelle Monaghan plays his love interest.

Maybe those James Bond roles can wait a little longer.