Colin Firth thinks he is too old to be a sex symbol.

The 49-year-old British actor - who gained his heartthrob status with performances in 'Bridget Jones' Diary' and 'Mamma Mia!' - is flattered women find him attractive but is convinced he wouldn't be lusted after by the opposite sex if he wasn't an actor.

When asked how he feels being a sex symbol, he said: "I think I'm getting a bit old for that stuff now, aren't I? I suppose that because of the profession I'm in, I do get a certain amount of attention that I probably would not get if I had not been known. I certainly wouldn't get the attention I get if I hadn't been on screen."

Despite the attention he receives, Colin doesn't take any notice and is kept grounded by his wife, Italian-born film director-and-producer Livia Giuggioli, with who he has two sons, eight-year-old Luca and six-year-old Matteo.

He added in an interview with Britain's Hello! Magazine: "My wife is very useful at helping me keep my feet on the ground. I'd die for any of my family. I can't say that I'd relish the prospect of doing so. But if it came down to it, the alternative would be unbearable, wouldn't it."