Los Angeles, May 2 (IANS): Actress Reese Witherspoon formed a friendship with her Colombian co-star Sofia Vergara on the set of the new comedy film "Hot Pursuit", and says she has a huge amount of respect for the “Modern Family” star.

Vergara is currently embroiled in a legal battle with ex-fiancé Nick Loeb.

Asked about her close bond with Vergara, Witherspoon said: "I like to hang out with other strong women. I only really know strong women. I grew up with strong women in the south and so she's just the same.

"When I got the chance to meet her and work with her, I was so blown away by her just as an actress, a comedienne and also as a business woman - she has got an incredible career and she's a real inspiration for me."

Witherspoon thinks the brunette beauty, who is engaged to “Magic Mike” star Joe Manganiello and has a 23-year-old son from her previous marriage, treats those close to her really well.

"She's also a wonderful mom, a wonderful girlfriend, she really loves her family and I love that about her," she told people.com.