Cuthbert defies death, seeks hero roles

LOS ANGELES, July 14 (UPI) -- Actress Elisha Cuthbert, who came close to being seriously injured or even killed on a recent visit to New York City, is seeking cinematic superpowers.

The Canadian star of the hit television show "24" walked into a busy street and just as she was about to be hit by a passing Mercedes-Benz she leaped onto the hood, Teen Hollywood reports. The maneuver sent her flying and she found herself "landing on her butt" in the middle of the intersection.

At the time, she said, she thought she might die. But she was amazed, she said, that both she and her purse were still intact.

"'Am I dead? No I'm not dead. Do I have any bones broken? No," she recounted.

When not dodging traffic, Cuthbert has been using her powers to get a leading role in a superhero film -- so far with little success.

The "24" star has auditioned for female lead roles in blockbusters like "Spider-Man," "Superman" and "Fantastic Four," but was passed over each time, Teen Hollywood said.

She wants a role in a superhero movie in part to demonstrate her toughness, she said.