24 actress Mary Lynn Rajskub has revealed that she was once mistaken for a prostitute.

Rajskub, who plays computer expert Chloe O'Brian on the Fox drama, found herself in an embarrassing situation when looking for work in Los Angeles.

"I was wandering aimlessly wearing ratty pyjama bottoms, a top, metallic wraparound sunglasses and a dirty lavender backpack," Rajskub told WENN. "A girl wearing a tank top and short shorts stopped me and asked, 'Are you looking for work?'

"I was, sort of. I had just finished a role in the Kirstie Alley sitcom Veronica's Closet. 'Come with me,' said the girl. I followed her into a doughnut shop, where I was introduced to a man dressed in all black and chunky gold jewellery, and realised he was a pimp.

"'My name is Charles, but people call me Lawrence,' he said, 'We're in the adult entertainment industry.' I said, 'I'll think about it,' and ran out of the shop."