Jesse Metcalfe wants to dump sex symbol status

Desperate Housewives star Jesse Metcalfe is worried that his sex symbol status will be a hindrance to his acting career.

The 26-year-old, who plays teenage gardner John in the hit show, thinks he may find it tough to shake off the image in future roles.

"In Hollywood, even for actors like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, it's been difficult for them to gain respect," he said. "It might be difficult for me to shed my beefcake label."