Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway at a photocall for Get Smart at Claridges, London,England - 10.07.08

Hathaway was forced to face the world and promote the movie just weeks after Follieri was arrested in June (08) on suspicion of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering in an alleged scam allowing him to purchase unwanted U.S. properties owned by the Catholic Church.

And she credits Carell with making the experience bearable by blocking intrusive questions about her relationship with the Italian.

She says, "As soon as I found out about the arrest, I had to get on a plane to Mexico to do a press tour for Get Smart. And then I spent a week in shock at a friend's house. And then I had to go back and do more press, and I haven't stopped since.

"Steve Carell stepped up for me during an interview when someone asked a question about it. He said, 'At some point you're going to have to talk about this time in your life. You don't have to do it this week. I'll take care of anything that comes your way.' I've been shown such kindness. Not everyone gets that. A lot of people go through tough times alone."

Source: WENN