Liev Schreiber has confessed he isn't sure starring on a TV show is the best way to teach his kids a good work ethic.

The Ray Donovan actor is dad to two young sons with actress Naomi Watts and revealed he is determined to pass on the attitude to working hard that he inherited from his own family.

He said: "I always had a very good work ethic, which I got from my grandfather.

"And there was never any doubt in my mind that if you worked hard enough and you paid attention, there was a reward. I think I understood that. I didn't ever really imagine how I would apply that, but I understood it."

But the star, 46, acknowledged that there are limits as to what he can show his children in terms of his own work.

"It's difficult for my kids to be around me while I'm working, because of the nature of the show," he explained.

"They come by every once in a while and they know what I do.

"But you show up on set, and Daddy has people helping him do everything. And there's a fancy trailer.

"I don't know if it's necessarily the best way to inspire a work ethic or show them the value of a day's rate, but it's something I certainly hope they'll inherit along the way."

:: Ray Donovan starts on Sky Atlantic on Tuesday, July 15.