LOS ANGELES - First Lady Michelle Obama urged Hollywood on Monday to showcase the strength of US service families, as she used a trip to Tinsel Town to support those with loved ones on the frontline.

Obama, also here to record a cameo appearance on hit TV show iCarly, appealed to writers, producers and actors to use their creative skills to depict the reality of life for families of those in war zones.

"Be creative. Be funny. Be powerful," she told the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the Directors Guild of America, the Producers Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America West.

"They're strong. They don't complain. They don't ask for much," she added. "Move us. Move America to think differently about these families that serve America so graciously."

Obama's schedule Monday also included recording an appearance on hit television comedy iCarly, to help promote Joining Forces, which aims to boost support for military families.

"We are big fans of iCarly. This is an example of the way that we can integrate these story lines into shows, and it’s important for kids to hear themselves in the shows that they love," she said ahead of the taping.

"I’ve been memorizing my lines -- I am terrified," she added, to laughter. "I can give a speech, I can talk to you all, but oh, I’m shaking, yes."

The episode -- in which she appears as part of a web chat between the show's main character, Carly Shay, and her father serving overseas in the military -- is expected to air in January.

Hollywood is more used to making films about the US military on the frontline: last month producers confirmed plans by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow for a movie about the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Obama also attended a 1,000-dollar a plate fundraiser Monday on her first day in California, where governor Jerry Brown was one of few gains for her husband's Democrats, routed by Republicans in November mid-term elections.