Helena Bonham Carter likes scaring kids

Helena Bonham Carter loves the fact children are terrified of her because of the character she plays in the 'Harry Potter' movie series.

Helena Bonham Carter loves "terrifying" children who think she is her 'Harry Potter' character Bellatrix Lestrange.

The British actress - who is killed off in the final movie of the franchise, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' - enjoys playing the evil character and is impressed J.K. Rowling, who wrote the original novels on which the films are based, managed to "capture" a generation of kids with her creations.

She said: "I love the number of children I meet who are captivated by it, all of whom think I'm terrifying because I play Bellatrix.

"How amazing of J.K. Rowling to have captured their imagination."

The 45-year-old star also admitted she nearly turned down her Oscar-nominated role as Queen Elizabeth - who was later known as the Queen Mother - in 'The King's Speech' because she was busy with the 'Harry Potter' films.

She told Radio Times magazine: "I actually thought of turning down 'The King's Speech' - although I loved it and the story was worth telling - because I was also doing 'Harry Potter' and didn't want to work 24/7, which is what was required.

"As it turned out Bellatrix was a nice contrast to the Queen Mother."