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."