10 fun and interesting Helena Bonham Carter facts

1. 5-Year-Old Helena Bonham Carter Aspires to be an Actor

From a young age of 5, Helena Bonham Carter had a burning ambition to become an actor. She was so passionate about it that she was even obsessed with wanting to be one of Charlie's Angels - Kate Jackson. Her passion for acting only grew as she got older, and she eventually went on to become one of the most acclaimed and respected actors of her generation.

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2. 13 and Already Making a Name for Herself

At the tender age of thirteen, Helena Bonham Carter already had a sharp business sense. After winning a poetry contest, she used the prize money to have a picture printed in a casting catalog, and then took the next step of hiring an agent to help her further her career. This early investment in her future paid off, as she has since gone on to become one of the most successful and acclaimed actresses of her generation.

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3. 16-Year-Old Acting Sensation

At the tender age of 16, Helena Bonham Carter made her debut into the acting world with a small role as Juliet in a stereo advertisement. This was her first real job as an actor, and it marked the beginning of a long and successful career that has seen her star in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.

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4. From Wonderland to Red Queen

Helena Bonham Carter is widely recognized for her portrayal of the villainous Red Queen in the 2010 film, "Alice in Wonderland". She starred alongside an all-star cast, including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Alan Rickman, and Christopher Lee. Her performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and she was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.

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5. Helena Bonham Carter Rejects 'Breaking the Waves' Role

Helena Bonham Carter famously refused the role of Bess in the 1996 film Breaking the Waves due to its sexual content. The role eventually went to Emily Watson, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance. Bonham Carter's decision to turn down the role was a bold one, as the film was critically acclaimed and Watson's performance was widely praised.

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6. Great-granddaughter of British Prime Minister

Helena Bonham Carter is the great-granddaughter of Herbert Henry Asquith, who served as the British Prime Minister from 1908 to 1916. During his time in office, Asquith was responsible for introducing a number of progressive reforms, including the introduction of old age pensions, the creation of the National Insurance Act, and the passing of the Parliament Act 1911, which limited the power of the House of Lords.

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7. A Harry Potter Icon

Helena Bonham Carter is a renowned British actress, best known for her portrayal of Bellatrix Lestrange in the fifth installment of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". Her performance as the villainous witch earned her critical acclaim and cemented her place in the hearts of Potter fans around the world. Her other notable roles include Marla Singer in Fight Club, The Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

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8. Remarkable Grandmother Role

In 1998, Helena Bonham Carter took on a unique role - playing her own grandmother in a radio play called Violet. This was a remarkable feat, as Helena was able to bring her grandmother's character to life in a way that was both believable and captivating. She was able to capture the nuances of her grandmother's personality and mannerisms, and her performance was praised by critics and audiences alike.

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9. A Master of Challenging Roles

Helena Bonham Carter is no stranger to taking on challenging roles, and her performance in the 2011 film "The Planet of The Apes" is no exception. In the movie, she had to wear a full-face monkey mask throughout the entire film, a feat that required a great deal of commitment and dedication. Despite the difficulty of the role, Bonham Carter was able to bring a unique level of emotion and realism to her character, making her performance one of the most memorable in the movie.

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10. Helena Bonham Carter's Daughter Named After Famous Sisters

Helena Bonham Carter's daughter, Nell, was born in 2007 and was named after the string of "Helens" in her family's lineage. Helena has said that the name was chosen to honor the strong female presence in her family, and to ensure that the legacy of her ancestors would live on. Nell is a reminder of the importance of family and the strength of the female line.