The Many Disney Faces of Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter, who celebrated her 50th birthday last week on May 27th, is well known for her role as Bellatrix Lestrange, the sadistic witch and loyal zealot of Voldemort from the Harry Potter franchise, but Disney fans have had a notably different relationship with her over the years. From irritable royalty to wish granter, here are the three roles that Disney fans should know Helena Bonham Carter by:

Iracabeth the Red Queen, Alice in Wonderland

The world bore witness to the apoplectic and vain Iracebeth the Red Queen in 2010’s Alice in Wonderland. As the film’s main villain, she ruled Underland with a vice grip and threatened all who would oppose her with her “precious” Jabberwocky, a dragon voiced by the late Christopher Lee whom Alice was destined to defeat. The Red Queen makes a return in 2016’s Alice Through the Looking Glass, this time in search of the Chronosphere, a device that would help her change the past in order to reclaim her place as the ruler of Underland.

Red Harrington, The Lone Ranger

In 2013’s The Lone Ranger, Carter plays the no-nonsense Madam Red who owns and runs a mobile brothel for lavish entertainment. She used to be a ballerina, but lost her leg to the cannibalistic Butch Cavendish, which motivates her to aid John Reid and Tonto on their mission. Although her time in the film is very brief, she certainly stands out with her bright red hair and extravagant outfits.

Fairy Godmother, Cinderella

When Carter was first announced to be cast as the Fairy Godmother in 2015’s Cinderella, there was plenty of speculation over how well she’d take to the role. Many people always tied her to villain roles due to her convincing performance in Harry Potter, but she proved herself to be an effectual and magical Fairy Godmother. In the film, she initially disguises herself as a beggar woman who experiences Cinderella’s compassion when she gives her food. She later on reveals herself to Cinderella as her Fairy Godmother and grants Cinderella her greatest wish of going to the ball.

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Helena Bonham Carter’s Disney roles have greatly varied, but all show her excellent acting skills as she is able to easily slip from one character into another. Take the time this weekend to celebrate Helena Bonham Carter by checking out her Disney films!

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