'I didn't believe the bunny boiling part': Glenn Close admits she had doubts about her iconic Fatal Attraction role... as she insists Alex Forrest 'wasn't evil'

Published: 22:07 GMT, 19 December 2017 | Updated: 22:19 GMT, 19 December 2017

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It was the film that popularized the term 'bunny boiler'.

But Glenn Close, star of 1987's Fatal Attraction, confessed during an appearance on Wednesday night's episode of Harry that the now-iconic scene didn't initially ring true for her.

The actress, 70 - who was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of crazed scorned mistress Alex Forrest - told host Harry Connick Jr., 50, she 'didn't believe the bunny boiling part' until she discussed the scene with psychiatrists.

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Close encounters: Glenn Close, star of Fatal Attraction, confessed during an appearance on Wednesday night's episode of Harry that the 'bunny boiler' scene didn't initially ring true

She explained: 'I read the script, I read it all in one sitting and when I was finished, I was cold. I think it changed my chemistry. The only question I had was, "I don’t know if I believe the boiling bunny part".

'That’s when I went to two psychiatrists and said, "I want to know if this is possible and if possible why", and they both said, "Yes it is possible, there are people who would do that".

The part in question is the iconic scene in which her alter-ego - a jilted lover - murders the beloved pet belonging to one of her ex's kids after months of stalking and terrorizing his family.

In spite of Alex Forrest being regarded as one of the 'great evil people on film', Close insisted she 'really loved' her character.

Doubts: The actress, 70, nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of crazed scorned mistress Alex Forrest in the 1987 psychological thriller

She added: 'That journey for me made me really love he. She was a woman.

'She wasn't an evil person though she’s been labeled as one of the great evil people on film.'

Fatal Attraction was a huge box office hit when it was released in 1987, telling the tale of a married man who has a weekend affair with a woman - Close's Alex Forrest - who refuses to allow it to end.

The psychological thriller was the highest-grossing film of the year worldwide, and received six Academy Award nominations.

'She wasn't evil': In spite of Alex Forrest being regarded as one of the 'great evil people on film', Close insisted she 'really loved' her character

Killer script: Fatal Attraction was a huge box office hit when it was released in 1987, telling the tale of a married man who has a weekend affair with a woman who refuses to allow it to end

Michael Douglas portrayed the role of Close's on-screen lover, Dan Gallagher, while Anne Archer played his initially oblivious wife, Beth Rogerson Gallagher.

The iconic ending to the movie sees Alex eventually shot and killed in a bathub by Beth after she goes on a knife-wielding rampage in an attempt to stab Dan.

Close appeared on Harry to promote her new movie, Crooked House.

Co-starring Gillian Anderson, Christina Hendricks and Max Irons, the film is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie murder mystery.

The film is set to be released on December 22.

Murder mystery: Close appeared on Harry to promote her new movie, Crooked House, in which she co-stars with Mad Men's Christina Hendricks (pictured together this month)