Actress Helena Bonham Carter, 60, has found unexpected joy and "magic" in her relationship with art historian Rye Dag Holmboe, 38, whom she met by chance five years ago. Despite the couple appearing content, Bonham Carter has reiterated her stance against marriage, viewing it as an unhealthy promise.
The couple, who have been together since 2018, were recently photographed during a stroll in London. Bonham Carter described their meeting at a mutual friend's wedding as a "happy accident," noting that both of them had almost not attended the event. She emphasized that Holmboe, who is 22 years her junior, is an "old soul" and that their age difference is not a concern, stating that he is "unbelievably mature."
Bonham Carter, who has two children from her previous long-term relationship with director Tim Burton, has been open about her past separation. She characterized the end of her relationship with Burton as "transformative" and "cruel." After a period of grieving, she found love again with Holmboe. She explained her aversion to marriage in a past interview, stating, "I mean, we're not meant to be forever. And I've never actually gotten married because I can't say those [words], I can't honestly make that promise because I just don't think it's a healthy one."
Bonham Carter and Burton, who were together for 13 years, famously maintained separate but adjoining homes in north London, connected by a hallway. They collaborated on numerous films, including "Big Fish," "Corpse Bride," and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Their split in 2014 was announced as amicable, with a spokesman stating they would remain friends and co-parent their children. However, reports had emerged the previous year of Burton being seen with an assistant, though the couple did not comment at the time.
Bonham Carter has credited her friends and children for supporting her through the "huge sea change" of her separation. She also hinted at the complexities of their breakup, suggesting that while she was "reluctant" to end the relationship, "some parts of divorce are recommended." She implied that her experiences may have informed her casting as Princess Margaret in "The Crown," a role that involved portraying a public figure navigating a significant breakup.