Helena Bonham Carter, the remarkable actress known for her eccentric artistry and unique approach to life,
has once again defied societal expectations by embracing a relationship with a much younger partner.
With an unwavering belief in the power of love, Bonham Carter and Rye Dag Holmboe, an art historian 21 years younger than the actress, have proven that age is just a number when it comes to matters of the heart.
Their love story began in 2018 at a wedding party, and it was an unexpected encounter that would shape their lives. Describing the meeting as a “happy accident,” Bonham Carter, then just 51, expressed her gratitude for meeting Holmboe, then 29, and feeling fortunate to have him in her life. Despite their significant age difference, their connection is undeniable, reflecting a deep understanding and shared values.
Before meeting Holmboe, Bonham Carter was in a 13-year relationship with director Tim Burton, who was eight years older than her. Burton is the father of her two children: Billy Raymond Burton, born in 2003, and Nell Burton, born in 2007.
Despite having kids, Bonham Carter and the director never decided to take the plunge and tie the knot. They also had an unconventional home arrangement where they shared an interconnected house with each property decorated based on their personal taste and preference.
In 2014, the pair decided to split up but remained amicable co-parents who have shared custody of the children. Bonham Carter said in a 2016 interview with Red Magazine that her relationship with her ex-partner was a massive gift that will always be special to her, especially because they have kids. However, they both understood that the partnership was not meant to last.
Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Burton (2010), (Dave M. Benett/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images)
Despite the age difference between Bonham Carter and her new man, the actress believes that maturity is not synonymous with age. She praised her younger beau for his incredible maturity and his ability to see beyond societal expectations. The “Alice in Wonderland” star described Holmboe as an “old soul in a young body.”
“People are slightly frightened of older women, but he isn’t,” Bonham Carter said in an interview with The Times UK in 2022. “Women can be very powerful when they’re older.”
Bonham Carter said that Holmboe is an “ageless” guy whose sexiness comes from his sense of humor. She raved about her boyfriend’s fun and mischief, which she felt were the right ingredients for their intimacy.
“The Big Fish” actress also joked that her boyfriend’s eyesight has started failing because she’s “siphoning off his youth at night.” Now together for almost five years, Bonham Carter has agreed to live with Holmboe, and they have adopted rabbits together. However, when asked about marriage, the actress pointed out that she never got married to the father of her children.
Bonham Carter feels that the best of her life is still ahead of her in her 50s. Admittedly, when she celebrated her 50th birthday, she thought the excitement of her life was over. However, after meeting Holmboe, her experiences have been unexpectedly magical. She has also gotten a lot of better breaks at work in her 50s, making her more fulfilled in her craft.
“When I turned 50, I worried it was downhill all the way,” she said via Harper’s Bazaar in 2019. “But it’s quite the opposite. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier or more fulfilled.”
Rye Holmboe, Helena Bonham Carter (2021), (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images)
Isn’t it wonderful for Helena Bonham Carter to find love and happiness in her 50s? What can you say about her much younger partner and their relationship? Do you know someone who can relate to her story? Then tell them about this piece!