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May 26 – Born in London, England, to a prominent British family.
Mother: Elena Bonham Carter (psychotherapist)
Father: Raymond Bonham Carter (banker, later became disabled due to a brain tumor) -
At age 13, her father suffers a stroke after a brain surgery went wrong, leaving him half-paralyzed. This deeply shapes her adolescence -
Wins a writing competition, uses the prize money to enter the acting world. Appears in a TV commercial and then the TV film A Pattern of Roses. -
At age 19, stars as Lucy Honeychurch. The film becomes a hit and launches her into period drama stardom. -
Plays tragic teenage Queen Lady Jane Grey in the historical drama Lady Jane. -
She appears in the Oscar-winning film Howards End, solidifying her image as the quintessential “English rose” of costume dramas. -
She stars opposite Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, marking a shift toward darker, more complex roles. -
Her performance as Kate Croy earns her a Best Actress Oscar nomination, showcasing her dramatic range beyond period pieces. -
Helena plays Marla Singer in Fight Club, directed by David Fincher. The edgy, chaotic role breaks her typecasting and introduces her to a new generation of filmgoers. -
She meets director Tim Burton during the filming of Planet of the Apes. They begin a long-term relationship and creative partnership that spans a decade. -
Helena and Tim welcome their first child, Billy Raymond Burton. She continues working while balancing motherhood and film. -
She voices the titular character in Corpse Bride, a stop-motion animated film directed by Burton, gaining praise for her expressive vocal performance. -
Her daughter, Nell Burton, is born in London. Helena and Tim maintain separate houses next door to each other — a famously unconventional living arrangement. -
Helena plays Mrs. Lovett alongside Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The film wins acclaim, and she receives a Golden Globe nomination. -
She portrays Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) in The King’s Speech, a critically acclaimed film that earns her a second Oscar nomination (Best Supporting Actress). -
She appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, ending her iconic run as the dark, twisted Bellatrix — a fan-favorite character across the franchise. -
After over 13 years together, Helena and Tim Burton announce their amicable separation. They continue to co-parent and work independently. -
Helena takes on the role of Princess Margaret in seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown on Netflix. Her performance is widely praised and earns her a BAFTA nomination. -
In recognition of her services to drama, Helena is awarded the title Dame in the New Year Honours list — one of the highest accolades in the UK. -
As of today, Helena Bonham Carter remains active in both film and television. She recently starred in the ITV miniseries Nolly and serves as President of the London Library, championing arts, mental health, and literacy causes.