Helena Bonham Carter Talks Tim Burton Breakup, Says Relationship Will "Always Remain Special"

It's been almost a year since actress Helena Bonham Carter and film director Tim Burton made the shocking announcement they were calling it quits, after 13 years together. Carter finally broke her silence about their breakup for the November issue of Red, admitting their relationship will "always remain special," even if they're not living under the same roof.

Carter and Burton began dating in 2001 while the two were on set filming Planet of the Apes. They share two children together: son Billy Raymond Burton, born October 2003, and daughter Nell Burton, born December 2007. The two revealed they "separated amicably" on Dec. 23, 2014.

The 49-year-old actress seemingly has no hard feelings or negative words to associate her split with Burton. During the interview, she spoke candidly about the unique relationship they shared and why she believes their love will continue to thrive despite the breakup.

“I could write a thesis on what’s happened," Carter told Red. "And it is all-absorbing when a relationship breaks down, but I think we’re coming through it, and I think we’ll have something very precious still. Our relationship was always somewhat special, and I think it’ll always remain special. We did find each other. And really, the mark of a successful relationship shouldn’t be whether you’re there forever after."

The former power couple ultimately worked together on six Hollywood films, including Big Fish, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Alice in Wonderland and Dark Shadows.

Carter also used the interview to clear up some misconceptions about their living arrangements. Over the years, she's revealed the two lived in two adjoining homes until deciding to connect them later down the line. Many believed she didn't live with Burton at all, but she quickly shut down those rumors.

"Sometimes you’re not meant to be forever together. Sometimes you have to come to terms with the fact that that was it. But that was a gift, a massive gift. We gave each other children and a lot more else. And we might be better, and still be able to give to each other, but not necessarily living together. Which we did by the way, because everyone seemed to think we didn’t, but that was a load of myth.”

Carter admitted the most important thing on her mind are the children and how they handle their parents' separation. She wants the children to be able to enjoy their childhood as much as they can, before they become adults.

The Cinderella star is optimistic about the future and eager to make the best out of her fifties. Carter offered advice about creating new experiences every day, instead of watching the days pass.

“We’re getting dilapidated, but you can’t control that, so why worry? I’m more conscious of the kids’ childhood going, because that goes so fast, it’s a bit like watching one of those time lapses. There’s no pressing pause. You’ve just got to say goodbye all the time, but also say hello. You must remember to say hello. So I’m going to say hello to my 5-0 – because otherwise when I’m 60 I’ll be going, ‘Oh, you should’ve enjoyed your fifties.’”

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Tim Burton