Helena Bonham Carter was born into a distinguished family in Golders Green, London. Her father, Raymond Bonham Carter, was a merchant banker, and her mother, Elena (née Propper de Callejón), was a psychotherapist. Coming from such a family background undoubtedly influenced Helena's upbringing and provided her with early exposure to intellectual pursuits and creative expression.

At the young age of 16, Bonham Carter made her professional acting debut in a television film titled 'A Pattern of Roses'. This early exposure provided valuable on-set experience and marked the true commencement of her acting career.

Helena Bonham Carter gained significant recognition and public attention for her starring role as Lady Jane Grey in the historical drama 'Lady Jane'. This role helped establish her as a leading lady and showcased her talent for portraying strong, historical female figures, leading to a career defined by roles in period dramas.

The 1990s saw Bonham Carter become a prominent figure in period dramas, earning her the unofficial title of 'Queen of Period Drama'. She starred in notable productions such as 'Howards End', 'Mary Shelley's Frankenstein', and 'Twelfth Night', further solidifying her reputation for portraying elegant and compelling characters in historical settings.

Bonham Carter took on the edgier role of Marla Singer in David Fincher's cult classic 'Fight Club'. This departure from her period drama image showcased her versatility and willingness to embrace darker, more unconventional characters, demonstrating her range as an actress.

Helena Bonham Carter began a significant creative and personal partnership with director Tim Burton. This period saw her star in numerous Burton films, including 'Planet of the Apes', 'Big Fish', 'Corpse Bride', 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street', 'Alice in Wonderland', and 'Dark Shadows'. Their collaboration produced some of her most memorable and iconic roles. They ended their relationship in 2014.

Bonham Carter received widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovett in Tim Burton's 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'. This role further cemented her reputation as a versatile and talented actress, capable of both dramatic and comedic performances.

Bonham Carter achieved further international recognition for her portrayal of the sinister Bellatrix Lestrange in the 'Harry Potter' film series, beginning with 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'. Her interpretation of the character was praised for its intensity and eccentricity, solidifying her place as a beloved villain in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Helena Bonham Carter received another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress, for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 'The King's Speech'. She won a BAFTA Award for this role. This performance demonstrated her ability to handle complex and nuanced roles with grace and sensitivity.

Bonham Carter took on the role of Princess Margaret in the third and fourth seasons of the popular Netflix series 'The Crown'. Her performance was widely praised for capturing the essence of the complex royal figure, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and further acclaim.