
The most heart-wrenching scene in Love Actually is when Karen discovers that her husband, Harry, bought a necklace for another woman and gave her a Joni Mitchell CD for Christmas instead. She heads to her bedroom where she breaks down as Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" plays. If you haven't cried watching that moment—actually, never mind, I don't think there's a person in existence who hasn't openly weeped watching that.
It turns out part of the reason that scene was so moving was that Emma Thompson, who plays Karen, drew from real life experience. At a fundraiser for the Tricycle Theatre in London this weekend, the actress told the audience that she'd gone through something similar with her now ex-husband, Kenneth Branagh who had an affair with Helena Bonham Carter.
"That scene where my character is standing by the bed crying is so well known because it’s something everyone’s been through,” she said, according to The Telegraph (opens in new tab). "I had my heart very badly broken by Ken. So I knew what it was like to find the necklace that wasn’t meant for me. Well, it wasn’t exactly that, but we’ve all been through it."
Branagh and Thompson married in 1989; in 1994, Branagh reportedly began an affair with his Mary Shelley's Frankenstein co-star Helena Bonham Carter. Thompson and Branagh announced their separation in 1995 and Branagh and Bonham Carter went on to date until 1999.
"I’ve had so much bloody practice at crying in a bedroom, then having to go out and be cheerful, gathering up the pieces of my heart and putting them in a drawer," Thompson told The Telegraph (opens in new tab).
Branagh, Thompson, and Bonham Carter have all moved on and worked together (at least appearing in the same franchise...) since—Harry Potter fans will recognize the actors as Professor Lockhart, Professor Trelawney, and Bellatrix Lestrange.
"That is... all blood under the bridge," Thompson told The Sunday Times of her feelings about Bonham Carter years after the affair. "You can’t hold on to anything like that. It’s pointless. I haven’t got the energy for it... Helena and I made our peace years and years ago... she’s a wonderful woman."
Anna Lewis is the News Editor at Delish UK, which means she’s always either writing about food, cooking food or eating food. Anna is in charge of Delish UK’s epic food news output, ensuring you’re always up-to-date with the latest product launches, food trends, and restaurant news. She specialises in Slimming World recipes, but she’ll eat just about anything – ideally gherkins or ice-cream sandwiches (but not together).
-
Are Brett and Tiffany Still Together After 'Love Is Blind'?
These two are impossible not to root for.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Eyeshadows to Make Brown Eyes Sparkle
Alexa, play "Brown Eyed Girl."
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Periods Are Under Attack in America
New legislation in the U.S. is designed to persecute women for managing their reproductive health. But the "Don't Say Period" bill just proposed in Florida is the most dangerous yet.
By Megha Desai
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger