If you’ve ever watched a Tim Burton movie, you know the vibe. It’s all striped socks, pale faces, and a certain kind of beautiful, gothic loneliness. You might wonder if the man who dreamt up Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice has a traditional family life when the cameras stop rolling. Basically, does the king of macabre have a "normal" dad side?
Yes, Tim Burton has two children. He shares them with his long-time former partner, the equally iconic Helena Bonham Carter. They never officially married, but they spent thirteen years together, famously living in interconnected houses in London so they could have their own "weird" spaces while still being a family. It’s exactly the kind of setup you’d expect from them. Honestly, the kids, Billy Raymond and Nell, have grown up in a world that’s part Hollywood royalty and part dark fairy tale.
The Firstborn: Billy Raymond Burton
Billy was born on October 4, 2003. He’s 22 now. His name is a bit of a tribute act—he was named after Tim’s father (William) and Helena’s father (Raymond).
You might actually recognize him, even if you don't realize it. Tim has a habit of putting his family in his movies, though he and Helena were pretty strict about not giving them speaking roles. They wanted the kids to have a choice about being famous. Billy has popped up as an extra in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd, and Dark Shadows.
He’s the godson of Johnny Depp. Let that sink in for a second. While most of us were getting a ten-dollar bill in a birthday card from our godparents, Billy was hanging out with Jack Sparrow. Despite that high-octane connection, he’s stayed mostly under the radar. People who see him at events often comment on how much he looks like a blend of his parents—he's got that same messy, creative energy in his style.
The Daughter: Nell Burton
Then came Nell, born December 15, 2007. She’s currently 18. Her name took a while to land. Apparently, Tim and Helena couldn't decide on a name for months. They eventually settled on Nell, which is a diminutive of Helen, honoring the "Helens" in Helena’s family tree.
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Nell has stayed even more private than Billy, but that’s changing a bit as she gets older. Just recently, in late 2025 and early 2026, she’s been making some waves. She actually made her modeling debut alongside her mom for a jewelry campaign (Larkspur & Hawk). It was a rare look at the "real" Nell, who seems to have inherited her mother’s whimsical, slightly eccentric fashion sense.
She’s also had the "Burton Cameo" treatment. You can spot her in Alice in Wonderland and Big Eyes. Helena once joked that she "gave" Tim two kids and still had to audition for his movies. It’s a funny mental image—the mother of his children standing in a room trying to prove she can play a Red Queen.
The "Two Houses" Upbringing
One of the biggest misconceptions about Tim Burton's kids is that they grew up in some dark, spooky dungeon.
The reality is more London-bohemian. Tim and Helena famously owned two houses next to each other in Belsize Park. They weren't "living apart" in the way people think; they just had a hallway connecting the two buildings. This meant the kids could have a stable home base while their parents—two very intense creative types—could have their own separate studios and decorating styles.
Helena once explained that Tim’s house was a bit more "out there," while hers was more "homely." For Billy and Nell, this meant a childhood that valued individuality. They weren't forced into the spotlight. In fact, Helena has been quoted saying she’d almost prefer it if they became lawyers or accountants.
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Co-Parenting After the 2014 Split
When Tim and Helena split in 2014, the internet was pretty devastated. They seemed like the perfect "mismatched-matched" couple. But for the kids, the transition was apparently quite smooth.
They’ve continued to co-parent in London. You’ll still see the whole "gang" together at major events. For instance, at the Rome Film Fest a few years back, Tim was seen with his arms around both Billy and Nell on the red carpet. They even brought the family dog, Levi. It didn't look like a stiff celebrity photo op; it looked like a dad who was genuinely proud of his kids.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume Billy and Nell are "Goth kids."
While they definitely don't dress like they're headed to a frat party, they aren't carbon copies of their father’s film characters either. They’ve been raised with a heavy emphasis on education and finding their own path. Billy is an adult now, navigating his own life, and Nell is just starting to dip her toes into the creative industries on her own terms.
There’s also this idea that they must have a tortured relationship with their dad because his movies often feature "bad fathers" (think Big Fish or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). But by all accounts, Burton is a devoted father. He’s often spoken about how having children changed his perspective on life, making things feel more "technicolor" and less "close-up."
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Where Are They Now in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Burton kids are finding their legs as young adults:
- Billy Raymond Burton: Stays mostly out of the press. He resides primarily in London and maintains a very private lifestyle, occasionally appearing at gallery openings or film premieres to support his dad.
- Nell Burton: Recently turned 18 and is beginning to be seen more in the fashion and arts scene. Her recent modeling work suggests she might be the one to carry the family’s creative torch into the public eye, though she hasn't committed to a full-time acting career yet.
It’s actually refreshing. In an era where "nepo babies" are everywhere, Tim Burton’s kids have had a remarkably grounded upbringing. They weren't shoved into commercials at age five. They were allowed to be kids in a house (or two houses) full of art, books, and probably a few weird props from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
If you’re looking to follow their journey, don't expect a lot of TikTok dances or public drama. They seem to value the same thing their parents did: the art of the "quiet" life behind the scenes.
The best way to see what they're up to is to keep an eye on major film festivals or high-end fashion campaigns in London. They don't seek the camera; the camera usually has to find them.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see the kids "in action," go back and re-watch Alice in Wonderland or Dark Shadows. Try to spot the background extras. It’s like a family Easter egg hunt. You can also look up the recent Larkspur & Hawk campaign to see Nell's transition into the fashion world.
Actionable Insights
- Check the Credits: Look for "Billy Burton" or "Nell Burton" in the "Additional Crew" or "Extra" sections of Tim Burton films from 2005–2014.
- Follow the Mother: Helena Bonham Carter is more vocal about the kids in interviews than Tim. If you're looking for updates on their college lives or interests, her interviews with The Guardian or Harper’s Bazaar are your best bet.
- Respect the Privacy: Neither Billy nor Nell has a public, verified Instagram. Any account claiming to be them is likely a fan page.