John Corbett and Bo Derek’s relationship is a heartwarming tale of enduring love in Hollywood. Their paths crossed in 2002, orchestrated by Corbett’s agent who set them up for the Academy Awards. The connection was immediate and strong. Derek, famed for her role in 10, had been widowed since 1998 after the passing of her first husband, John Derek, and had not anticipated finding love again.
In a Fox News interview, Bo Derek openly shared her admiration for John Corbett, stating, “He makes me laugh all the time. He’s full of life, full of joy. I became attracted to him and I still am.” Their relationship, built on laughter and mutual appreciation, has blossomed over two decades, culminating in a quiet wedding in 2020 after years of publicly stating they might never marry. Let’s delve into the timeline of Bo Derek and John Corbett’s enduring Hollywood romance.
March 2002: The Serendipitous First Meeting
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The year 2002 was significant for John Corbett with the premiere of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. However, leading up to the 74th Academy Awards in March, he found himself without a date. In a 2015 Today Show appearance, Corbett recounted how his agent played cupid: “I said, ‘I’m not dating anyone,’ and he said, ‘I’ll get you a date, Corbett!’ And he set me up with Bo.” Despite initial intimidation, the chemistry was undeniable.
Bo Derek, who admitted to not dating for five years prior, felt an instant connection. “I kept saying to my friends, ‘I’ll wait until all the sparks and all that get going,’ ” she revealed on TODAY. “And it finally happened.” Speaking to Fox News later, she described their first encounter as “just an attraction, a comfort.” Derek also reflected on her contentment as a single woman before Corbett entered her life, drawing inspiration from her single girlfriends who led fulfilling lives.
December 2002: Public Debut at VH1 Big in 2002 Awards
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Just nine months after their first date, John Corbett and Bo Derek made their first public appearance as a couple at the VH1 Big in 2002 Awards in Los Angeles. They arrived hand-in-hand, signaling the start of their journey as a couple. Their style was casual yet chic, with Corbett opting for a tie-less black suit and Derek in jeans paired with a striking red leather jacket.
February 26, 2012: Celebrating a Decade at the Academy Awards
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Nearly a decade into their relationship, John Corbett and Bo Derek revisited where it all began by attending the 84th Academy Awards in 2012. This appearance marked a significant milestone, circling back to their first date location ten years later. Derek looked elegant in a purple gown with sheer sleeves, while Corbett maintained classic Hollywood charm in a black tuxedo.
March 2014: Oscar Night Glamour at Vanity Fair Party
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In 2014, the couple continued their tradition of Oscar night celebrations by attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party after the 86th Academy Awards. Bo Derek and John Corbett showcased their coordinated style, walking hand-in-hand on the red carpet in matching sleek black suits, solidifying their status as a stylish Hollywood couple.
March 15, 2016: Supporting Roles at “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” Premiere
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Bo Derek was a supportive partner at the New York premiere of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Celebrating Corbett’s career milestone, she joined the cast at the AMC Loews theater in Lincoln Square, nearly 14 years after the original film’s release. Derek was seen capturing moments with her own camera, dressed in a sequined navy jacket, while Corbett looked dapper in a dark blue suit.
August 2016: Unconventional Views on Marriage
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Despite their long-term commitment, John Corbett and Bo Derek openly discussed their lack of plans to marry. In a 2016 HuffPost interview, Corbett shared his perspective against marriage, observing the complexities of divorce among friends. Bo Derek echoed this sentiment in an Entertainment Tonight interview that year, explaining that they felt no pressure to marry, especially without children and being past their youth. In a 2020 Fox News interview, Derek further elaborated that marriage is a meaningful commitment for young families, but for them, it hadn’t felt necessary.
June 2017: Dancing Through Life in Monte Carlo
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A glimpse into their joyful relationship was shared in a 2017 Instagram video by Bo Derek. The clip captured John Corbett playfully dancing and singing on the red carpet at the Golden Nymph Nominees Party in Monte Carlo, before stepping aside to let Derek have her solo moment in front of the cameras. Derek captioned the video “Fun in Monte Carlo,” highlighting the playful dynamic of their relationship.
January 2018: Home is Where the Heart Is (and Romance Is)
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Amidst their busy schedules, Bo Derek and John Corbett found their sanctuary at their cliff manor ranch in Santa Ynez, California. In a 2018 interview with Closer Weekly, Derek revealed, “We both travel so much, so, for us, our favorite vacation place is home. That’s where the romance is.” Corbett emphasized their simple joys: “We enjoy each other’s company; we make each other laugh. After 15 years we still hold hands; we still have barbecues with friends a couple times a week. [And Bo] still laughs at all my jokes even though she’s heard them a million times. We just enjoy each other. I’m sad when she’s not around.”
June 2018: Expanding Their Family with a Furry Friend
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Bo Derek, despite keeping her relationship with John Corbett relatively private on social media, introduced a new member to their family in June 2018 – an adopted German Shepherd puppy named Luka. In an Instagram post featuring Corbett with Luka, she expressed gratitude for name suggestions and shared that Luka had settled in well with their other dogs, Smokey and Chico, expanding their happy family to eight.
November 2019: Supporting Wildlife Conservation at WildAid Gala
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Bo Derek, a longtime advocate for animal rights, attended the 2019 WildAid Gala in Beverly Hills with John Corbett. They walked the red carpet together, Derek in a teal gown and Corbett in a dark suit, demonstrating their shared commitment to important causes.
September 2020: Pandemic Isolation and Ranch Life
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During the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020, Bo Derek shared insights into their life at their Santa Ynez ranch while promoting her Hallmark film, JL Family Ranch: The Wedding Gift. In an ET interview, she revealed, “This has been the most time we’ve ever spent together.” She described their routine of caring for their animals and property as a source of busyness and joy. Derek also noted Corbett’s transition from city life to ranch living, stating, “It was a big gesture for John to move up here because he’s definitely a nighttime guy and a city guy…and then slowly, he just started spending more time up here and now it takes a lot to get him to leave.“
September 2020: The Secret to a Lasting Relationship
In the same 2020 ET interview, Bo Derek unveiled the foundation of their enduring relationship: “I mean, you have to be in love: really, deeply, in love.” She emphasized flexibility and taking their relationship “one day at a time,” which has led to nearly two decades together. Interestingly, Derek admitted to being “Team Big” when it came to Corbett’s Sex and the City character Aiden’s relationship with Carrie Bradshaw, feeling Aiden wasn’t the right fit for Carrie, though clearly right for her in real life.
December 2020: Secret Wedding After 20 Years
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In a surprise reveal on The Talk in August 2021, John Corbett announced that he and Bo Derek had secretly married in December 2020. Derek’s representative confirmed the news to PEOPLE. Corbett explained their private nature and desire to find a positive moment in 2020: “After 20 years we decided to get married, we didn’t want 2020 to be that thing that everybody looks back at and hated. We thought, ‘Well, let’s get one nice thing out of it.’ “
August 2021: Newlywed Bliss in Quiet Ranch Life
Shortly after their wedding announcement, a source shared with PEOPLE about John Corbett and Bo Derek’s contentment as newlyweds. They enjoy a peaceful ranch life in Santa Ynez, surrounded by their animals. Described as an “adorable” couple who always hold hands, they are deeply involved in their community and known for supporting local charities and businesses.
June 2022: Honoring Julie Andrews Together
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In June 2022, the couple attended the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute, where Bo Derek presented the award to her 10 co-star, Julie Andrews. This public appearance highlighted their continued presence in Hollywood and Derek’s enduring connections within the industry. Corbett and Derek showcased their complementary styles, with Corbett in navy and Derek in a black suit jacket and ruffled skirt.
November 2022: Birthday Celebrations at a Chargers Game
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For Bo Derek’s 66th birthday in November 2022, John Corbett joined her at a Los Angeles Chargers football game. The Chargers celebrated Derek’s birthday by featuring the couple on the jumbotron, which Derek shared on Instagram, captioning it “Some birthdays are just better than others,” capturing the joy of their shared moments.
January 10, 2024: Date Night at “Masters of the Air” Premiere
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Most recently, in January 2024, John Corbett and Bo Derek attended the Los Angeles premiere of Masters of the Air. Derek looked chic in a black velvet suit, while Corbett sported a jacket from the set of And Just Like That…, marking another chapter in their enduring Hollywood love story. Their continued public appearances and shared life highlight a relationship that has not only lasted but thrived outside the typical Hollywood spotlight.
