Bo Derek And John Corbett represent one of Hollywood’s most enduring and heartwarming love stories. Their relationship, blossoming from a chance Academy Awards date in 2002, has captivated fans for over two decades. This timeline explores the key moments in Bo Derek and John Corbett’s relationship, revealing how they defied expectations and built a lasting partnership culminating in a surprise wedding.
The Serendipitous Beginning: Meeting at the Oscars
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Their love story began in March 2002, a year marked by the premiere of Corbett’s breakout hit, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Without a date for the 74th Academy Awards, Corbett’s agent stepped in, setting him up with Bo Derek. As Corbett recounted on TODAY in 2015, he felt “very intimidated” by the iconic actress. Derek, who hadn’t been dating for five years following the passing of her first husband, John Derek, in 1998, admitted to an instant connection. “It was just an attraction, a comfort,” she later told Fox News, describing their initial meeting. She had consciously embraced single life, drawing inspiration from her independent girlfriends, but with Corbett, sparks flew unexpectedly.
From First Date to Red Carpet Regulars: Early Years
Nine months after their initial spark, Bo Derek and John Corbett made their debut as a couple at the VH1 Big in 2002 Awards. Their appearance, holding hands and dressed casually, signaled the start of a public romance.
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Returning to the venue of their first date a decade later, in February 2012, they attended the 84th Academy Awards together. This time, they were a well-established couple, comfortable in the Hollywood limelight. Bo Derek stunned in a purple gown, while John Corbett opted for classic tuxedo elegance.
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In March 2014, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party saw Derek and Corbett again, this time in matching sleek black suits, holding hands confidently on the red carpet, solidifying their status as a stylish and devoted couple.
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Supporting Each Other’s Careers: Red Carpets and Premieres
Bo Derek was a supportive presence at the 2016 New York premiere of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, standing by John Corbett as he celebrated the sequel to his popular film. She even took on the role of supportive girlfriend, snapping photos of Corbett and the cast.
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Defying Marriage Norms: A Conscious Choice
Despite their deep connection, John Corbett and Bo Derek openly discussed their unconventional stance on marriage. In a 2016 HuffPost interview, Corbett expressed skepticism about marriage, citing friends’ divorces. Bo Derek echoed this sentiment in Entertainment Tonight that same year, explaining that without children and not being young, they felt no pressure to marry.
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Derek further elaborated in a 2020 Fox News interview, highlighting that while marriage is a meaningful commitment for young families, it hadn’t felt necessary for them in their current life stage. Their focus was on their relationship and enjoying life together, marriage or not.
Joyful Moments and Shared Passions: A Look into Their Life
Their relationship was clearly filled with joy and playful moments. A 2017 Instagram video shared by Derek captured Corbett dancing and singing on the red carpet at the Golden Nymph Nominees Party in Monte Carlo, showcasing their fun-loving dynamic.
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In 2018, they revealed their favorite “vacation spot” was their Santa Ynez ranch. Bo Derek told Closer Weekly that home was where “the romance is” for them, given their busy travel schedules. 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.”
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Their shared love for animals was evident when Bo Derek introduced Luka, their adopted German Shepherd puppy, to social media in June 2018. This new family member joined their existing pack, expanding their happy home to a family of eight, including their other dogs.
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Continuing their public appearances, they attended the WildAid Gala in 2019, with Derek, a long-time animal rights advocate, taking center stage alongside Corbett.
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Pandemic Life and Enduring Love: Deepening Their Bond
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unexpected closeness. Bo Derek revealed to ET that the extended time together at their ranch strengthened their bond. She described their daily routine of caring for their animals as a “favorite part” of their pandemic experience.
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In the same ET interview, Bo Derek shared the secret to their long-lasting relationship: “You have to be in love: really, deeply, in love.” She emphasized flexibility and taking their relationship “one day at a time,” a philosophy that had carried them through 19 years. She also humorously commented on being “Team Big” for Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, the show Corbett was famous for at the start of their relationship, clarifying it was “not for me. For her,” indicating her support for the fictional character while clearly choosing “Team Corbett” in real life.
The Surprise Wedding: A New Chapter Begins
In a delightful surprise, John Corbett revealed in August 2021 on The Talk that he and Bo Derek had secretly married in December 2020. After 18 years together, they decided to formalize their union in an intimate ceremony. “We didn’t want 2020 to be that thing that everybody looks back at and hated,” Corbett explained, “We thought, ‘Well, let’s get one nice thing out of it.'”
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Newlywed Bliss and Enduring Adoration: Life After Marriage
Sources speaking to PEOPLE described their quiet newlywed life at their Santa Ynez ranch as idyllic. They are “adorable” as a couple, always holding hands and appearing deeply happy, enjoying their shared ranch life, animals, and involvement in local charities.
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In June 2022, they attended the AFI Life Achievement Award Gala, where Bo Derek honored her 10 co-star Julie Andrews, demonstrating their continued presence in Hollywood events as a united couple.
Celebrating Bo Derek’s 66th birthday in November 2022 at a Los Angeles Chargers game, they were featured on the jumbotron, a public display of affection and celebration of their enduring love.
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Most recently, in January 2024, John Corbett and Bo Derek attended the Masters of the Air premiere, continuing to grace red carpets together, their love story an ongoing chapter in Hollywood romance.
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Conclusion: An Unconventional Love Story That Lasts
Bo Derek and John Corbett’s relationship is a testament to an enduring Hollywood love story built on genuine connection, shared values, and a mutual love of laughter. From their unexpected beginning to their surprise wedding, they have consistently defied expectations, proving that love can blossom in its own time and on its own terms. Their journey continues to inspire fans and serves as a heartwarming reminder that lasting relationships are built on everyday moments and deep affection, more than just grand gestures or societal norms.
