Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter, a strange but perfect pair, have decided to call it quits after 13 years together.

The couple, who never got married, "separated amicably earlier this year and have continued to be friends and co-parent their children," Carter's rep told People on Dec. 23. "We would ask that you respect their privacy and that of their children during this time."

The 48-year-old Carter first met Burton working on his 2001 film "Planet of the Apes." She has appeared in nearly all of his films since, including "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Corpse Bride," "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," "Alice in Wonderland" and "Dark Shadows."

Carter and Burton have two children together, an 11-year-old son Billy and 7-year-old daughter Nell.

Burton's latest film "Big Eyes," starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz, will open in theaters on Christmas Day. Carter will star next year in Disney's live-action "Cinderella" as the Fairy Godmother.