The Oscar nominee joked that Tim “gave birth to me,” which was especially true when she was cast as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (2007) opposite Johnny Depp. The role required her to “audition backwards, singing backwards” and required approval from the musical’s original creator. Stephen Sondheim. And the moment her casting was given the green light was an emotional moment for Helena and Tim.
“Tim burst into tears,” Helena said. “That’s about the only time he’s done it, actually.”
“He came to my side of the house. We had, as we know, two houses next to each other, but it was basically one house,” Helena explained. “He said, ‘Stephen Sondheim wants you.’ And then he burst into tears, because we put ourselves, our relationship and everything, under a lot of pressure because of me. But every moment was worth it.
The duo collaborated on screen several others times, with films like Charlie and the Chocolate Postman (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Dark shadows (2012) and Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016).
Through all that, Hélène recalled that Tim was always drawing something.
“He literally makes his way through life,” she said. “Even if he was with you, he would draw. Even on memorable occasions. I would have a child. He would always draw. Literally giving birth. We have been drawing all our lives.”
