‘She died as she lived. Fearlessly’ – Peaky Blinders actress Helen McCrory dies, aged 52

Helen McCrory

Ciara O'Loughlin & Brendan Kelly Palenque

April 16 2021 05:19 PM

Helen McCrory has died aged 52 after a “heroic battle” with cancer.

The British actress had an impressive career and became a household name with roles in Peaky Blinders and the James Bond film Skyfall. She also appeared in three Harry Potter films and the award-winning movie The Queen.

Her husband Damian Lewis – with whom she had two children – said he is “heartbroken” to announce her death.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “I’m heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.

“She died as she lived. Fearlessly.

"God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly.

“Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”

pic.twitter.com/gSx8ib9PY9
— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021

Irish comedian Aisling Bea shared a story about working with her on Quiz, saying: “Utterly heart breaking, what a loss. Every actor looks & looked up to Helen McCrory - so brilliant and gripping and transformative and those who knew her as a friend really loved her.”

"On Quiz last year and she was just so bloody cool, with funny anecdotes and stories and worrying about remembering all her lines.

"I could not believe that THE Helen McCrory was pacing up & down, worried about lines, she was so down to earth & openly vulnerable, all for the craft & being as good as possible, then we watched her in the courtroom pretty much do a one woman monologue and be incredibly excellent and not forget a thing.

“Thoughts go out to her family and friends xxx.”

Presenter Dermot O'Leary called Ms McCrory “a mighty talent” as he paid tribute to her.

"Had the good fortune to meet and interview Helen McCrory a few times," he said.

"A mighty talent, with always a hint of mischief. Really lovely company. Very sad news."

Helen McCrory as Aunt Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders

The official Peaky Blinders twitter account has paid tribute to the actress, who played Polly Gray in the series alongside Irish actor Cillian Murphy.

"Helen McCrory as Polly Gray...All our love and thoughts are with Helen’s family. Rest in peace," they wrote.

Little Britain actor Matt Lucas wrote on Twitter that: “Helen McCrory will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity.”

“She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. What a tremendous loss.”

Actor and writer Mark Gatiss said: “Unbearable and unbelievable that Helen McCrory has gone. A genuine firecracker with an aching vulnerability. A wonderful actor and a wonderful woman. Thoughts with Damian and family. RIP.”

McCrory also played Narcissa Malfoy, the wife of Lucius Malfoy and Draco's mother, in Harry Potter. She appeared in three films in the famous franchise, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2.

Wizarding World, the official home on Twitter for Harry Potter, said that she: “played Narcissa Malfoy with such depth and brilliance in the Harry Potter film series”.

“She was a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much.”

In addition, the British film and television awards the Baftas said that: “We're sad to hear of the death of actor Helen McCrory. As well as fearless Polly Gray in Bafta-winning Peaky Blinders, she was in 2007 Best Film Bafta winner The Queen, amongst many other films and TV shows.”