Lewis wrote,"I'm heartbroken to announce that after a 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. Helen's death was announced by her husband, Damian, who took to social media to confirm the tragic news in a statement that read: "I'm heartbroken to announce An unfathomable loss. Dermot OLeary recalled on Twitter: Had the good fortune to meet and interview Helen McCrory a few times. ", He added, She died as she lived. I will dearly miss my pal. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Posting on Twitter, Richard Coles wrote: Very sorry to hear of the death of Helen McCrory, such a brilliant actor; heartfelt condolences to Damian Lewis, their children, and all who loved her. Actor Ben Willbond added: Heartbroken at the news that Helen McCrory has died. All rights reserved. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being, he said in a statement. A tweet from Bafta read: Were sad to hear of the death of actor Helen McCrory. Helen was an even more brilliant person than she was an actress, he said, describing her a meteor in our life. Image Source: Whatsonstage. She was also a gifted actor fearless and magnificent. Much love to Damian and her family. `How did you do that?' In addition to her starring role in six seasons of Peaky Blinders, McCrory's filmography included high-profile projects such as her most recent: voicingStelmaria, Lord Asriel's (James McAvoy) snow leopard daemon, onHBO's His Dark Materials. She was so powerful and controlled and this is so sad. Portrayed by Helen McCrory, Elizabeth Polly Gray, ne Shelby, is the matriarch of the Shelby family. PerThe Daily Mirror, McCrory's last public appearance was on March 12, when she and Lewis appeared on Good Morning Britainas ambassadors of Prince's Trust, a charity that supports the career aspirations of young people aged 11 to 30. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/peaky-blinders-actor-helen-mccrory-dies-of-cancer-at-52, Beloved childrens author Beverly Cleary dies at 104, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry dies at 84, Arrested Development actor Jessica Walter dies at 80. Now, co-star Cillian Murphy is sharing how her death was a devastating blow to the cast. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. Associated Press. Very sorry to hear of the death of Helen McCrory, such a brilliant actor; heartfelt condolences to Damian Lewis, their children, and all who loved her. According to reports, Helen died peacefully in her home after a battle with cancer, which she kept extremely private. It was a pleasure to work with you. I was in awe. Fearlessly, Lewis wrote on Twitter. She died as she lived. Fearlessly, McCrory's husband Damian Lewis wrote on Twitter. Helen McCrory backstage ahead of the Temperley London show during London Fashion Week in September 2018. Tim Whitby / Getty Images for BFC file Her raspy voice was remarked upon, but, in good humor, McCrory said the cause was that she's "got children!" McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy, the wife of Lucius Malfoy and Draco's mother, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2. One of her most acclaimed performances was as Cherie Blair in The Queen and The Special Relationship. She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. My heart goes out to Damian and the family, no words of condolences will ever be enough.. McCrory was one of Britains most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. In 2003, she met Lewis when they both starred in a play called Five Gold Rings at the Almeida Theatre in London. Her other screen roles included the MP Clair Dowar in 2012 James Bond movie Skyfall, and former Prime Minister Tony Blair's wife Cherie in the films The Queen and The Special Relationship. New facts surrounding Helen McCrory's death. Other iconic roles included parts in Hugo, Skyfall, Fearless, Quiz and MotherFatherSon. "', "Of course, there's so much sexism within the profession," McCrory said. McCrorythen joked back to her: Ive got children.. Helen was a beautiful supportive person to those of us who had the honour to know or work with her. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! She was a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much., Jo Malone said: @lewis_damian I am beyond saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Helen McCrory an amazing talented woman who gave so much , my sincere condolences to all of her beautiful family., Sue Perkins posted: I am so so sorry. George Segal, Who Plays Pops on 'The Goldbergs,' Passed Away at 87 Years Old, Jessica Walter Died at Age 80, but the Spirit of Lucille Bluth Lives on Here's a Look at Some of Her Best Moments, Rapper DMX Died at the Age of 50, Surrounded by Friends and Family. Impossible to process the mighty Helen McCrory has passed. What a women, what an actor. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. The Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you., Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021, Condolences subsequently poured in from various quarters. She blazed so brightly. ", Cillian shared that Helen's death and"loads of different reason" made for a bittersweet final season. Love ya. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. The tough and complex character played an integral role in the series, as she was the glue that held the Shelby family together. "I still can't believe she's not here," he explained. Fearlessly. According to reports, Helen died peacefully in her home after a battle with cancer, which she kept extremely private. As she said repeatedly to the children: Dont be sad, because even though Im about to snuff it, Ive lived the life I wanted to.. Lewis said that in the weeks before her death his wife had talked about his future relationships with women, saying that love isnt possessive. Originally from Paddington, London, England, she attended the Drama Centre in London, studying acting. The late star met Damian while they were performing Five Gold Rings together at Londons Almeida Theatre. What a loss x.. Having said that, there are a lot of things I turn down, she told the Associated Press in 2016, describing the sort of roles where all your lines are But what did you do at work? Thats so clever, darling. How did you do that? And then what did you do?, Of course, theres so much sexism within the profession, McCrory said. Simply heartbreaking news.. Helen and her husband married in July of 2007 and shared two kids son Gulliver, 13, and daughter Manon, 14. 2023 E! She also worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Almeida and the Donmar Warehouse, and earned rave reviews for her role in Uncle Vanya in London and New York in 2002 and 2003. It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, said in a statement, Helen was one of the great actors of her generation. Fearlessly. In 2000, she played the title character in Anna Karenina. McCrory was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017. He noted that the grief for McCrory had not been eclipsed by the funeral of Prince Philip. Will Dominion-Fox News lawsuit be different? Helens death was confirmed by Damian, who said how lucky they were to have had her in their lives. McCrory was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she didnt want the news to be publicized. More info. RIP Helen. Helen McCrory, known to audiences as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter films and as Polly Gray inPeaky Blinders, has died of cancer at the age of 52. She wrote, Im devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman whos left us far too soon.". Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. "Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being," he said in a statement. Our thoughts are with HelenMcCrory's loved ones during this difficult time. By order of the Peaky Blinders Thoughts are with her loved ones x, I am shattered to hear this news . 1 on iTunes Charts, 36 songs, no apologies: Morgan Wallen delivers more (much more) of what made him countrys king, Joy Behar kicks off Joys Banned Book Club with gay-penguin tale And Tango Makes Three, Paramount to pay $122.5 million to settle lawsuit over CBS deal, Jussie Smollett finally appeals his conviction stemming from 2019 hate-crime hoax. She played the matriarch of a crime family on "Peaky Blinders" and the scheming Voldemort ally Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" movies. The star, pic.twitter.com/NRlo3KPKWb, Helen McCrory no no no. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Last year, the couple raised more than 1m to provide NHS workers with meals from high street restaurants during the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic. She was an absolutely magnificent person. "It doesn't make sense. 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If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing uscelebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you. ", And while Helen will be featured in the final series, thanks to creator Steven Knight, her absence was still felt immensely. Actor Michael Sheen, who worked with McCrory on the 2006 film The Queen and more recently in ITV drama Quiz, described her death as "heartbreaking" and said it had been "an honour to work with her and know her" in a post on social media. Piers Morgan erupts at 'brass-necked' Prince Andrew, Paul O'Grady warned Meghan Markle against 'really riling' Queen, Helen McCrory was well loved as Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders, Helen McCrory leaves Peaky Blinders fans gobsmacked with accent on GMB, Damian Lewis shared the news of his wife's death, The star was well known for her role in Peaky Blinders. While many performers struggle to find meaty female roles in film and television, McCrory played a string of them. Damian Lewis, her husband, announced her passing on Twitter, writing that she had passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family. Her husband, fellow actor Damian Lewis, said McCrory died peacefully at home after a heroic battle with cancer., She died as she lived. Her husband, Awful.. Peaky Blinders actress Helen McCrory dies aged 52, TV stars raise nearly 1m to feed NHS workers, Helen McCrory on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. HELEN McCrory was still promoting her charity work in the final weeks before her death aged 52. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. What was Helen McCrorys cause of death? My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family., McCrory also starred as a human rights lawyer dragged into international intrigue in the TV thriller Fearless, played lawyer Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in the 2006 movie The Queen, and had roles in Martin Scorseses film Hugo and the James Bond thriller Skyfall., Actor Michael Sheen, who played Tony Blair in The Queen, said McCrory was so funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time., Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling tweeted that she was devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman whos left us far too soon.. On April 16, reports revealed that Helen McCrory died at 52 years old. He said she was proudest of her work on stage. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played, Murphy said. "My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children.". Today marks the 20th anniversary of the first book in J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter series. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. Peaky Blinders premieres onBBC One in February. Comedian Matt Lucas, who worked with them on the FeedNHS campaign, tweeted that she "will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity". This has never happened to me before or since She was clearly already halfway to giving a superb performance, I simply had to get out of the way and let her complete the job. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. A mighty talent, with always a hint of mischief. McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. In her tribute, Harry Potter author JK Rowling wrote: "I'm devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who's left us far too soon. "So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time," he tweeted. She died on 16 April 2021, at her British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. Actress Helen McCrory has died, aged 52 (Picture: Rex) Michael Sheen and JK Rowling led tributes to Helen McCrory, as news of her death emerged. 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Following the news of her death, tributes have been pouring in for the acclaimed actor. Forever my Narcissa Malfoy. In a moving tribute to the Peaky Blinders star, Lewis said: Shes left our beautiful children, Manon and Gully, too early, but they have been prepared for life., Writing in the Sunday Times, Lewis said: She has exhorted us to be courageous and not afraid. Helen McCrory died of breast cancer at her home in London on 16 April 2021, aged 52. Here is everything you need to know about it. Lewis said McCrory was fiercely proud of being an artist, an actress. Peaky Blinders cast: Who plays Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders? McCrory "died peacefully at home surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family", Lewis wrote on Twitter, calling his late wife "beautiful and mighty." "We love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. What a tremendous loss.. Offers may be subject to change without notice. She left the room with the part. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. McCrory married Homeland star Lewis in 2007 and they had two children. Sending you & your family much love xxx, How terribly sad that weve lost Helen McCrory so young. Her most well-known role came as no-nonsense Aunt Polly on Peaky Blinders, and the terrifying Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film franchise. The episode is dedicated to McCrory, who passed away in April 2021 and couldnt take part in the production of the sixth season. ", "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling tweeted that she was "devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who's left us far too soon.". Andafter five seasons, Aunt Pollywas close to getting her version of a happy ending following multiple near-death encounters and heartbreaks. this is so very very sad.". British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. Refresh for updates: Helen McCrory, known for acting in a number of beloved franchises including Peaky Blinders, Harry Potter and Penny Dreadful, died Friday at 52. Peaky Blinders actor Helen McCrory has died at the age of 52, her husband Damian Lewis has confirmed. Cillian Murphy, who plays the central role of gangland boss Tommy Shelby in "Peaky Blinders," set in the early 20th-century English underworld, said he was "broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend.". She was a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much. Thoughts are with you and your family. The world has just lost some of its sparkle . She was 52 ', Of course, theres so much sexism within the profession, McCrory said. Lewis wrote: Her nickname to many was Dame Helen (apologies, Dame Helen), and although well never know now whether that would have become a reality, I think secretly, we do know.. Forever my Narcissa Malfoy. ", Helen McCrory starred as Aunt Polly in all five series of Peaky Blinders. She provided the voice of Stelmaria, Lord Asriel's snow leopard daemon, in the recent BBC One TV series His Dark Materials, and the show's Twitter account called her "uniquely talented". She blazed so brightly. Sign up for TV Scoop. ", Of course, he's not the only one grieving this loss. Her husband, actor Damian Lewis, said Friday that McCrory died peacefully at home after a "heroic battle with cancer. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP, File). Simply heartbreaking news. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Biography - A Short WikiEnglish actress who played Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Fearlessly, Lewis wrote on Twitter. https://t.co/gsBO5Fr1ev, RIP #HelenMcCrory you were the best and always lovely to me. The actress was perhaps best known for playing Aunt Polly, the matriarch of the Shelby clan, in all five series of hit BBC period gang drama Peaky Blinders from its start in 2013. I've never lost anyone like thatwho was young and a friend. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. When her nephews Tommy (Cillian Murphy), Arthur (Paul Anderson), and Johnny (Joe Cole) were off fighting in World War I, she was the leader of both the family and the Peaky Blinders. God we loved her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Really lovely company. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. "It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. Great British Bake Off winner wrote: Helen McCrory no no no. ", Alongside a photo of McCrory, actress Dame Helen Mirren wrote on Instagram: "A great actress and a great person. She was 52 years old at the time. She was so so brilliant when she came to work on Bill. During the event,he shared the story of English poetJohn Dennis, who is credited for coming up with the phrase "steal my thunder." "She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played," Murphy said. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said: "Helen was one of the great actors of her generation. Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, Peter Andre sets strict rules for Princess after 'signing deal with fashion retailer', Jake Gyllenhaal flaunts rock-hard abs as he slaps former MMA fighter for Road House remake. Subscribe to Here's the Deal, our politics newsletter. Murphy, who played Tommy Shelby in the show, added he was "broken-hearted to lose In the season 6 premiere, titled Black Day, Tommy and his people discover that the IRA has killed Polly along with her fianc Aberama Gold (Aidan Gillen) and Tommys friend and fellow veteran Barney Thomason (Cosmo Jarvis) for attempting to assassinate the British fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin). Helen McCrory husband: Who is Peaky Blinders' Polly star married to? It was very confusing. God, we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. "From the first moment I met her when we were just kids it was obvious she was very special. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. She also appeared in the 2011 film Hugo and the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall. My heart goes out to Damian and their family. Peaky Blinders: What was Polly star Helen McCrory's favourite scene? Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.". Sleep easy Pol. The actor, who died at age 52, had kept her cancer private and told her children shed lived the life she wanted. During the interview, host Kate Garraway asked if she had a sore throat. Such a wonderfully talented woman, Gary Lineker posted. Others remembered McCrory for her charity work, including on FeedNHS, a campaign to provide meals for frontline health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic. According to Damian, Helen McCrorys cause of death was cancer that she kept hidden till her passing. "She faced up to it with a level of bravery and humour that was completely extraordinary and as ever was teaching people how to live so it was a remarkable thing.". The Homeland star posted: Im 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. Onstage, McCrorys roles included the vengeful Greek heroine Medea at the National Theatre in 2014. Helen McCrory, who starred in Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. But she was magnificent. Comedian John Bishop tweeted: I am shattered to hear this news . Actor Ben Willbond added: Heartbroken at the news that Helen McCrory has died. She died as she lived. By order of the Peaky Blinders. Cillian Murphy, who plays the central role of gangland boss Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, set in the early 20th-century English underworld, said he was broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend.. Fearlessly," Lewis wrote on Twitter. Sir Richard Eyre, who gave McCrory one of her first significant stage roles in the 1990s, said one of the most upsetting things about her death was that "we will be deprived of major performances that she would have been able to give" and described her as a successor to Dame Judi Dench.