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. Helen McCrory I worked with Helen on stage and of course we were lucky enough to get her in Inside No 9. British actress Helen McCrory, star of Peaky Blinders, died today at the age of 52. The Associated Press Helens Peaky Blinders co-star Cillian Murphy tweeted, I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Her husband, actor Damian Lewis, announced her death on Friday "after an heroic battle with cancer". Lewis confirmed the news on Twitter today, revealing his wife had died of cancer. She was 52 Lewis said that in the weeks before her death his wife had talked about his future relationships with women, saying that love isnt possessive. 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. One of her most visible roles was asDraco Malfoy's motherNarcissa in the Harry Potter series, and she was originally slated to play an even bigger part in the franchise until she fell pregnant. "She died as she lived. "She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played," Murphy said. At the time, she was 52 years old. My heart goes out to Damian and the family, no words of condolences will ever be enough.. Image Source: Whatsonstage. Before she died, the actor Helen McCrory repeatedly urged her teenage children to be courageous and not sad about her death, her husband, Damian Lewis, has said. McCrory, who was also known for her roles in the films The Queen, The Special Relationship and the Harry Potter franchise, died of cancer on Friday at the age Jill Lawless, Associated Press. Fearlessly, Lewis wrote on Twitter. Associated Press. She appeared alongside Lewis to discuss their work with the Princes Trust. My thoughts with all of her friends and family. Our thoughts are with HelenMcCrory's loved ones during this difficult time. Cause of death [INSIGHT] Helen McCrory death: Late Peaky Blinders' star love at first unveiled [ANALYSIS] Helen McCrory died aged 52 after a heroic battle with cancer (Image: getty) Read about our approach to external linking. It was a pleasure to work with you. Onstage, McCrorys roles included the vengeful Greek heroine Medea at the National Theatre in 2014. God we loved her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Awful.. Heartbreaking.. Fearlessly," Lewis wrote on Twitter. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. "She was a dear, dear pal and she was the beating heart of that show, so it felt very strange being on set without her. 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. 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. Peaky Blinders actor Helen McCrory dies of cancer at 52 "My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children.". McCrory was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she didnt want the news to be publicized. ", He added, She died as she lived. Since news of her death was confirmed, her former co-stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late actress. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. New facts surrounding Helen McCrory's death. From the first moment I met her when we were just kids it was obvious she was very special. If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you. An unfathomable loss. Roadkill on BBC: Show writer addressescomparisons to Thatcher. 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. However, a Twitter userremarked at the time that she didn't look well. Benjamin Sherman Crothers (May 23, 1910 November 22, 1986),[1] known professionally All Rights Reserved. "I still can't believe she's not here," he explained. ", Alongside a photo of McCrory, actress Dame Helen Mirren wrote on Instagram: "A great actress and a great person. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.". She played the matriarch of a crime family on Peaky Blinders and the scheming Voldemort ally Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. 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.. Others remembered McCrory for her charity work, including on FeedNHS, a campaign to provide meals for frontline health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Helen and her husband married in July of 2007 and shared two kids son Gulliver, 13, and daughter Manon, 14. An unfathomable 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). Her husband, You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. My heart goes out to Damian and their family. 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. As well as her film and TV credits, she played seven lead roles at the National Theatre, whose boss Rufus Norris said: "With her incisive wit and ferocious intelligence, she was one of the most charismatic and distinctive performers.". death Love ya. "We Please check your inbox to confirm. 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. According to her TV Guide biography, McCrory was born in Paddington in London, England, but grew up in places like Norway, Nigeria, Cameroon, France, and Zanzibar. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.". Phyllis Scarso Apr 5, 1931 - Oct 29, 2021 Independence, Ohio | Age 90. 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. pic.twitter.com/1CzeIIYfzE, So desperately sad. McCrory was one of Britains most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. Stephen Bear jailed for 21 months for sharing sex tape of him and ex, Kelsey Grammer refuses to apologise for religious beliefs: Jesus has made a difference in my life, Bruce Willis, 67, spotted for first time as he steps out for coffee in Santa Monica after sharing dementia diagnosis, Ron Jeremys sister wants him to be placed under a conservatorship amid rape trial ruling due to dementia, Stephen Bears fiance vows to always support him after hes jailed for revenge porn, Do not sell or share my personal information. 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., So desperately sad. He said she was proudest of her work on stage. 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. Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies after brain aneurysm, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Daisy Jones & the Six becomes the first fictional band to hit No. She died on 16 April 2021, at her My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. She died as she lived. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family. In a heartfelt statement, he explained that she died following an heroic battle with cancer. Offers may be subject to change without notice. newsletter for analysis you wont find anywhereelse. She was so so brilliant when she came to work on Bill. It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said: "Helen was one of the great actors of her generation. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. The actor is best known for playing Aunt Polly in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. What a loss x.. Helen McCrory was still doing charity I was in awe. A bright shining star has gone. Helen McCrory She told me she should be playing Yelena the other young female role and then proceeded to spend the next hour telling me exactly why. What a tremendous and mesmerising actor. It was an honour to work with her and know her. Which, of course, she did with utter brilliance., Lewis recalled that the actor Lauren Bacall had mistakenly praised her for performing Sonya, played by Emily Watson, after a show of the production in New York. In their tributes, J.K. Rowling and Cillian Murphy both offered their condolences to Helens husband and their two children. It was a pleasure to work with you. The Helen has acting credits across the small and big screen, and also wowed the crowds on stage. But I think you approach it in different ways, and my approach is just to forge forward.. Born in Paddington, London, the award-winning actress developed an extensive filmography before her death, but she was best known for her roles as Polly Gray on Peaky Blinders and Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. McCrory and Lewis, star of the TV series "Homeland" and "Billions," married in 2007 and had two children. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Sending you & your family much love xxx, How terribly sad that weve lost Helen McCrory so young. All rights reserved. We were so lucky to have worked with you. 'How dare he!' One of her most acclaimed performances was as Cherie Blair in The Queen and The Special Relationship. Helen McCrorys death leaves acting world shaken as stars pay She was also a gifted actor fearless and magnificent. 'Peaky Blinders' actress Helen McCrory dies of cancer at 52 At the same theatre, she excelled as a woman caught between a dull husband and a feckless lover in Terence Rattigan's "The Deep Blue Sea" in 2016. You will not believe Helen McCrory's final wish. According to reports, Helen died peacefully in her home after a battle with cancer, which she kept extremely private. In 2000, she played the title character in Anna Karenina. Helen McCrory dead: How did Helen McCrory die? Cause of God, we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Ms Cracknell said working with McCrory was "one of the highlights of my professional life". Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. ", "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.". She also appears in Becoming Jane and Skyfall and lends her voice to Mrs. Bean in Fantastic Mr. Fox. Moreover, McCrory did extensive theater work, appearing in productions of Macbeth, Uncle Vanya, Twelfth Night, and Medea. For her performance in Peaky Blinders, she received the TV Series and Serials: Actress accolade at the 2014 Biarritz International Festival of Audiovisual Programming. The late star met Damian while they were performing Five Gold Rings together at Londons Almeida Theatre. "It doesn't make sense. Helen is survived by Damian and their two children. Announcing the death on Twitter, husband Damian Lewis stated that she ", Cillian shared that Helen's death and"loads of different reason" made for a bittersweet final season. It's hard to imagine whatPeaky Blinders will look like without Helen McRory's inimitable Aunt Polly. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. McCrory was one of Britain's most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. At the same theater, she excelled as a woman caught between a dull husband and a feckless lover in Terence Rattigans The Deep Blue Sea in 2016. Dermot OLeary recalled on Twitter: Had the good fortune to meet and interview Helen McCrory a few times. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. 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.. Read More: Is Peaky Blinders Based on a True Story? Their daughter Manon was born in September 2006 and their son Gulliver in November 2007. HELEN McCrory was still promoting her charity work in the final weeks before her death aged 52. Such a wonderfully talented woman, Gary Lineker posted. Helen McCrory: engaging, enthralling, always magnetically watchable, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The great English actress Helen McCrory tragically passed away last year at the age of 52. McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. Stars have paid tribute to Peaky Blinders and Harry Potter actress Helen McCrory who has died of cancer aged 52. While Helen managed to keep her health issues a secret from the public, a previous interview clip that has gone viral shows just how well she hid her illness. She She played the matriarch of a crime family on Peaky Blinders and the scheming Voldemort ally Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. 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 The series mainly revolves around the fictional part Irish Catholic and part Romani Shelby family, the members of which control the Peaky Blinders. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played, Murphy said. Helen McCrory, who starred in Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. Here is all you want to know, and more! The actress, 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. Her other awards include a Welsh BAFTA, the Monte Carlo Best Actress Award, the Royal Television Society's Best Actress Award,and the Critics Circle Best Actress Award. Fearlessly, Lewis wrote on Twitter. McCrorythen joked back to her: Ive got children.. Really lovely company. Who was Helen McCrory and how did she die? - The Her raspy voice was remarked upon, but, in good humor, McCrory said the cause was that she's "got children!" Here is everything you need to know about it. Michael Sheen and JK Rowling led tributes to Helen McCrory, as news of her death emerged. What a tremendous loss.". Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. "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," Lewis tweeted on Friday.. The Cause of Helen McCrorys Death. Helen McCrory husband: Who is Peaky Blinders' Polly star married to? 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. Very sad news. Peaky Blinders premieres onBBC One in February. Helen McCrory. "From the first moment I met her when we were just kids it was obvious she was very special. ", And while losing a loved one is never easy, "The difficult thing to comprehend is that, if it wasn't for COVID, there would be a whole other version of this show with Helen in it," he said. The actress stepped back from the role before filming began in January 2021because of a private battle with breast cancer. She blazed so brightly. McCrory was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017. Peaky Blinders: What was Polly star Helen McCrory's favourite scene? Subscribe to Heres the Deal, our politics McCrory had said doing theatre is what made my heart sing, Lewis recalled. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. She began acting in the early 1990s, and one of her earliest on-screen roles was a bit part in the 1994 film Interview with a Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, featuring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. worrying about remembering all her lines. English actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in the "Harry Potter" films and in the television series "Peaky Blinders," has died. The world has just lost some of its sparkle . Helen McCrory dead: 'Peaky Blinders' actor was 52 - Los At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. Actors Damien Lewis and his wife Helen McCrory arrive in the Royal Box on Centre Court to watch a Men's singles semifinal match on day eleven of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Friday, July 12, 2019. RIP x. Express. McCrory also made appearances inDoctor Who, the 2017 miniseries Fearless, andFantastic Mr. Fox,the 2009 movie based on a Roald Dahl book. Helen McCrory, an English actor best known for her appearances in movies and television shows like Harry Potter films, The Special Relationship, Skyfall, etc, recently passed away at the age of 52.Helen McCrorys husband Damian Lewis recently posted a message on social media and revealed Helen McCrorys cause of death. McCrory was one of Britains most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. McCrory was cast as the eponymous character in the 2000 miniseries Anna Karenina; Rose Fitzgerald in North Square; Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine, in The Last King; Madame Kali in Penny Dreadful, and Dawn Ellison in Roadkill. Besides Peaky Blinders, she is arguably most known for portraying Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series. ", 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. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. Rest in peace., Lawrence Fox penned: How utterly heartbreaking. "She had this extraordinary, fierce depth of character and complexity and ability to articulate so many parts of the human condition.". 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.. In 2013, she began playing the character Polly Gray on [] British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter Thoughts are with you and your family. The Devastating Death Of Harry Potter And Peaky Blinders Star Helen McCrory. Harry Potter actress Helen McCrory dies of cancer at 52 'That's so clever, darling.' However, she has also had major roles in several films and television shows since she began acting in 1990. Helen was a beautiful supportive person to those of us who had the honour to know or work with her. helen Copyright 2023 Distractify. Helen McCrory British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show "Peaky Blinders" and the "Harry Potter" movies, has died, her husband said Friday. She said to us from her bed: I want Daddy to have girlfriends, lots of them, you must all love again, love isnt possessive, but you know, Damian, try at least to get through the funeral without snogging someone, he said. Portrayed by Helen McCrory, Elizabeth Polly Gray, ne Shelby, is the matriarch of the Shelby family. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, In pictures: Helen McCrory's acting career, In her tribute, Harry Potter author JK Rowling wrote, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Sonic boom heard as RAF Typhoon jets escort plane, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Nelson's 97th-minute stunner gives Arsenal victory, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78. After their return, Tommy assumes leadership, and It remains a point of contention between them for most of the series. "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.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Netflix gets rights to Brit gangster drama Peaky Blinders, From the Archives: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is well-crafted but sometimes hard to endure, Stars, fans, brave the rain for London premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Photographer Delaney George turns the lens on femininity: Black women are fine art, A take on Jesus Revolution from one who was there, defending Rowling and more.