", "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.". Distractify is a registered trademark. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. pic.twitter.com/fbau6kywzW, Helen McCrory. My heart goes out to Damian and the family, no words of condolences will ever be enough.. What a loss x.. In 2013, she began playing the character Polly Gray on [] Murdoch has survived scandal after scandal. She was one of the finest, most versatile and charming actors of her generation. She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. She was always immaculate and brilliant. She Others remembered McCrory for her charity work, including on FeedNHS, a campaign to provide meals for frontline health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic. You will not believe Helen McCrory's final wish. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. RIP Helen. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Murphy, who played Tommy Shelby in the show, added he was "broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend", describing her as "a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being". She blazed so brightly. I will dearly miss my pal. The Associated Press The actress stepped back from the role before filming began in January 2021because of a private battle with breast cancer. Staff, Actors Helen McCrory, left, and Damian Lewis appear at the premiere of "Once Upon A Time in Hollywood," in London on July 30, 2019. 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. Image Source: Whatsonstage. He said he was "heartbroken", and that she was a "beautiful and mighty woman". McCrory's husband, actor Damian Lewis, announced on Friday that she had died of cancer at age 52. Now, co-star Cillian Murphy is sharing how her death was a devastating blow to the cast. 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.. 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. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family. Cause of Death. The She is survived by her husband, who revealed her cause of death on social media, and two children. But I think you approach it in different ways, and my approach is just to forge forward.. The Wizarding World Twitter account, home to the Harry Potter franchise, tweeted: We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy with such depth and brilliance in the Harry Potter film series. Actor Ben Willbond added: Heartbroken at the news that Helen McCrory has died. 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. Associated Press. Peaky Blinders: What was Polly star Helen McCrory's favourite scene? READ MORE:Helen McCrory dead: Peaky Blinders dies after cancer battle aged 52. Ms Cracknell said working with McCrory was "one of the highlights of my professional life". Helen McCrory died of breast cancer at her home in London on 16 April 2021, aged 52. "Helen McCrory will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity," comedian Matt Lucas tweeted. It's hard to imagine whatPeaky Blinders will look like without Helen McRory's inimitable Aunt Polly. Subscribe to Heres the Deal, our politics She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. pic.twitter.com/1CzeIIYfzE, So desperately sad. All Rights Reserved. The thoughts of all her many fans will be with Damian and the kids right now. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. She blazed so brightly. Helen McCrory played seven lead roles at the National Theatre, Lewis and McCrory met in the 2003 play Five Gold Rings, Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory married in 2007, With Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy (left) and Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, She played Cherie Blair in 2006 film The Queen, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. "Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being," he said in a statement. Jill Lawless, Associated Press Away from the screen, McCrory was well known for her charity work, including helping feed frontline workers during the pandemic. Lewis said he wanted to focus on his wifes professional and personal achievements. The actress is survived by Damian and their two sons,Manon, 15, and Gulliver, 14. He penned: "I'm heartbroken to announce that after Helen is survived by Damian and their two children. Photo by Steve Parsons/REUTERS. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.". 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. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.". 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. Such a wonderfully talented woman. RIP.. Lewis confirmed the news on Twitter today, revealing his wife had died of cancer. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being, he said in a statement. 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. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. She died as she lived. By Tiasa Bhowal: Actress Helen McCrory, who is best known for her appearance in the Harry Potter series of films and Peaky Blinders, died of cancer. 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. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter A bright shining star has gone. 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. Helen McCrory will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity, comedian Matt Lucas tweeted. Awful.. While Helen Reddys family did the best they could to stay in touch with her, the pandemic still took its toll on the singer. Such a loss.. 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 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". Sleep easy Pol. Thoughts are with you and your family. 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. Helen McCrory, who starred in Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. 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.". 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. She played the matriarch of a crime family on Peaky Blinders and the scheming Voldemort ally Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. Simply heartbreaking news. She was also a gifted actor fearless and magnificent. You could try, but it wouldn't work.". At the time, she was 52 years old. "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.. My thoughts with all of her friends and family. My heart goes out to Damian and their family. She left the room with the part. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. 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. Netflix, under a deal with the Weinstein Co. and Endemol, has acquired the rights to the first two seasons of gritty British gangster drama 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.. Thoughts are with you and your family. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. Her husband, fellow actor Damian Lewis, said McCrory died peacefully at home after a heroic battle with cancer., She died as she lived. 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. "She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played," Murphy said. Helen McCrory, known to audiences as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter films and as Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders, has died of cancer at the age of 52. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being, he said in a statement. I worked with Helen on stage and of course we were lucky enough to get her in Inside No 9. Helen McCrory husband: Who is Peaky Blinders' Polly star married to? During the interview, host Kate Garraway asked if she had a sore throat. An unfathomable loss. Stars have paid tribute to Peaky Blinders and Harry Potter actress Helen McCrory who has died of cancer aged 52. She was 52 She was so so brilliant when she came to work on Bill. The series mainly revolves around the fictional part Irish Catholic and part Romani Shelby family, the members of which control the Peaky Blinders. McCrory's The accomplished British actress has been married to Lewis since 2007, and they have two children together: Manon, aged 14, and Gulliver, aged 13. 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.". According to reports, Helen died peacefully in her home after a battle with cancer, which she kept extremely private. ", Alongside a photo of McCrory, actress Dame Helen Mirren wrote on Instagram: "A great actress and a great person. In 2017, she was awarded an OBE. Murphy, who played Tommy Shelby in the show, added he was "broken-hearted to lose Helen McCrory was born on 17 August 1968 and died on 16 April 2021. Dermot OLeary recalled on Twitter: Had the good fortune to meet and interview Helen McCrory a few times. ', Of course, theres so much sexism within the profession, McCrory said. What a tremendous loss.. By order of the Peaky Blinders Thoughts are with her loved ones x, I am shattered to hear this news . ", 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. 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. It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. ", He added, She died as she lived. Peaky Blinders Helen McCrory reveals why she turned down Aunt Polly, James Bond: Damian Lewis on rumours hell replace Daniel Craig, Helen McCrory dead: Peaky Blinders dies after cancer battle aged 52. McCrory and Lewis, star of the TV series Homeland and Billions, married in 2007 and had two children. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.". ", Of course, he's not the only one grieving this loss. McCrory was one of Britains most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. A written finding is made regardless of whether an inquest is held or not. Thoughts are with her loved ones x., How utterly heartbreaking, Laurence Fox replied. It was a pleasure to work with you. She said McCrory's charity work and commitment to her family had defined her last few years of life, with her not wanting people to focus on her illness. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. "She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. 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 last TV appearance was in March on Good Morning Britain with her husband Damian Lewis. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. Helen McCrory: engaging, enthralling, always magnetically watchable, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played, Murphy said. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. Funny, generous, some wicked stories. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. Fans and famous faces rushed to offer their condolences after his post, with Inside No 9 director Reece Shearsmith penning: Impossible to process the mighty Helen McCrory has passed. McCrory was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she refused to let it be known. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played, Murphy said. "My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children.". What a women, what an actor. 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. Such a wonderfully talented woman, Gary Lineker posted. Then we watched her in the courtroom pretty much do a one woman monologue and be incredibly excellent and not forget a thing. McCrory instead played Bellatrix's sister, starting with the next movie, HarryPotter and the Half-Blood Prince. She was so powerful and controlled and this is so sad.. They later married in 2007, and share children Manon and Gulliver together. In 2000, she played the title character in Anna Karenina. She died on 16 April 2021, at her home in London. 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. She died as she lived. pic.twitter.com/Eo2dmviKik, Oh Damian, Im so sorry. McCrory was one of Britain's most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. On a weekend when the papers, rightly, will be paying their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh, thousands of others around the world have been remembering mDuchess, my Little One, royalty in her own right.. She blazed so brightly. It was an honour to work with her and know her. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. What a tremendous loss.". Andafter five seasons, Aunt Pollywas close to getting her version of a happy ending following multiple near-death encounters and heartbreaks. So young. What a tremendous and mesmerising actor. LONDON (AP) Thousands of Harry Potter fans braved rain and hail Tuesday to cheer the cast of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at its London premiere. In April, she died at the age of 52. ", And while Helen will be featured in the final series, thanks to creator Steven Knight, her absence was still felt immensely. Helen McCrory will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity, Matt Lucas said. 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. Helens death was confirmed by Damian, who said how lucky they were to have had her in their lives. Also known for her stage performances, National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris said she was "one of the great actors of her generation". Other iconic roles included parts in Hugo, Skyfall, Fearless, Quiz and MotherFatherSon. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being. "We Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! English actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in the "Harry Potter" films and in the television series "Peaky Blinders," has died. Phyllis Scarso Apr 5, 1931 - Oct 29, 2021 Independence, Ohio | Age 90. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. McCrory also made appearances inDoctor Who, the 2017 miniseries Fearless, andFantastic Mr. Fox,the 2009 movie based on a Roald Dahl book. An unfathomable loss. "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.". 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. Left: 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. Michael Sheen said: So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time. Roadkill on BBC: Show writer addressescomparisons to Thatcher. 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. What a tremendous loss.. During the event,he shared the story of English poetJohn Dennis, who is credited for coming up with the phrase "steal my thunder." Heartbreaking. 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. Helen just wasn't able to film that part of Polly's life before she died. It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. Much love to Damian and her family. On Quiz last year & she was just so bloody cool, with funny anecdotes & stories and pic.twitter.com/Xv7gXLuf7g. Blessings to Damian and the family. 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. The world has just lost some of its sparkle. 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. While many performers struggle to find meaty female roles in film and television, McCrory played a string of them. As he told the magazine, "It wasn't a very pleasant shooting experience. Benjamin Sherman Crothers (May 23, 1910 November 22, 1986),[1] known professionally as Scatman Crothers, was an American actor and musician. Actor Helen McCrory, who was fiercely proud of being an artist, according to her husband Damian Lewis. The actress, 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. More info. Damian Lewis, her It was an honour to work with her and know her. Fearlessly. She blazed so brightly. Noel Clarke offered: RIP #HelenMcCrory you were the best and always lovely to me. 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. Helen McCrory cause of death At the age of 52, McCrory passed away from breast cancer at her London home on April 16, 2021. Awful.. pic.twitter.com/NRlo3KPKWb, Helen McCrory no no no. "So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time," he tweeted. "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. ", "She died as she lived. Onstage, McCrorys roles included the vengeful Greek heroine Medea at the National Theatre in 2014.