McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. Get our L.A. Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, said in a statement, Helen was one of the great actors of her generation. She died as she lived. 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During the interview, host Kate Garraway asked if she had a sore throat. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. Cause of death McCrory died of cancer at her home in London on 16 April 2021, aged 52. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Actor Ben Willbond added: Heartbroken at the news that Helen McCrory has died. While many performers struggle to find meaty female roles in film and television, McCrory played a string of them. Michael Sheen and JK Rowling led tributes to Helen McCrory, as news of her death emerged. Really lovely company. "We RIP Helen.. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. But she was magnificent. Andafter five seasons, Aunt Pollywas close to getting her version of a happy ending following multiple near-death encounters and heartbreaks. "It doesn't make sense. She 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. ", 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. Onstage, McCrorys roles included the vengeful Greek heroine Medea at the National Theatre in 2014. 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. She blazed so brightly. Earlier this year, Helen collaborated with the Princes Trust organization to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and her voice sounded unusually hoarse. English actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in the "Harry Potter" films and in the television series "Peaky Blinders," has died. Onstage, McCrorys roles included the vengeful Greek heroine Medea at the National Theatre in 2014. 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. Much love to Damian and her family. Left: Read about our approach to external linking. 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. 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). 2023 E! According toEntertainment Weekly,McCrory was meant to star as Bellatrix LeStrange beginning with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but when she bowed out, Helena Bonham Carter stepped in. Forever my Narcissa Malfoy. Fearlessly. She was so powerful and controlled and this is so sad. Onstage, McCrory's roles included the vengeful Greek heroine "Medea" at the National Theatre in 2014. 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. Their daughter Manon was born in September 2006 and their son Gulliver in November 2007. Helen McCrory quotes. Awful.. 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. She died on 16 April 2021, at her See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. I worked with Helen on stage and of course we were lucky enough to get her in Inside No 9. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Arts Apr 16, 2021 3:48 PM EDT. In April, she died at the age of 52. ", 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 Scorsese's film "Hugo" and the James Bond thriller "Skyfall. "But she was so private and so f--king brave and courageous. 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. 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. This is the first time McCrory's health battle was made public. She swore her friends to secrecy about the disease as she underwent treatment, according to Carrie Cracknell, who directed McCrory in a 2014 production of Medea. 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. She blazed so brightly," the actor added, explaining she had died "after an heroic battle with cancer." newsletter for analysis you wont find anywhereelse. 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. From the first moment I met her when we were just kids it was obvious she was very special. All Rights Reserved. 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.. Im devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman whos left us far too soon. Away from the screen, McCrory was well known for her charity work, including helping feed frontline workers during the pandemic. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. McCrory married Homeland star Lewis in 2007 and they had two children. The actor is best known for playing Aunt Polly in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. God we loved her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. So young. Helens Peaky Blinders co-star Cillian Murphy tweeted, I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. 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. Film and theatre director Sir Sam Mendes, who directed Skyfall, remembered her as "an astonishing talent, a fabulous person, and an absolute true original". The thoughts of all her many fans will be with Damian and the kids right now. Such a wonderfully talented woman, Gary Lineker posted. The late star met Damian while they were performing Five Gold Rings together at Londons Almeida Theatre. Her husband, Most recently, she appeared on screen in the BBC series Roadkill with Hugh Laurie. Her last TV appearance was in March on Good Morning Britain with her husband Damian Lewis. Simply heartbreaking news.. Harry Potter author JK Rowling said: Im devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman whos left us far too soon. 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. 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. "Helen wanted to be very private about her illness and I understand why," she said. 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". Stars have paid tribute to Peaky Blinders and Harry Potter actress Helen McCrory who has died of cancer aged 52. RIP x. He said she was proudest of her work on stage. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Peaky Blinders: What was Polly star Helen McCrory's favourite scene? At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. 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". Fearlessly, Lewis wrote on Twitter. The episode is dedicated to McCrory, who passed away in April 2021 and couldnt take part in the production of the sixth season. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Jill Lawless, Associated Press McCrory was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she didnt want the news to be publicized. Helen McCrory husband: Who is Peaky Blinders' Polly star married to? 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. But I think you approach it in different ways, and my approach is just to forge forward.. 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. Lewis said McCrory was fiercely proud of being an artist, an actress. Her husband, I worked with Helen on stage and of course we were lucky enough to get her in Inside No 9. Read More: Is Peaky Blinders Based on a True Story? Murphy, who played Tommy Shelby in the show, added he was "broken-hearted to lose The great English actress Helen McCrory tragically passed away last year at the age of 52. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show "Peaky Blinders" and the "Harry Potter" movies, has died, her husband said Friday. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. The Devastating Death Of Harry Potter And Peaky Blinders Star Helen McCrory. McCrory had said doing theatre is what made my heart sing, Lewis recalled. McCrory and Lewis had been married for 14 years and have two children together. My heart goes out to Damian and their family. She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. McCrory's husband, "Homeland" actor Damian Lewis, announced McCrory's death on Saturday. Great British Bake Off winner wrote: Helen McCrory no no no. The news of her passing came earlier today in an emotional tribute. Lewis confirmed the news on Twitter today, revealing his wife had died of cancer. Thoughts are with her loved ones x., How utterly heartbreaking, Laurence Fox replied. She was an absolutely magnificent person. He noted that the grief for McCrory had not been eclipsed by the funeral of Prince Philip. 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. 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. McCrory and Lewis, star of the TV series Homeland and Billions, married in 2007 and had two children. A bright shining star has gone. "She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played," Murphy said. Helen just wasn't able to film that part of Polly's life before she died. Our thoughts are with HelenMcCrory's loved ones during this difficult time. RIP . McCrory was one of Britain's most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. "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. "I still can't believe she's not here," he explained. My thoughts with all of her friends and family. What a tremendous loss., Were devastated to hear that Helen McCrory has died and will miss her terribly.Our thoughts are with her friends and family at this very sad time. Express. She also appeared in the 2011 film Hugo and the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall. Subscribe to Heres the Deal, our politics Distractify is a registered trademark. 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. "She blazed so brightly. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played., He added, "It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years., Along with a few of Helens other co-stars, Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling also said her final goodbye to Helen on social media. Writing in the Guardian, Mendes said he had asked McCrory to play the role of Sonya, but she had other ideas. Her husband, fellow actor Damian Lewis, said McCrory died peacefully at home after a heroic battle with cancer., She died as she lived. In their tributes, J.K. Rowling and Cillian Murphy both offered their condolences to Helens husband and their two children. British actress Helen McCrory, star of Peaky Blinders, died today at the age of 52. The world has just lost some of its sparkle. Carrie Cracknell, who directed McCrory in a stage production of Medea, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme she was one of "very, very few" people who knew about her illness and was "sworn to secrecy". The actress stepped back from the role before filming began in January 2021because of a private battle with breast cancer. 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 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 was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. Please check your inbox to confirm. pic.twitter.com/Eo2dmviKik, Oh Damian, Im so sorry. Will Dominion-Fox News lawsuit be different? She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. My heart goes out to Damian and the family, no words of condolences will ever be enough.. She was one of the finest, most versatile and charming actors of her generation. She was 52 years old at the time. Rest in peace., Lawrence Fox penned: How utterly heartbreaking. 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.. McCrory and Lewis, star of the TV series "Homeland" and "Billions," married in 2007 and had two children. 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. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? McCrory was one of Britains most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. Noel Clarke offered: RIP #HelenMcCrory you were the best and always lovely to me. She blazed so brightly. And certainly that was, it was for her and her family and her very closest friends.". I will dearly miss my pal. Helen just wasn't able to film that part of Polly's life before she died. McCrory was one of Britains most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. `And then what did you do? What a tremendous and mesmerising actor. 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 was also a gifted actor -- fearless and magnificent. Polly is a certified accountant and serves as the second-in-command to Tommy and treasurer at the Shelby Company Limited. Her raspy voice was remarked upon, but, in good humor, McCrory said the cause was that she's "got children!" McCrory was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.. What a tremendous and mesmerising actor. She was so powerful and controlled and this is so sad.. The The actress, who appeared in Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders, died aged 52 with husband Damian Lewis confirming the news. 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. 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. ", "She died as she lived. 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. So young. Dead at 52. In a heartfelt statement, he explained that she died following an heroic battle with cancer. ", And while Helen will be featured in the final series, thanks to creator Steven Knight, her absence was still felt immensely. They later married in 2007, and share children Manon and Gulliver together. 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. Helen was a beautiful supportive person to those of us who had the honour to know or work with her. 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 Other iconic roles included parts in Hugo, Skyfall, Fearless, Quiz and MotherFatherSon. ", "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 will be remembered by many as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Helen McCrory, who starred in Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. According to reports, Helen died peacefully in her home after a battle with cancer, which she kept extremely private. A written finding is made regardless of whether an inquest is held or not. She played the matriarch of a crime family on Peaky Blinders and the scheming Voldemort ally Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. Damian, who is also an award-winning actor, is best known for his roles in Homeland, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Band of Brothers, and Dreamcatcher. According to Damian, Helen McCrorys cause of death was cancer that she kept hidden till her passing. Roadkill on BBC: Show writer addressescomparisons to Thatcher. Sign up for TV Scoop. Lewis, himself an actor, acknowledged that keeping her condition private had prompted an outpouring of grief and shock. You could try, but it wouldn't work.". However, she has also had major roles in several films and television shows since she began acting in 1990. McCrory instead played Bellatrix's sister, starting with the next movie, HarryPotter and the Half-Blood Prince. She blazed so brightly. By order of the Peaky Blinders Thoughts are with her loved ones x, I am shattered to hear this news . 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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.. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being, he said in a statement. 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. Sleep easy Pol. 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. 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. Following the news of her death, tributes have been pouring in for the acclaimed actor. April 16, 2021 Updated 3:20 PM PT. Awful.. 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.. The world has just lost some of its sparkle . "She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. She died on April 16, 2021, at her London home. British actor Helen McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died, her husband said Friday. McCrory made her acting debut in 1993 in an episode of Full Stretch. She debuted on the big screen with the 1994 thriller Uncovered. In the ensuing years, she built an impressive resume with works in TV shows and films. 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. 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 a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much. New facts surrounding Helen McCrory's death. Peaky Blinders actor Helen McCrory has died at the age of 52, her husband Damian Lewis has confirmed. McCrory was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she refused to let it be known. 'How dare he!' Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.". "When you live in the public spotlight you have to find the space to protect the things that are just for you. 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.