Helen McCrory death: Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill lead tributes to ‘dear friend’
Actor has died aged 52
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Helen McCrory, the stage and screen star known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and the BBC series Peaky Blinders, has died from cancer aged 52.
Actor Damian Lewis, who married McCrory in 2007, shared a statement on Twitter announcing that she had died peacefully at home after “a heroic battle with cancer”. McCrory’s cancer diagnosis had been kept private from the public.
“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,” he wrote in a Twitter post.
“She died as she lived,” he continued. “Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
Tributes from her Peaky Blinders co-stars flooded in, with Cillian Murphy saying he was broken-hearted to lose a dear friend.
"Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being,” Murphy said.
Sam Neill said she was “Riotously funny and so damn cool”.
“That brilliant woman- the greatest of actors. I so loved our time on #PeakyBlinders. She was witty, kind, skilled,” he said in a tweet.
The official Twitter account for BBC’s Doctor Who has shared a post remembering McCrory, who starred in a season five episode of the beloved sci-fi show titled “Vampires of Venice” in 2010.
TV personality Reverend Richard Coles has paid tribute to McCrory in a Twitter post, calling the late actor “brilliant” and offering condolences to Lewis and their children.
It’s a Sin star Callum Scott Howells has shared an emotional post, stating that he is “absolutely gutted by the passing of Helen McCrory”.
“Truly, one of the greats to have ever blessed our stages and our screens,” wrote the Welsh actor. “Her talent and work was legendary and sublime.”
Blackadder’s Tony Robinson has praised McCrory as “one of the finest, most versatile and charming actors of her generation”.
He continued: “The thoughts of all her many fans will be with Damian and the kids right now. RIP x.”
English actor, writer and comedian Reece Shearsmith has responded to the news on Twitter, sharing a photograph of himself and McCrory.
He captioned the post: “Impossible to process the mighty Helen McCrory has passed.
“I worked with Helen on stage and of course we were lucky enough to get her in Inside No. 9. She was immaculate and brilliant. An unfathomable loss. RIP.”
In 2014, McCrory starred opposite Shearsmith in the sixth and final episode of the first season of BBC Two’s black comedy series Inside No. 9.
“Helen McCrory was fearless and brilliant,” wrote Oscar nominee Elizabeth McGovern.
The Downton Abbey star continued: “She was a shining light and is so still.”
Horrible Histories writer Ben Willbond has remembered McCrory as “so so brilliant when she came to work on Bill”.
Willbond co-wrote the 2015 family comedy film in which the late actor starred as Queen Elizabeth I.
“Funny, generous, some wicked stories. I was in awe. My heart goes out to Damien and their family. Rest in peace,” he added.
James Dreyfus (previously Notting Hill, Gimme Gimme Gimme, and The Thin Blue Line) has reacted to the “dreadful news” of McCrory’s death on Twitter.
“Far too young & so talented. Thoughts with her family & friends,” wrote the actor.
Over her career, McCrory starred in numerous roles across both film and TV.
From Polly in Peaky Blinders to Cherie Blair in The Queen and Narcissa Malfoy throughout the Harry Potter franchise, the late actor will be remembered for her memorable performances.
Here is a compilation of McCrory’s best on-screen moments.
Helen McCrory’s best TV and film moments
Actor Helen McRory has died from cancer aged 52.Husband, and actor, Damian Lewis shared a statement on Twitter announcing that she had died peacefully at home after. McCrory’s cancer diagnosis had been kept private from the public.“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,” he wrote in a Twitter post.McRory starred on stage and screen and was best know for her roles in the Harry Potter films and the BBC series Peaky Blinders.
Matt Lucas has shared a heartwarming message in light of McCrory’s death.
The Great British Bake Off host wrote that the late actor “will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity”.
“She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others,” added Lucas. “What a tremendous loss.”
In April last year, the Peaky Blinders star and Lewis launched the FeedNHS scheme, raising nearly £1m to feed NHS workers amid the pandemic.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments