Actor Ben Willbond added: Heartbroken at the news that Helen McCrory has died. Left: "It doesn't make sense. 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. 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. Really lovely company. 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. "She had this extraordinary, fierce depth of character and complexity and ability to articulate so many parts of the human condition.". 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. She played the matriarch of a crime family on Peaky Blinders and the scheming Voldemort ally Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. She also played Madame Kali in Penny Dreadfulfrom 2014 to 2015, Cherie Blair (wife of Prime Minister Tony Blair) in 2006's The Queen and 2010's The Special Relationship, Mrs. Radcliffe in 2007's Becoming Jane, and Clair Dowar, Home Secretary of the U.K., in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall. ", Of course, he's not the only one grieving this loss. 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. Helen has acting credits across the small and big screen, and also wowed the crowds on stage. 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. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. Webhelen crothers cause of death. 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 blazed so brightly. 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.". pic.twitter.com/wXexuxFNyG, Utterly heart breaking, what a loss. 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. While many performers struggle to find meaty female roles in film and television, McCrory played a string of them. "We were just reeling throughout the whole thing," he toldBritish Esquirein an interviewpublished Tuesday, Feb. 1. Fearlessly. "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. 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. What a tremendous and mesmerising actor. She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. READ MORE:Helen McCrory dead: Peaky Blinders dies after cancer battle aged 52. In a heartfelt statement, he explained that she died following an heroic battle with cancer. McCrory, who starred in the television show Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter movies, has died. And certainly that was, it was for her and her family and her very closest friends.". Subscribe to Heres the Deal, our politics 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. Really lovely company. She blazed so brightly. BBC director of drama Piers Wenger added: "Helen was one of the finest actresses this country will ever see.". Michael Sheen said: So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time. In 2017, she was awarded an OBE. English actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in the "Harry Potter" films and in the television series "Peaky Blinders," has died. While many performers struggle to find meaty female roles in film and television, McCrory played a string of them. You will not believe Helen McCrory's final wish. Rest in peace., Lawrence Fox penned: How utterly heartbreaking. Helen was an even more brilliant person than she was an actress, he said, describing her a meteor in our life. Dead at 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. "', "Of course, there's so much sexism within the profession," McCrory said. Also known for her stage performances, National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris said she was "one of the great actors of her generation". Image Source: Whatsonstage. She died as she lived. 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 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). 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. Helen just wasn't able to film that part of Polly's life before she died. Helen McCrory died. McCrory was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she didnt want the news to be publicized. newsletter for analysis you wont find anywhereelse. ", Cillian shared that Helen's death and"loads of different reason" made for a bittersweet final season. 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. The star was last seen last month when she gave an interview to Good Morning Britain about her latest charity project. Helen was a beautiful supportive person to those of us who had the honour to know or work with her. This is the first time McCrory's health battle was made public. McCrory also made appearances inDoctor Who, the 2017 miniseries Fearless, andFantastic Mr. Fox,the 2009 movie based on a Roald Dahl book. Her husband, Offers may be subject to change without notice. Sleep easy Pol. Portrayed by Helen McCrory, Elizabeth Polly Gray, ne Shelby, is the matriarch of the Shelby family. McCrory was nominated for two of London's Olivier Awards for playing Rosalind in As You Like It in 2006, and for The Last of the Haussmans in 2013. Helen just wasn't able to film that part of Polly's life before she died. Helen 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.. winter storm, Southern Ontario digs out of snowstorm, snowfall warnings still in effect for parts of Eastern Canada, 'I had to get over here and help': 3 incredible acts of compassion by Canadians in Ukraine, How a small town Canadian grandmother ended up in a Hong Kong prison, Why some Canadian teachers and professors are inviting ChatGPT into the classroom, Unusual weather phenomenon observed during Ontario snowstorm explained, Woman missing more than 30 years and thought to be dead found living in Puerto Rico nursing home, 'I don't not love Winnipeg' Michael B. Jordan tells Kimmel, Cleaning expert shows the best way to load your dishwasher, Why Harry and Meghan were asked to leave their U.K. home. Forever my Narcissa Malfoy. Much love to Damian and her family. She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. 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. Murdoch has survived scandal after scandal. 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. She played the matriarch of a crime family on "Peaky Blinders" and the scheming Voldemort ally Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" movies. "Helen wanted to be very private about her illness and I understand why," she said. 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. 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. "God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. Here is all you want to know, and more! We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. The actress stepped back from the role before filming began in January 2021because of a private battle with breast cancer. "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.". British actress Helen McCrory, star of Peaky Blinders, died today at the age of 52. Roadkill on BBC: Show writer addressescomparisons to Thatcher. As he told the magazine, "It wasn't a very pleasant shooting experience. ", Helen McCrory starred as Aunt Polly in all five series of Peaky Blinders. She died as she lived. 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. 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 of 52. 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, During the interview, host Kate Garraway asked if she had a sore throat. 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." All Rights Reserved. She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. She was a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much. 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. A written finding is made regardless of whether an inquest is held or not. Andafter five seasons, Aunt Pollywas close to getting her version of a happy ending following multiple near-death encounters and heartbreaks. She is survived by her husband, who revealed her cause of death on social media, and two children. McCrory was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she refused to let it be known. Ms Cracknell said working with McCrory was "one of the highlights of my professional life". 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. Helen McCrory died of breast cancer at her home in London on 16 April 2021, aged 52. ", He added, She died as she lived. While many performers struggle to find meaty female roles in film and television, McCrory played a string of them. The late star met Damian while they were performing Five Gold Rings together at Londons Almeida Theatre. Dermot OLeary recalled on Twitter: Had the good fortune to meet and interview Helen McCrory a few times. She was so powerful and controlled and this is so sad.. Her last TV appearance was in March on Good Morning Britain with her husband Damian Lewis. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you., Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021, Condolences subsequently poured in from various quarters. McCrory's husband,actor Damian Lewis,announced the news of her death on Twitteron Friday, April 16, 2021. Express. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. 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. Lewis, himself an actor, acknowledged that keeping her condition private had prompted an outpouring of grief and shock. 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. Lewis confirmed the news on Twitter today, revealing his wife had died of cancer. 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. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Onstage, McCrory's roles included the vengeful Greek heroine "Medea" at the National Theatre in 2014. Helen and her husband married in July of 2007 and shared two kids son Gulliver, 13, and daughter Manon, 14. According to Damian, Helen McCrorys cause of death was cancer that she kept hidden till her passing. "Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being," he said in a statement. 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. Peaky Blinders actor Helen McCrory has died at the age of 52, her husband Damian Lewis has confirmed. Helen McCrory husband: Who is Peaky Blinders' Polly star married to? Sam Mendes, who directed McCrory in an acclaimed production of Uncle Vanya, praised her explosive energy on stage. She was 52 and had been suffering from cancer. By order of the Peaky Blinders. She died on April 16, 2021, at her London home. 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. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said: "Helen was one of the great actors of her generation. McCrory's husband, "Homeland" actor Damian Lewis, announced McCrory's death on Saturday. ", Alongside a photo of McCrory, actress Dame Helen Mirren wrote on Instagram: "A great actress and a great person. McCrory was one of Britains most respected actors, making her mark by playing a succession of formidable and sometimes fearsome women. Her husband, worrying about remembering all her lines. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. Get the drama behind the scenes. Peaky Blinders: What was Polly star Helen McCrory's favourite scene? I will dearly miss my pal". The actor is best known for playing Aunt Polly in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. According to reports, Helen died peacefully in her home after a battle with cancer, which she kept extremely private. McCrory and Lewis, star of the TV series Homeland and Billions, married in 2007 and had two children. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Others remembered McCrory for her charity work, including on FeedNHS, a campaign to provide meals for frontline health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis), Use of this Website assumes acceptance of Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy | Accessibility, Published Friday, April 16, 2021 12:37PM EDT, Last Updated Friday, April 16, 2021 7:54PM EDT, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, dies at 61, Everything you need to know about the 2023 Academy Awards, Nan Goldin is going to the Oscars, and she wants to win, Jenna Ortega wishes her generation was better represented in stories: 'We can be smart', Loewe mixes fashion with giant confetti cubes at Paris show, 'Welcome to Sweetie Pie's': Former star Tim Norman gets life for role in nephew's death, Calls grow for public inquiry for Chinese interference, Ontario nurses felt 'no hope' for new deal to be reached, 'Like shovelling concrete': Phillips on Ont. At the time, she was 52 years old. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? What was Helen McCrorys cause of death? Fearlessly," Lewis wrote on Twitter. 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. Such a loss.. She was always immaculate and brilliant. What a tremendous loss.. pic.twitter.com/udTJF9LUDo, So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time. I will dearly miss my pal. We were so lucky to have worked with you. Very sad news. 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". `And then what did you do? Lewis said that in the weeks before her death his wife had talked about his future relationships with women, saying that love isnt possessive. "So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time," he tweeted. The accomplished British actress has been married to Lewis since 2007, and they have two children together: Manon, aged 14, and Gulliver, aged 13.