Helen McCrory, the critically acclaimed actor recognised for prominent roles in Peaky Blinders, Harry Potter, James Bond and more, has died aged 52.
McCrory’s husband, Damian Lewis, confirmed the tragic news, explaining that the Hollywood actress died suddenly after a battle with breast cancer.
In a devastating statement confirming her death, Damian 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 as home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.”
He added: “She died as she lived. 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.”
McCrory, who was born in Paddington, England, enjoyed a triumphant career across stage and screen since breaking into the industry in 1990. While she was nominated for a Laurence Olivier theatre award in 2006, acclaim that arrived following her mesmerising West End performance as Rosalind in a production of As You Like It, it is on screen that McRory has solidified her name.
Having appeared in a wide range of different films, including James Bond film Skyfall and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, McCrory will be fondly remembered by her fanbase for the role of Polly Gray in the brilliant BBC television series Peaky Blinders. “She really is the brains with Tommy behind the family and you see the difference of how to rule,” she once said of the role.
“One from a male point of view, which is much more physical and violent and threatening, and one from a female point of view, which is just as physically violent and threatening, but is also psychological.”
McCrory is survived by her husband Damian and their two children, daughter Manon, and son Gulliver.
