Helen McCrory, the acclaimed stage and screen actor known for roles in Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders, has died from cancer at the age of 52. Her husband, actor Damian Lewis, announced the news on Twitter, revealing she died peacefully at home after a private battle with the disease.
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. She died as she lived. Fearlessly.'
Tributes flooded in from co-stars and colleagues. Cillian Murphy, her Peaky Blinders co-star, said he was 'broken-hearted' to lose a dear friend, describing her as 'beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate'. The BBC's Doctor Who account remembered her appearance in a 2010 episode, while Reverend Richard Coles called her 'brilliant'.
Tony Robinson praised her as 'one of the finest, most versatile and charming actors of her generation'. Reece Shearsmith, who worked with her on Inside No. 9, said she was 'immaculate and brilliant'. Elizabeth McGovern described her as 'fearless and brilliant', and Matt Lucas highlighted her work co-founding the FeedNHS scheme, which raised nearly £1m for healthcare workers during the pandemic.
McCrory is survived by Lewis and their two children. Her legacy includes memorable performances as Polly in Peaky Blinders, Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter, and Cherie Blair in The Queen.
