Helen McCrory Remembered By ‘Peaky Blinders,’ ‘Harry Potter’ Families, BAFTA & Others: “Wonderful Woman Who’s Left Us Far Too Soon”
Refresh for updates: Helen McCrory, known for acting in a number of beloved franchises including Peaky Blinders, Harry Potter and Penny Dreadful, died Friday at 52.
Shortly after her husband Damian Lewis announced the news of the actress’ passing, tributes from McCory’s co-stars, colleagues and organizations began streaming in. Peaky Blinders shared a statement remembering the star who played Aunt Polly Elizabeth Gray:
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“Helen’s performance as Polly Gray was inspirational, joyous, transgressive, hilarious and incredibly moving. As a person she was off-the-scale charismatic, and deeply caring. We feel so privileged to have worked with her over the last decade. All our thoughts and love are with Damian and family.”
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight responded to McCrory’s death in a statement, revering the actress for her skills.
“Helen was one of the great actors of her generation. She was so powerful and controlled and this is so sad,” Knight said.
McCrory also appeared as Narcissa Malfoy in the final three Harry Potter films. Wizarding World, the official social media account for all things Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, also paid tribute on Friday to the actress, who starred as Tom Felton’s onscreen mother.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy with such depth and brilliance in the Harry Potter film series,” Wizarding World shared. “She was a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much.”
J.K. Rowling the author responsible for the Harry Potter franchise also remembered McCrory upon her death. Rowling expressed sadness and condolences for McCrory’s family.
“I’m devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who’s left us far too soon,” she wrote. “My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. Simply heartbreaking news.”
1917 helmer Sam Mendes reacted to McCrory’s death: “An astonishing talent, a fabulous person, and an absolute true original. The film and theatre world has lost a one of a kind actress, and her family and friends have been robbed of an extraordinary, indomitable spirit. The world will be an infinitely poorer place without Helen in it.”
See the social media messages and additional tribute to McCrory from Michael Sheen, Reece Shearsmith and more below:
— Peaky Blinders (@ThePeakyBlinder) April 16, 2021
I’m devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who’s left us far too soon. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. Simply heartbreaking news.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 16, 2021
Peaky Blinders co-star Cillian Murphy remembered McCrory with a statement and an Instagram post:
“I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being. She was also a gifted actor — fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played. It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. I will dearly miss my pal. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family.”
Caryn Mandabach, Peaky Blinders executive producer shared an exclusive statement with Deadline on McCrory’s passing:
“When Steve first conceived of the character of Polly, he said that if something should happen to Tommy, Polly would run the business. Only an actress with the depth of humanity that Helen possessed could have taken on that mantle. In truth I wish that Helen could have run the world’s business, because she was that cool.”
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of the extraordinarily talented and gracious Helen McCrory. We were honoured to have worked with her on Skyfall and send our heartfelt condolences to Damian, Manon and Gulliver.” Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. pic.twitter.com/hMSEqle83D
— James Bond (@007) April 16, 2021
I’m so saddened by the passing of Helen McCrory. A true treasure taken way too early.
She was an absolutely Brilliant person and a phenomenal actress. My heart go’s out to her family. 💔— tom ellis (@tomellis17) April 16, 2021
Helen McCrory was an amazing artist 😔 She was the best thing in Peaky Blinders. Rest in Peace Polly Gray.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) April 16, 2021
We're 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. pic.twitter.com/Eo2dmviKik
— National Theatre (@NationalTheatre) April 16, 2021
Helen McCrory 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. What a tremendous loss.
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) April 16, 2021
Sending so much love to you and the family Damian. Devastating news ♥️ Helen was a truly a goddess and will be shining in the heavens star that she is
— Indira Varma (@indyv9) April 16, 2021
Off-screen, a proud feminist, helping us unveil the statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square, and giving young Londoners their first chance in the creative industries through her charitable work.
All our thoughts are with Damian and Helen’s family. pic.twitter.com/9ZjlufnB7C
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) April 16, 2021
We are sad to report the death of actress Helen McCrory, who starred in 'The Vampires of Venice' https://t.co/tIkFbO6uHN pic.twitter.com/vfdI8mWERz
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) April 16, 2021
I’m so sad about Helen McCrory . She was so brilliant. Mesmerising on screen. At the BAFTAs two years ago, she presented an award wearing sunshades because she’d lost her reading glasses and her shades were prescription, and she made everyone laugh and was so charming and funny.
— Rachel Parris (@rachelparris) April 16, 2021
Helen McCrory as Polly Gray
All our love and thoughts are with Helen’s family.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/HBEg4Hz2Up
— Peaky Blinders (@ThePeakyBlinder) April 16, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy with such depth and brilliance in the Harry Potter film series. She was a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much. pic.twitter.com/wXexuxFNyG
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) April 16, 2021
We're sad to hear of the death of actor Helen McCrory. 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. pic.twitter.com/1CzeIIYfzE
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) April 16, 2021
We are devastated to hear of the loss of Helen McCrory. She was brilliant, vivacious, and she made us laugh. A luminous presence on stage and on screen. pic.twitter.com/MlsHLt5MJQ
— The Old Vic (@oldvictheatre) April 16, 2021
By all accounts, Helen McCrory was a remarkable woman. By any reckoning, she was an actress of great power and vulnerability. Very sad to hear of her passing.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) April 16, 2021
Unbearable and unbelievable that Helen McCrory has gone. A genuine firecracker with an aching vulnerability. A wonderful actor and a wonderful woman. Thoughts with Damian and family. RIP
— Mark Gatiss 💙 (@Markgatiss) April 16, 2021
An amazing person & actress. An extremely moving interview when you realise the bravery that it must have taken both @lewis_damian & #HelenMcCrory to do. To be thinking & caring about supporting others thru their pain. I am deeply saddened by this awful loss to a loving family ❤ https://t.co/o3oZ7tJ3Z7
— Gary Webster (@RealGaryWebster) April 16, 2021
Holy hell.. not Helen McCrory. How unbelievably sad.. 💔 Thinking of all her loved ones right now 💔💔 so sad.
— Amy Nuttall (@amynutts) April 16, 2021
Helen McCrory was an outstanding talent . One of the finest actors of this generation . Didn’t want this to be true . What a loss 💔 Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/la0L5X5FKL
— Kathryn Drysdale (@KatkinDrysdale) April 16, 2021
This is just devastating news… #RIP #HelenMcCrory https://t.co/o7wXBmhsDX
— Will Kemp (@IamWillKemp) April 16, 2021
RIP Helen McCrory https://t.co/kYfIIbHWlV
— Delaney Williams (@delaneywilliams) April 16, 2021
She was so cool. Rest in Peace, Helen McCrory. https://t.co/Kh0olg2WAl
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) April 16, 2021
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