Some rather sad news this evening as it has been announced that Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders actress Helen McCrory has passed away aged just 52 after losing a battle with cancer. The announcement was made by her husband Damian Lewis, who posted the following to Twitter:
— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021
London-born Helen McCrory began her career on stage in the 1990s and appeared in supporting roles in films such as Interview with the Vampire, The Count of Monte Cristo and Enduring Love before a breakthrough role as Cherie Blair in 2006’s The Queen.
McCrory was initially cast in the Harry Potter franchise as Bellatrix Lestrange in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix but was forced to drop out due to a pregnancy. She was subsequently cast as Bellatrix’s sister Narcissa Malfoy, appearing in the final three films in the franchise. Other feature film appearances included Fantastic Mr. Fox, Hugo, Skyfall, Their Finest and Loving Vincent.
On the small screen, McCrory’s credits include the likes of Anna Karenina, Life, Doctor Who, Penny Dreadful and His Dark Materials, along with the BBC’s Peaky Blinders, where she portrayed Aunt Polly, the matriarch of the Shelby family.
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
