Peaky Blinders Helen dies of cancer age 52
Heartbroken husband Damian tells of her ‘heroic battle’
HARRY Potter and Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory has died from cancer at the age of 52.
Helen, whose dad Iain was a diplomat from Glasgow, played Narcissa Malfoy in the HalfBlood Prince and Deathly Hallows Potter films.
She also played the role of Peaky Blinders’ Aunt Polly and appeared in the James Bond film Skyfall as Clair Dowar.
In a heartbreaking statement online her husband, actor Damian Lewis, told followers: “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.”
Helen and Homeland actor Damian got married in 2007 and had two children – their daughter Manon, 14, and 13-year-old son Gulliver.
Alongside the charity work – she and Damian raised more than £1million for Feed NHS at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic – Helen was famous for her telly and movie roles
She’d originally been cast as Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films, but had to pull out when she first fell pregnant.
The role went to Helena Bonham Carter instead but Helen was later cast as Narcissa Malfoy. She’d appeared in The Count of Monte Cristo, 2005’s Casanova and The Woman In Black: Angel of Death.
She also famously portrayed Cherie Blair in 2006’s The Queen and last year appeared on Who
Wants to Be a Millionaire? drama Quiz, political thriller Roadkill, and was the voice of Stelmaria in His Dark Materials.
Helen was awarded an OBE in the 2017 honours list for services to drama. Joanna Lumley was among those who paid tribute to the star saying: “The brilliant Helen McCrory has sadly passed away. My thoughts go out to her family and friends. May you rest peacefully, Helen”
Actor Noel Clarke wrote: “RIP Helen McCrory you were the best and always lovely to me. It was a pleasure to work with you. Love ya. Blessings to Damian and the family.”
Actor Michael Sheen tweeted: “So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time.”
The official BBC Peaky Blinders Twitter said: “All our love and thoughts are with Helen’s family. Rest in peace.”
BAFTA said “As well as fearless Polly Gray in Bafta-winning Peaky Blinders, she was in 2007 Best Film Bafta winner The Queen, among many other films and TV shows.”