Helen McCrory, star of Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders, dies at 52

British actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Peaky Blinders, has passed away. McCrory, who was 52, was battling cancer.

She died “peacefully at home”, tweeted her husband Damian Lewis on Friday. He added that McCrory “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, born in London, was a celebrated stage actor. She was nominated for an Olivier for her stage role as Rosalind in As You Like It at the Wyndham’s theatre in London in 2006. She had also played some powerful roles on London’s West End, like that of Medea and Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth.

McCrory’s role as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise earned her appreciation for portraying the chilly mother of Draco Malfoy and villain in the series.

Author JK Rowling tweeted her tributes to McCrory, expressing her sadness and calling it “simply heartbreaking news”. 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,” said the author.

Leading the Shelby household as the matriarch, McCrory was also known as Polly Gray in period crime drama Peaky Blinders since 2013. Peaky Blinders began filming a sixth season which is expected to air later in 2021 where McCrory was supposed to reprise her role. McCrory was at the centre of the five seasons of Peaky Blinders that are streaming on Netflix.

McCrory’s Peaky Blinders’ co-star, Cillian Murphy said that he was “broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend”.

McCrory is survived by her husband Lewis and their two children, Manon and Gulliver.

The Harry Potter franchise is streaming on Amazon Prime Video where McCrory plays the role of Narcissa Malfoy. The actress’ remarkable performance as Aunt Polly can be seen in  Peaky Blinders on Netflix.