Helen McCrory Remembered as ‘Force of Nature,’ ‘Goddess’ and ‘a Genuine Firecracker’
Tributes are pouring in for “Peaky Blinders” and “Harry Potter” actress Helen McCrory who is being remembered as a “Force of Nature,” a “Goddess,” and “A Genuine Firecracker.”
Among those paying homage to the award-winning actress who died after a “heroic battle” with cancer, are actor (and former beau) Rufus Sewell, “Harry Potter” creator JK Rowling and numerous colleagues from stage and film.
“Blindsided by this. Helen was a force of nature and just so f–king great in ALL ways,” actor Rufus Sewell tweeted.
Blindsided by this. Helen was a force of nature and just so fucking great in ALL ways. https://t.co/C91MAv2VK8
— Rufus Sewell (@FredrikSewell) April 16, 2021
Cillian Murphy, who starred alongside McCrory on “Peaky Blinders” where she played the character Aunt Polly, said he was “broken-hearted” at the news.
“I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being,” Murphy said in a statement to TheWrap. “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.”
“Sending so much love to you and the family Damian. Devastating news Helen was a truly a [sic] goddess and will be shining in the heavens star that she is,” “Game of Thrones” actress Indira Varma wrote.
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
*Also Read:* Helen McCrory, 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Harry Potter' Actress, Dies at 52
“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,” “Harry Potter” creator JK Rowling said.
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
“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,” BAFTA tweeted.
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
“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,” actor Mark Gatiss wrote.
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
McCrory’s husband, “Billions” actor Damian Lewis, announced the news of McCrory’s passing in a tweet Friday
“She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives,” Lewis wrote. “She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
McCrory played Aunt Polly Gray in “Peaky Blinders” between 2013-2019, and she also starred as Narcissa Malfoy, Draco Malfoy’s mother, in the “Harry Potter” franchise, appearing in three films in the series. Though she would eventually play Narcissa Malfoy, McCrory was originally cast as Bellatrix Lestrange in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” a part that eventually went to Helena Bonham Carter, but she was forced to drop out of the film due to her pregnancy and would eventually join the franchise for the sixth film “The Half-Blood Prince.”
Here are others paying tribute:
Helen McCrory styling out forgetting her glasses by presenting the Leading Actor category at the 2019 #BAFTATV awards in her sunnies!
RIP to one of our best screen and stage talents. pic.twitter.com/UMidmFurRN
— Michael Gravesande (@OldBlackHack) 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
Helen McCrory made everything she was in better. Talent and screen presence beyond measure. What awful news. RIP pic.twitter.com/bqxfnVuQiQ
— Amy West (@TV_amyy) 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
How terribly sad that we’ve lost Helen McCrory so young. She was one of the finest, most versatile and charming actors of her generation. The thoughts of all her many fans will be with Damian and the kids right now. RIP x
— Tony Robinson (@Tony_Robinson) April 16, 2021
Impossible to process the mighty Helen McCrory has passed. I worked with Helen on stage and of course we were lucky enough to get her in "Inside No 9". She was always immaculate and brilliant. An unfathomable loss. RIP . pic.twitter.com/fbau6kywzW
— reece shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) April 16, 2021
Very sorry to hear of the death of Helen McCrory, such a brilliant actor; heartfelt condolences to Damian Lewis, their children, and all who loved her. pic.twitter.com/NRlo3KPKWb
— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) 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
all our love Damian to you and the kids. She was a firecracker of a human being.
— Johanna Fuentes (@jfuentes) April 16, 2021
Gutted. A blazing light, indeed. Here for you and your family Damian. Lord, what a talent. https://t.co/zmJplIQuKv
— Garret Dillahunt (@garretdillahunt) April 16, 2021
Absolutely devastated to hear this news of Helen McRory…I admired her enormous talent so much RIP https://t.co/oaLgks9opp
— Deirdre O'Kane (@DeirdreOKane1) April 16, 2021
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