Credit: Warner Bros.Helen McCrory, best known for her roles as Narcissa Malfoy, the mother of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, and as Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders has passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was 52 years old.
McCrory’s death was announced by her husband Damien Lewis on Twitter, who wrote:
I’m heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family. 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 thin air, and thank you.
— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021
The couple were married in 2007 and had two children together, Manon McCrory-Lewis and Gulliver Lewis.
McCrory will be known to many fans for her role as Narcissa Malfoy, mother to Harry’s nemesis Draco Malfoy. She took on the role in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and reprised it for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 and Pt 2.
Many took to social media to share their condolences and memories of the memorable actress. Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) the official account for the Harry Potter film franchise shared their sorrow on Twitter writing:
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.
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
Harry Potter creator and author J.K. Rowling also shared her heartbreak on Twitter soon after learning of McCrory’s death:
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.
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
Twitter user Just Amy (@peakyyshelbyy) shared how much she loved and will miss the actress:
I am so so saddened by the loss of the incredible #HelenMcCrory. She was a wonderful woman who did so much to help others amid the covid-19 pandemic. She was an incredible actress, gave us Aunt Pol, Narcissa Malfoy & countless memorable performances. We will cherish her forever.
I am so so saddened by the loss of the incredible #HelenMcCrory. She was a wonderful woman who did so much to help others amid the covid-19 pandemic. She was an incredible actress, gave us Aunt Pol, Narcissa Malfoy & countless memorable performances. We will cherish her forever.
— just amy (@peakyyshelbyy) April 16, 2021
McCrory was also well-known for her starring role as Polly Gray in the Netflix show Peaky Blinders. The show’s official Twitter shared their condolences soon after her death was announced:
Helen McCrory as Polly Gray All our love and thoughts are with Helen’s family. Rest in peace.
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
McCrory had kept her battle with cancer private and continued acting until 2020. She lent her voice to the HBO hit His Dark Materials, also starring Lin-Manuel Miranda.
What was your favorite Helen McCrory role? Let us know in the comments.
