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Actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and three Harry Potter films, has died of cancer at the age of 52, her husband, the actor Damian Lewis, announced.
He said he was “heartbroken”, and that she was a “beautiful and mighty woman”.
He wrote: “She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021
Harry Potter author JK Rowling led the tributes, writing that it was “simply heartbreaking news”.
McCrory was also known for her long and acclaimed career on stage, and the National Theatre’s artistic director Rufus Norris said she was “unquestionably one of the great actors of her generation”.
Cillian Murphy, who played Tommy Shelby in the show, added he was “broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend”, describing her as “a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being”.
“She was also a gifted actor – fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played,” he said, adding it was “a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman… I will dearly miss my pal”.
BBC director of drama Piers Wenger added: “Helen was one of the finest actresses this country will ever see.”
Homeland star Lewis said she had died “after an heroic battle with cancer”.
