Peaky Blinders actress Helen McCrory dies aged 52

16 April 2021, 17:00 | Updated: 16 April 2021, 23:47

Helen McCrory has died from cancer aged 52, her "heartbroken" husband Damian Lewis has said.

Damian Lewis announced the death of his wife Helen McCrory in a statement on Twitter.

He 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 the air, and thank you."

McCrory was born in Paddington, London, to a Welsh mother and Scottish-born father and was the eldest of three children.

She attended school in Hertfordshire, then spent a year living in Italy, before returning to London to study acting at the Drama Centre.

McCrory and Lewis married in 2007 and share a daughter Manon, born in 2006, and son Gulliver, born in 2007.

Cillian Murphy described his Peaky Blinders co-star as a "beautiful, caring, funny compassionate human being".

He added: "I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend.

"Helen was 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.

"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."

The show's Twitter account also paid tribute to her.

Actor Jim Howick, who worked with Helen McCrory and her husband Damian Lewis on the 2015 comedy film Bill, tweeted: "This is so shocking and sad. Helen along with Damien were both terrific fun on Bill.

"She was so generous with her time and her performance. I urge everyone to listen to her Desert Island Disks. What a talent we have lost."

Rev Richard Coles was among those paying tribute. He wrote on Twitter: "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."

Actor and director Noel Clarke said: "RIP #HelenMcCrory 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."

Actress Michelle Collins tweeted: "I'm really shocked so so sad I had the pleasure of meeting her and briefly worked with her, she certainly was a Tour de force, clever, charming and fierce and a brilliant actor my heart goes out to Damian and her family, bloody cancer I hate you!!"

The actor Kevin McKidd, who starred opposite Helen McCrory in the 2000 TV miniseries Anna Karenina, tweeted: "I am utterly heartbroken to hear this.. Damian I'm sending you and the family all my love and warmth at this time.

"Helen , we love you. Your talent , humanity and passion for life will be remembered by me and everyone your life touched with deep gratitude. Rest In Peace dear one."