IRISH actor Cillian Murphy has led the tributes to Peaky Blinders co-star Helen McCrory who has died, aged 52, following a battle with cancer.
McCrory’s husband, fellow actor Damian Lewis, revealed via Twitter today that his wife had passed away following a “heroic battle” with the deadly disease.
Helen McCrory with husband Damian Lewis“I am heartbroken to announce that after a 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 family and friends," he tweeted.
He added: “She died as she lived, fearlessly.”
— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021
A star of the stage and screen, McCrory found new heights of fame playing Aunt Polly in the hit Birmingham-based gangster series Peaky Blinders from 2013-2019.
"Broken-hearted" Cillian Murphy, who plays gang leader Thomas Shelby in the series, paid tribue to his “dear friend” and co-star today.
“I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend,” the Cork-born actor told the PA news agency.
“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.”
