We welcome your tribute to the beloved Helen McCrory. If you wish to leave your condolences, please click on the ‘comments’ of this post. Then scroll to the bottom of the comment section to ‘Leave a Reply.’
If you wish to make a donation, the McCrory-Lewis family has asked that donations be made to the Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation here.
— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021
Helen, you were such a bright star that I know you will keep enriching the world through the brilliant work you did and the two wonderful kids you raised. What a class act you have been – not only on stage or screen – but in life and in death. The way you chose to live is a lesson for everyone about how to live and die. May you rest in peace. I am holding you, Damian, and the kids in my thoughts. I am hoping they will find comfort in the beautiful memories you made together.
I saw Helen in that scarily brilliant ‘Medea’; I was seated in front of you, Damian, as Helen played Simon Gray’s ‘Mum’s so fetchingly in Pinter’s sharpening of the piece and you delighted me with a bit of drollery about your performance in Moliere when I turned to find you seated behind me at the Donmar!
I saw Helen many times and she was a great and much loved performer and a charming person who found her match in you. Of course I had no idea that seeing her with Peter Sullivan in ‘The Deep Blue Sea’ must have been when she was ill and that will make me turn it over more in my mind more than I already do. In retrospect it seems close to heartbreaking and must have taxed her mightily. A terrific performance.
“The light that burns twice as brightly burns twice as long” may be a cliche but is was true of Helen and reminds me of something written of the early death of Shiva Naipaul: “we have been robbed of the promise of greatness”, except that she was great already and well will all miss her deeply.
My condolences to all of you, her family; may you find solace in the work she did; in the wife and mother she was and the good friend to do many. That you and she gave of your time and effort to help those dealing with victims of covid is the measure of you both and I wish you strength and peace in the time ahead. Your children can be proud of such a wise, talented and kind mother.
A sad day but we were all blessed to know her, just a little. My very best to you all.
Sincerely
Gary Morgan
No words ever comfort losing a loved one, however in time when all the messages are read again, the penny will drop and you may be at peace. A wonderful lady sorely taken.
Dear Helen, as a huge fan of your wonderful and amazing body of work, I was so saddened today to hear of your passing. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends. Your character of Aunt Polly on Peaky Blinders was sheer perfection!! I always looked so forward, waiting for the next episode to air. From my husband and myself, “You shall be missed tremendously!!” Rest in peace beautiful lady!! Sincerely, Sherrie White from the Sunshine Coast, B.C. 🇨🇦 Canada.
Dear Damien,
I am very sorry for the loss of your Helen. I am watching “Peaky blinders” for the first time (for the last 4 days) and am enjoying it immensely; your wife acted out such a powerful character; she is a credit to the profession.
I offer my sincere condolences for your loss
With kindest regards and with the greatest of sympathy
David
May you rest in peace oh beautiful one. Heartbroken. I enjoyed making a tribute to you, about you, for you.
I am so heartbroken by this news. I am keeping the family in my thoughts during this time, and sending them all my love. May her memory be a blessing.
You’ll be in our hearts forever, dear Helen. Rest in peace now <3
RIP and thank you for lighting up our lives. My thoughts are with your family and friends at this terribly sad time.
May you rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family and friends.
May her beautiful soul rest in peace! I am a fan of Penny dreadful and Peaky blinders, but I will always remember Helen best as Narcissa Malfoy, such a role-model in her portrail of character! None could have done it better, a lady looking over her family, with such grace and courage! She will remain my own personal tutor in that role, and a role-model. It was as if the best of Helen merged with the best of the written character, and she created a character bigger than children’s books, franchise or blockbuster movie! Nobody could pull out so much in so few minutes. The only mach would be the late Alan Rickman as Snape. I think they both look upon us now, as if to see will we become better humans, beter persons. Condolences to your family, Mr. Lewis.
Ivana
So heartbreaking. Such a brilliant actress, such a big heart! Thank you Helen, for all the things you have left behind for generations to come and savor.
Wonderful actress, inspiring beyond words. Thank you, Helen! You have given us many reasons to not forget you, and we will not! You were a true star. I hope you found Your way up to the skies and now shine the brightest! May you rest in peace.
I saw her once in North Square, and she was an excellent actress in that series. Helen was beautiful, funny and very much admired. So sorry to hear about her passing.
Damien, Manon and Gulliver, May your days ahead be greeted with loving and memory filled moments. I was a total fan of Helen and her performance in Peaky Blinders. You have left your mark Helen! May you forever rest peacefully. 🇨🇦
So saddened and shocked by this incredible loss. Helen, you lit up every project you did, from TV dramas, to Hugo and Bond, and to the character who single-handedly saved Harry Potter’s life with her ferocious mother’s love.
You will be remembered for so much and you will be missed! Cannot fathom what Damian and your children must be enduring now and in the coming days. I can only wish you all love and peace as you maneuver through this unbelievable loss. May the fierce and great Helen McCrory rest in peace. <3
To speak on GMTV in March so passionately about your charity work, Helen, whilst stoically, silently battling cancer is brave beyond belief and belied such dignity.
Your use of humour to deflect the focus back onto the charity when Karen asked if you were OK shows generosity and a selflessness of spirit not often found these days .
A cancer survivor myself, I know what it takes to laugh in it’s face. I’m so sorry your body lost the fight but have no doubt your spirit is still on fire.
Rest now.We’ll see you later.
Al.xx
So very saddened to hear this dreadful news, fabulous beautiful actress.
Thought to Damian and all close. Xxxx
Shocked isn’t the word… My heart breaks for Helen’s family tonight… A wonderful actress & charity fundraising star, but above all else an adored wife & mother… Rest well & fly high, Helen, you will never be forgotten. To Damian, Manon & Gulliver – I send you all love, hugs, prayers & strength in these darkest of times xx
Stay strong Damian and family. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you for your wonderful performances, Helen. ❤️ To Damian, Manon and Gulliver: my thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. God bless you and your family. 🌹❤️
-Rachel🇺🇲
What a brilliant, beautiful actress! Gone much too soon. Damian and children, my you have peace and much love in the days ahead.
This is heartbreaking.
Whenever I spoke about Helen McCrory, I used one word: goddess. That’s how I saw her. An absolutely amazing actress and a force powerful enough to create a new universe with every role.
Thank you so much for all your incredible performances.
A tremendous loss. I am just so sad.
Condolences to Damian and her family.
Rest in peace, you fearless woman.
A brilliant actress and she gave her characters such depth of emotion and power, I especially loved her performance as Medea in National theatre July 2014, she was so good as Medea I was actually terrified of her when I left the theatre.
Thoughts and prayers for Damian and family, I hope they cope ok.
Rest in peace
My deepest sympathy to the family.. What an absolute star Helen was.. I have loved and watched you both as actors and she was my favourite character in Peaky Blinders.. Deeply missed. Jane
Helen, eu sempre a admirei como atriz. Já são mais de 20 anos acompanhando a sua carreira inigualável, fantástica, espetacular, brilhante e doce atriz.
Eu vi sendo Victoria Frankenstein, Madame Kali, Anna Karenina, Polly Gray, Anita Harris, Sonia Woodley, Antonia Ashton, Cherie Blair (por duas vezes), Barbara Villiers, Madame Françoise Le Nôtre, a Ministra do filme do 007, Rosanna Calvierri, Valentina Villefort, Kathryn Villiers e, principalmente, Narcissa Black Malfoy… tantos nomes e tantas personagens que eu me perderia na descrição do quão maravilhosa você poderia ser na sua arte.
Para abrilhantar mais o quão grandiosa você poderia ser, ainda era uma mulher ativa em causas sociais e, certamente, já lutando contra o câncer, fez uma linda campanha para ajudar o NHS no ano passado.
Você se foi e nada no mundo apagará todas as histórias, as memórias que você deixou… saiba que eu vou sentir muito a sua falta!
Flor de Narciso, Rainha dos Ciganos, Bruxa das Trevas, Cientista Brilhante… siga em paz!
Um grande abraço à família e peço perdão por estar escrevendo em português.
I’m absolutely gutted to hear you have passed away. You were an amazing female ikon, I fell in love with Aunt Poll and will miss you greatly. My everything goes out to her family & friends. So so sad ♥️
There are no words that can be expressed in a loss such as this. Except to say that those who loved Helen shared in a life that seemed to be lived to the fullest. Her stunning performance in The Deep Blue Sea (National Theater on YouTube) still lives within me. What a beautiful, talented woman who made the world a better place. My thoughts and love are with Damian, Manon, Gulliver and all of Helen’s family and friends for comfort in the days to come.
This afternoon, I turned on BBC4 which is something I rarely do, but I was tired of American news. The first report announced the passing of this vibrant beautiful, brilliant actress. Such stunning news. My heart goes out to her husband and her dear children.
In scripture 2 Corinthians 5.8 we read that absence from the body is present with the Lord. We can, than. rest knowing beautiful Helen is in the very presence of our the Lord. No greater comfort than the expectation than that. It’s not over, you will see your beloved wife and mother again. You have my sincere condolences for this trying time. I loved watching Helen perform her magic. I loved her in North Square and her sense of humor in it. She was amazing. Take heart that Helen is not gone forever, just moved her residence to heaven. Loving thoughts to Damian and their children and entire family.
So deeply sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She brought so much joy to so many. Sending warm thoughts to Damian and family during this difficult time.
Mis condolencias Damián, para ti y tus hijos. Tu amada Helen ya descansa en paz. Los abrazo.
I’m not find the words to your tragic loss,but my mind and my hearth is with you in this sad moment. Deepest condolences to you and yours Damian 🙏🕯🇫🇷
RIP a brilliant actress. Had no idea. Had no idea Damien you were her husband. Big love to you all. Arts has list a giant.
Descanse en paz Helen 🙏
Ya tenéis un Ángel en el cielo para que os cuide a ti Damian y a vuestros hijos.
Mi admiración ante su gran talento como actriz y ante el gran corazón que transmitía solo con su presencia.
Damian eres grande.
Que la Fuerza os acompañe 💝
#HelenMcCroryRIP
When we lose someone we love, we no longer have them to live with us, but we do have the love they left behind. Surely Helen left great love behind for her family. I pray that her love will sustain Damian, Manon and Gulliver as they grieve, knowing grief is the price of love; it is love with no place to go.
Quelle actrice formidable! toutes mes pensées vont à son mari et ses enfants. Elle va rejoindre les anges, RIP Helen…
I shall never forget Helen McCrory in The Triumph of Love at the Almeida in 1999. She was tiny, electrifying and lit up the stage. She was not conventionally beautiful but you could not take your eyes off her and I just knew she was going to be famous. She is one of the reasons I love live theatre so much. This is the first time I have ever written an online tribute to anyone.
I am shattered to know that Helen has gone. She was unique and my favourite actor ever. Such extraordinary energy. Deepest condolences to you Damien and family. Only time will heal the pain of your loss but your love and our admiration for her will never die. 🌈💕
Dear Damien,
I am very sorry for the loss of your Helen. I am watching “Peaky blinders” for the first time (for the last 4 days) and am enjoying it immensely; your wife acted out such a powerful character; she is a credit to the profession.
I offer my sincere condolences for your loss
With kindest regards and with the greatest of sympathy
David
My heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Helen McCrory.
I am deeply shocked and saddened.
Such a brilliant actress whose work was always so real. Whenever her name was associated with a film, a series or live performance, I knew it was going to be something so good!
My sincere condolences to Damien and all her dear family and friends. I lost my beautiful husband to cancer and don’t wish to talk about myself, but only to identify with the feeling of loss for someone so vibrant.
Much love
Helen McCrory is one of the largest influence’s on my life in my desire to be an actor, her command of a room in Medea was fantastic and I’m glad I was able to see the performance. Her work was always stellar and I can only give my best to her family and my condolences for their loss. She was a fantastic woman.
My prayers and love go to Damian and his kids, I loved her as an amazing actress and a beautiful being doing lots of charity, I’m lost for words.
We will miss her so much.
I hope they will find comfort in music, especially in the lyrics of an Irish Blessing, ‘May God hold you in the palm of his Hand’
Let the beautiful memories live forever in their hearts ❤️
If you needed a reason to go to the theatre the name Helen McCrory on the Billboard would be enough. She was a powerhouse of talent. Such a sad loss – heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
I am completely saddened and shocked at the loss of such an amazing person. Her impact on stage and screen will not long be forgotten; but her impact as a loving wife and mother will be her legacy. I hoping her family and loved ones can find peace, love and light during this tremendously difficult time.
Only a year ago I settled into my sofa to watch “The Deep Blue Sea”. I was transported by Helen McCrory’s performance. She fully inhabited her role with a combination of grace and desperation. A lady of immense talent. She showed no sign of illness in her several public appearances. How English, a lady in every sense. Prayers, comfort and love to her bereaved family. We are with you today in spirit. “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
“I only know that he who forms a tie is lost, the germ of corruption has entered into his soul.” ~ Joseph Conrad
One of the very few things I’m grateful pandemic for is that last summer I’ve been able to see The Deep Blue Sea. On that very evening I’ve formed a tie and let beautiful Helen McCrory into my heart.
I’m deeply saddened by her passing and still in shock. My brain still refuses to take it as a fact.
I was not a family member, friend, colleague or even had a chance to meet her personally, so it’s impossible to imagine the pain of loosing. Although I’m usually not devastated by death of a publicly known person, this hits different.
I wasn’t having the greatest time of my life since summer 2019, due to a skin disease I was looking and feeling horrible. During that time, Helen’s work, personality, humour and mostly life attitude meant a great help. I started to promote her work to all my friends and taken up few advices I’ll remember all my life.
She was a perfect example of how a woman should live, laugh and shine, that when she’s gone, everybody has only the fondest memories of her. Even if you’re short, you can fill up the room and be so tall that you exceed the others. (Or wear high heels.)
All I can say is just thank you “my my McCrory” for being, beside my family, one of my favourite women’s on earth. Love to Damian and children.
“I only know that he who forms a tie is lost, the germ of corruption has entered into his soul.” ~ Joseph Conrad
One of the very few thing I’m grateful this pandemic for is that I was able to see The Deep Blue Sea. On that very evening I made a tie and let beautiful Helen McCrory into my heart.
I’m deeply saddened by her passing and still in shock. My brain doesn’t want to take it as a fact. Although I’m usually not devastated by a death of a public known person, this hits different, because Helen was something else.
I wasn’t having the best time of my life since summer 2019, due to a skin disease I was feeling and looking horribly. At that time, Helen’s work, humour, personality and life attitude was for me very spirit-uplifting. Countless things and advices I’ll remember forever.
She was a perfect example of how a woman should live, laugh and shine that when she’s gone, everybody has only the fondest memories of her.
Even if you’re short, you can fill up the room and be so tall that you exceed the others. Or wear high heels.
All I can say is just thank you “my my McCrory”. You were one of a kind, woman that stole my heart, and beside my family one of the favourite people in the world. Love to Damian and children.
Damian
I am sorry to hear of your loss of Helen. I too lost my darling husband Lyndon to cancer also aged 52 seventeen months ago.
I just wanted to let you know I know exactly how you’re feeling right now and to say if I’ve learned anything since losing my best friend is that to just roll with the days. I used to beat myself up if I had a bad day whereas now I just accept it, if I don’t want to get dressed I don’t. I used to feel guilty about the good days whereas now I embrace them.
Lyndon made me promise to live, something I found very hard in the beginning but I’m slowly learning now.
I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and your family.
Much love
Helen Brookes x
My sincere condolences to the family and friends, such beautiful soul and woman’s memories will carry on forever in her art and in her legacy! May her soul rest in the peace of God, and may God send comfort to the children and Damian.
Dear Damien,
I am very sorry for the loss of your Helen. I am watching “Peaky blinders” for the first time (for the last 4 days) and am enjoying it immensely; your wife acted out such a powerful character; she is a credit to the profession.
I offer my sincere condolences for your loss
With kindest regards and with the greatest of sympathy
David
My deepest condolences to Helen’s family
Helen you are a beautiful soul and now you are taking care of your family like a Guardian Angel.
God bless you always
You will live forever in our hearts 🥰
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are for you and your children.
So heartbroken to hear that Helen has passed. To her family, I send the deepest and most heartfelt of condolences.
I’m so glad we have Helen’s amazing work to look upon and cherish for always. Everything I’ve ever seen her in has been better for having her in it. And I’ll treasure all those roles forever.
Gone too soon. I am lost in words.Such a tragic, untimely departure. Rest in peace beautiful soul… You will be remembered forever…
Deepest sympathy to Damian and family….such a sad loss…a beautiful lady and amazing actress.
Rest in peace Helen
God bless to all of the family
In my thoughts and prayers..x
I just wanted to send my sincere condolences to Damien Lewis snd his family on the heartbreaking loss of his wife Helen She was a woman of extraordinary talent and beauty. I can’t imagine the pain and sorrow you must be feeling at this time
We need to love people as if there is no tomorrow, just loving intensely in each moment without fear. This is the greatest gift of our lives. I believe in the immortality of the soul and our dear Helen is now surrounded by light.
Helen said it herself: “I feel like my life is bathed in a golden sun. And what is really wonderful is that I know it”.
I have always been spiritualized and intuitive, but I cannot always understand the meaning of certain things until happen. I have always loved Helen very much, but since last year I have felt something even stronger for her. I wanted to review all her films, all the interviews, everything that made me keep in my heart how much she was dear to me as if we were longtime friends. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true!
The day before Helen passed away, her image came out very clearly in my mind and I stopped what I was doing to think about her. I imagined how good it would be to give her a hug, kiss her face, take care of her and pamper her a little with simple things like a foot massage, singing a song, telling something fun to see her laugh or just making tea. Somehow, I wanted to be beside her. Why? I didn’t know it yet, but the universe was trying to tell me that she was very sick, she was saying goodbye to life and, without knowing it, I used my imagination and sent her love and peace. The energy of love can connect people, and even thousands of miles away, a beloved one can receive our positive thoughts and feelings. That’s how God works! I am heartbroken because I know that I have never been able to meet Helen personally and say: I love you! Thank you for existing!
She was such an incredible actor ; the best of her generation! Magnetic, passionate, charismatic and mesmerizing! Helen had a beautiful voice, a powerful look and a smile that could melt a chocolate bar! Helen was in life a generous and determined human being, she was a wonderful example of citizenship and dedication to others. She left the world too soon, but in her whole life she made everything around her more valuable and bright. The universe must thanks her!
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Damian, Manon and Gulliver, you have made your dear wife and mother a very happy and blessed woman by your love. Together, you will overcome this great loss and then Helen will be proud to see your path through a spiritual dimension. Sometimes, in the future, she will be able to speak to you and give advice in dreams, when you are sleeping. Stay tuned for her messages! Helen will always look out for you all!
I decided to ask the priest of my favorite parish to celebrate a mass in memory of Helen, on the seventh day after her death (Thursday, April, 22nd at 6 pm – São Paulo / Brazil). I invite everyone to pray with me!
Helen Elizabeth McCrory will always be an enlightened soul who will live forever in our hearts and beside Almighty God.
Rest and shine, my dear.
Jeanne HENOCQUE
APRIL 21 2021
Please DAMIAN accept my very sincere sympathy and condolence:the loss of a human being you love-of a deeply beloved wife-leaves you in a very deep desperation.
you feel that- joy and hope are just vanished…
But life is often strong…
JEANNE
SO very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and praying for you. Am a fan of both you work and an so sad to see you go through this. May you feel God’s arms around you. sending love
she is a wonderful person I am sure that she was a great mother, daughter, actress and most importantly a loving wife. Please accept my condolences 😔 💔I have no more words..
One of the great qualities about Helen McCrory is that I really felt like I knew her – even though we’d never met. She was a scene stealing actress who somehow left a scene cold after she’d left it (even when matched with superlative actors) appeared to be a warm and funny individual who even in her last months was raising money for NHS workers. Her happy marriage made her almost enviable except for the fact that she really deserved it and her great love for life truly shone. It’s our loss not her family’s. They met her, knew her and were loved by her. They have a lifetime of memories and it’s our loss that we never knew her. But of course it’s her family who will feel the pain greatest of all and my heart goes out to them.
Helen has now left the scene and the stage is colder.
If I said I was a fan of Helen, it would be an understatement. I never had the honor of meeting her, and yet she has helped me through countless of dark times. I’ve been suffering from depression for years, and Helen was my place to go to – her movies, shows, interviews, pictures. Anything. I cannot put into words how shattered I am by her death, and I can only imagine how her family must feel. She is an angel for me. And I will try anything to bring up the strength she so bravely displayed through these times, even though my heart is utterly broken. Reading Damian’s tribute to her has helped me immensely to try and come to peace with her passing. She wouldn’t want anyone to suffer so much.
Rest in Peace, my precious Helen. I will never forget what you did for me.
I hope that the next time Damian Lewis hears ‘Pull up to the Bumper’, perhaps at a party or maybe in a dream – that Helen finds him. And they dance.
(Ref. A story Helen told on Desert Island Discs)
In this strange and scary era of Covid, with death everywhere, Helen and Damian and their family have taught us a powerful lesson in facing the inevitable with grace, humor and dignity.
It’s also an era of oversharing. So-called “celebs” posting barely-clothed selfies or photos of themselves nursing a baby with one thing in mind: boosting their brand. I contrast that with the dignity and privacy in which Helen and Damian dealt with her cancer. They refused to let that cancer stop them from LIVING: creating their art, pursuing charitable works and being together as a family.
I hope that when my moment to face death comes, I will do so with the example set by this funny, courageous, bad-ass woman uppermost in my mind.
What a terrible loss, though: to Helen’s loving husband and children, who now must navigate a new life without wife and mum. And for the world, which has lost years of what would have been incredible, powerful artistry on stage and in front of the camera from this glorious woman.
May her memory be a blessing to Damian and their children.
Helen was a force of a woman and it’s clear that she had so much impact and reach that she will live on forever in some form or another.
In a strange way, she was able to make you feel as if you knew her even when you didn’t. She had that sparkle.
I was incredibly shocked and the only way I could process her not being here anymore was to write this poem for her.
And I suppose, in some sense, for Damian and their children, who I have felt heartsick for since the news broke.
“With grace, beauty and poise,
She walked fearlessly through life.
Talented beyond measure,
A devoted mother and wife.
Never had the chance to meet,
But still we somehow grieve.
The ending’s always bittersweet,
But people have to leave.
Lucky to have even just a minute,
And I know they’ll make her proud.
Life may be hard without her in it
It’s always tough when someone’s not around.
She will never be gone.
Her memory won’t fade
And her spirit will live on.
Be proud of the life she has made.
We get by.
And please remember,
It’s okay to cry.
Her strength lives on
In all of you.
Put one foot in front of the other
Especially on the days you feel blue.
– For Helen”
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Helen McCrory. She was a shining light in everything we saw her do and say. We are all a little sadder today, but for you Damian, Manon and Gulliver there must be a feeling of void, and anger too. There will be dark days, but there will also be fun days, days of happy and fond memories. Helen will live on in your memories, as the beautiful, strong, loving wife and mother she was. The eulogy you wrote Damian is so beautiful, such a touching sketch of the love of your life. Hold on to all those good thoughts, and embrace each other when things look dark and confusing. RIP Helen McCrory.
I will miss your wonderful performances. Thank you for bringing drama alive for so many. You will be missed but always remembered x RIP
Joy Harris
Dear Helen,
You are exceptional in every way. A shining star. What will we do without you Dame Helen?
You are so sorely missed already. You gave us all so much enjoyment with every one of your performances. A Dame in every way, so beautiful.
Thankyou. James x
Damien, my deepest sympathies to you and your family for the loss of Helen, your life partner. Sincerely, Dick Winters, Charlotte, NC
Dear Damian. Words fail me to express the shock of Helen’s passing. So young and full on life. I read she was such a courageous lady till the end. I’m sure she will always be in your heart as well as the children’s.
Know that as your fan I will keep you and your children in my prayers. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I left this comment on Twitter, but maybe it’s better served here with more room to express myself.
I’m gutted for your and your extended family’s loss, Damian. What a fine actress and person, Helen McCrory was and is; made immortal by the art of cinema and television. One of those rare talents, combined with hard work, who set a standard for artistic achievement, someone for young artists starting out to look up to. But also, you can see a human being with all their flaws and shining attributes through a loved one’s eyes. Oh, to be loved like that as you loved her through your piece in the London Times.
From Anna Karenina to The Count of Monte Cristo, the Potter films, to Penny Dreadful (my beloved, short-lived, dark treacle of a show), I loved watching her, hearing her care, seeing her pointedness in a role. I haven’t seen Peaky Blinders, but I will make it a mission now. There is much work from Helen I need to catch up on.
Strangers cannot really make a difference at a time like this, but I’ve watched you your whole career, enjoyed the work, and the person I perceived you to be, and as with actors for whom I come to feel a great affection, feel I know you in some small way. So let this outpouring of affection from the world, our solidarity, sustain you a bit.
I love the poem Paul Scofield read at Richard Burton’s funeral (in part):
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
— Henry Scott-Holland
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, both for you as her husband and for your children’s loss of their mother. It is so clear how much love there was bewteen you two. I hope that that love gives you strength in the coming days and provides a solace and a blessing for you as you carry on with the outstanding work the two of you did. God’s blessings on you and may peace be in your heart and on your soul.
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” — William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
To say the loss of Helen McCrory is immeasurable does not begin to cover it. However, instead of dwelling on all that has been lost and all that could have been, I would like to share how her life and her work impacted mine.
I, as did many others, became a fan the moment I saw the first image of her as Narcissa Malfoy. Before the movie ever came out, I started looking into who she was and the work she did. Interview by interview. role by role, I became hooked, and, after Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince came out, I continued to read and listen to her interviews and to follow her work. I was only twelve then, and, twelve (almost thirteen) years later, I am still as in awe of her ability to transport me to different worlds and make me empathize with the characters she played as I was then. More, even.
She would likely not have liked to have been thought of as a role model, but, to me, she truly was. I have always been a person who is more afraid than not, more unhappy than not, and, at times, have wanted to give up on life altogether. Helen inspired me to keep going.
In so many ways, my life would not look the way it does now had I not been a fan of hers. I have made several lifelong friends and one best friend through my love of Helen. I was inspired to pursue a B.F.A. in studio art/photography in spite of feeling that I was not very good because of Helen’s story about being rejected from drama school on her first try; I figured, if she could face rejection in her life and still find success, so could I. That story continues to inspire me; I am working toward pursuing new opportunities with my work, and will be applying to M.F.A. programs this fall, some of which will be abroad. Her ability to command attention and to take up space in spite of being small and unassuming has inspired me to command attention and to take up space in spite of being small and unassuming (I myself stand at five-foot-one-and-a-half, and I too have been honored with the nickname “Little One” by more than one person throughout my life). Her zest for life and the positivity she exuded inspired me to try to enjoy myself a little more and to spread positivity to those I meet. She inspired all this and so much more.
I can honestly say that, if not for her, I would not be here today.
What a light she was, and how lucky we all are to have been able to bask in it, even from afar. May her flame burn eternally.
My deepest condolences to Damian, to Manon, to Gulliver, and to all those who knew and loved her, including those of us who knew her only through her brilliant work. My sister, my best friend, and I will all continue to wear our Aunt Polly pins with pride, and I will never forget the lessons she taught me — especially the lesson to live fearlessly.
Helen belongs to the wind now, and I firmly believe she is dancing on it.
So deeply saddened by Helen McCrory’s death. I actually gasped in shock and horror when I saw the news come through. She was such a wonderful actress on stage and screen, such visceral and authentic performances that always left you continuing to thing about it long after leaving the theatre … She is such a loss to the arts but I cannot begin to imagine the loss felt by her family and friends. 💔
At the expense of behaving in my typical way whenever I hear that someone I don’t know passes away (which is to say quiet and reverent), I just wanted to briefly add my thoughts to those who share similar gratitude and grief at the loss that many feel at Helen McCrory’s passing.
She was *such* a lovely performer, who I didn’t realize was married to another of my favorite actors. I only heard her interviewed a time or two over the years, but was always left with a sense of her personal warmth, and appreciation for her craft and projects. She was always so compelling; she never disappointed.
And yet, I can’t help but feel how her passing must be for others as well, including those closest to her. My kindest thoughts, best intentions and gratitude to her husband, children, family, and friends – thank you for supporting her as she gave and entertained us through her art (I quite selfishly already miss her).
elen McCrory ist mit 52 Jahren an Krebs gestorben. Ich habe sie die letzten Jahre verfolgt, das Internet macht das einfach. Ich sah alle ihre Fernsehserien und Filme, aber auch die Theaterstücke, soweit es mir möglich war, und fand sie in allem großartig. Sie spielte starke Frauen ohne Klischees. Sie hatte eine tolle Ausstrahlung, eine Mischung die selten ist: Sexy und cool. Die meisten Menschen können nur entweder oder. Sexy sein oder Coolness ausstrahlen. Helen McCrory hatte beides. Nein, mehr noch. Sie hatte Würde. Und ich meine das nicht nur im Hinblick auf ihre Rolle als Polly Gray. In ihren Interviews und Auftritten sprühte sie vor Witz und Schlagfertigkeit. Von hier aus gesehen, also von meinem Platz als Fan und Bewunderin, war sie die Sorte Frau mit der ich gern mal um die Häuser gezogen wäre, nur um mir einen Abend lang vor Lachen in die Hose zu machen.
Es ist leicht jemanden aus der Entfernung zu mögen und all seine Sehnsüchte hin zu projizieren. Das ist mir völlig klar, ich idealisiere da etwas, und das existiert nur in meinem Kopf. Allerdings ist mir auch klar, dass sie ein Mensch war mit Fehlern und Ecken und Kanten. (Die von hier aus auch sympathisch wirken, aber das nur am Rande.) Sie ist… ich will das immer noch in der Gegenwart schreiben… sie war verheiratet, Mutter zweier Kinder. Und dann ja auch Tochter und Freundin und vieles mehr. Mir gingen die letzten Tage zwei Dinge durch den Kopf:
1. Krebs ist ein Arschloch
2. Zu früh. 52 ist zu früh
Und das empfinde ich stellvertretend für alle Menschen, die mit dieser Krankheit zu kämpfen haben oder hatten. Vielleicht treibt mich das so sehr um: Helen McCroy gibt diesen beiden Empfindungen ein Gesicht. Das kann ich rational erfassen, und mein Herz tut trotzdem weh. Die Tage saß ich mit einer Freundin beisammen, sie trauerte um Prinz Philip und ich um Helen McCroy und so waren wir ein trauriger Haufen. Wir waren uns einig, es tut weh, wenn jemand geht. Ob mit 99 oder mit 52. Ob ein naher Verwandter oder ein entferntes Vorbild.
Mein tiefstes Mitgefühl und mein allerherzlichstes Beileid gelten der Familie und den Freunden. Die Welt ist um einen lieben Menschen ärmer geworden und keiner wird gefragt, wann es ihm recht ist, Abschied zu nehmen. Ich bin traurig, dass die Krankheit über ihren enormen Lebenswillen gesiegt hat. Ich werde sie sehr vermissen.
Carolin
Damian, you and your wife are incredible. Incredibly talented and incredibly classy. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Helen was far too young to go. The very best to you and your family during this difficult time. Currahee!
Damian, I have always admired the love that you and Helen shared. I know it hasn’t been easy for you and your family, but I know all will be well soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Helen was a beautiful human being, that’s why I loved her, and I’m still going to continue to love and support her. I know she’s in a better and painless place now. Rest easy, Helen dear. 🤍🕊️
Todos nós amamos muito a helen e sabemos do quanto ela lutou , eu sinto muito por essa enorme perca de uma mulher linda e talentosa que agora está em paz junto de Deus , brilhando lá no céu.
Meus sentimentos a damien , manon , gully , amigos e família
Ela estará sempre em nossos corações. @Green_McC
Dear Damian and family, I really wish I could’ve met the lovely Helen. I loved her in all the roles I’ve seen her in and she seemed to be an amazing lady. Sending you all the love and comfort I can,
Gabrielle
I am extremely sorry for your loss. Helen was one of the few souls who was truly beautiful inside and out. So incredibly talented and classy. Gone way too soon. Whenever I needed comfort in life I’d watch clips of her shows or interviews. Although her passing caught most of us by surprise I find comfort that she parted on her own terms. As much as I and others wish to lock ourselves up and cry we have come to realize that she wouldn’t want that. She would very much judge us and probably tell us to stop being so dramatic. We will probably continue to cry anyway (sorry Helen) but we will also continue to keep her memory alive. Rest Easy Helen. Sending all my love and prayers to you Damian, Manon, and Gulliver.
Damian, I am heartbroken for you, your children, and Helen’s other loved ones. Whenever Helen came into our home on the TV, she made an impact – she had an ineffable quality about her, becoming her character in a way few actors can do as well. I appreciate her humanitarian efforts as well as her humanity. I loved your tribute (thank you!), and learning more about her as a person, her wit, her courage and still caring deeply for her family and people suffering throughout the world she faced this horrid disease. Having lost my mom to cancer when only 21, I know how excruciating it can be for the patient and her family. Sending my heartfelt condolences and best wishes to you and your children as you brave life without Helen. She will always be in your hearts, and the hearts of her many fans. xoxo
Helen, you will always remain in my memory as a beautiful person. Beautiful in body and soul. Condolences to her children and husband Damian Lewis.
I will always be sad that I never got the chance to meet Helen McCrory, she was and still is one of my idols. I’ll always be thankful for everything she’s ever done in this world. Rest easy.
Bonsoir,
Je ne sais pas trop quoi dire surtout ici en français… Je suis très triste d’avoir appris la mort d’Helen. Bien sûr nous ne nous connaissons pas du tout mais Helen fait parti de ses acteurs qui marquent les esprits et les coeurs. Tout comme Damian ! Quel talent !
Reposez dans la paix et la grâce Miss ⭐💙
El viernes pasado sentí una gran tristeza en el corazón tras conocer la noticia. Recordaba a Helen desde que era una adolescente que crecía viendo las películas de Harry Potter, con esa gran escena entre Harry y Narcisa: “¿Está vivo? ¿Draco está vivo?” susurraba al oído del “niño que sobrevivió”. Años más tarde volví a verla en Life junto a Damian, con un personaje muy diferente, con picardía. Era muy divertido verlos juntos. En La Invención de Hugo logró sacarme una lágrima transmitiendo gran ternura, mientras que con la Tía Polly rompía la pantalla en cada escena, demostrando quien mandaba entre los Peaky Blinders.
Mientras, fuera de las pantallas, debo reconocer que la pareja Helen-Damian me despertaba (y despertará siempre) una gran ternura. Desprendían cariño y amor en las fotos, fuera posando en una gala o alfombra roja, o en fotos por la calle, o en ambientes familiares. Eran una de esas parejas que parecían hechos el uno para el otro, encajando a la perfección. Era divertido verles juntos en entrevistas y eventos, y tiernos verles juntos.
No puedo ni imaginar lo que deben sentir Damian, Manon y Gully, pero ante todo, siempre conservarán los buenos recuerdos vividos con su madre como el gran tesoro que son, ya que tuvieron la suerte de compartir con Helen unos años maravillosos.
Damian y Helen merecían envejecer juntos, pero seguro que, en algún momento del camino, volverán a encontrarse.
Como dijo Gandalf:
“El viaje no concluye aquí. La muerte es sólo otro sendero, que recorreremos todos. El velo gris de este mundo se levanta y todo se convierte en plateado cristal. Es entonces cuando se ve la blanca orilla. Y mas allá, la inmensa campiña verde, tendida ante un fugaz amanecer.”
Un abrazo para los tres, para su familia. Desde España, un fuerte abrazo para todos aquellos que han sentido la muerte de una gran mujer.
Last Friday I felt a great sadness in my heart after hearing the news. I remembered Helen since I was a teenager growing up watching the Harry Potter movies, with that great scene between Harry and Narcissa: “Is he alive? Is Draco alive?” whispered in the ear of “the boy who survived”. Years later I saw her again in Life with Damian, with a very different character, with mischief. It was really fun watching them together. In Hugo’s Invention she managed to draw a tear from me by conveying great tenderness, while with Aunt Polly she broke the screen in each scene, showing who was in charge among the Peaky Blinders.
Meanwhile, off the screens, I must admit that the Helen-Damian couple woke me up (and always will) a great tenderness. They gave off affection and love in the photos, whether they were posing at a gala or red carpet, or in photos on the street, or in family settings. They were one of those couples that seemed made for each other, fitting together perfectly. It was fun to see them together in interviews and events, and cute to see them together.
I can’t even imagine what Damian, Manon and Gully must feel, but above all, they will always preserve the good memories they lived with their mother as the great treasure that they are, since they were lucky enough to share some wonderful years with Helen.
Damian and Helen deserved to grow old together, but for sure, sometime along the way, they will meet again.
As Gandalf said:
“The journey does not end here. Death is just another path, which we will all travel. The gray veil of this world lifts and everything turns to silver crystal. It is then that the white shore is seen. And beyond, the vast countryside green, lying before a fleeting dawn. ”
A hug for the three of you, for your family. From Spain, a big hug for all those who have felt the death of a great woman.
Sorry for your loss. Helen was a very talented and very beautiful lady!
The family is in my thoughts and prayers 🙏.
R.I.P. Lovely Lady 💔
I am truly moved. Helen stood for everything I strive for, as a woman: strong personality, life-loving, beauty-loving, true soul of an artist. To me, she is and will be an ICON. Her personality will live on through wonderful characters she created: ideal impersonification of womanhood: strong, confident, yet vulnerable at times, appreciating love and life, embracing imperfections and living a true, genuine life. I also admire how she and Damian formed a family, I listened to some interviews with both of them, so distant from empty starhood, admirable and inspiring in every bit. I pay my tribute to Helen, and will keep my Peaky Bliders book open on a page with her photo for a while, as looking at her is my memento of what a woman CAN BE. Thank you Helen.
I’ve been a fan of Helen for many years and was lucky to see her perform live a number of times. The first was at a love poetry reading along side Damian at the Hay on Wye literary festival. It was wonderful, the chemistry between them was immense.
I also was able to meet her after a performance of Medea, she was so courteous and lovely thanking everyone for coming along and making sure to speak to everyone individually.
She was a wonderful, funny, beautiful, talented person and it breaks my heart knowing that she lost her fight with cancer.
Sending love to all who need it especially to the McCrory-Lewis family.
Thank you Helen for being you.
I am absolutely torn over the news of Helens passing. Helen has been such an inspiration and safe place for me during such trying times and I have her to thank for lifting my spirits time and time again and giving me the encouragement to keep pursuing my dreams.
The news of her battle with cancer has really shaken me to my core and it’s been incredibly difficult to imagine that we’ll never see her beautiful talent or infectious spirit ever again. I cannot fathom what her family is going through right now so I am sending them all wishes of happiness, good health, and laughter.
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
If there is one thing I have learned from Helen’s early passing, is that we must accept everyday as a Blessing and a gift from God, celebrate life, live your full potential and that is what Helen McCrory-Lewis did. Words will not take away the pain you feel right now, therefore I can only pray that you and your family will find comfort in each other. Sending love and condolences.
So sorry for this tragic loss of such a talented and amazing woman. No words can adequately express your loss. May your memories carry you through.
Dear lovely Lewis family, my heart goes out to you all in this time of loss. I thought this was a beautiful writing that if not now, sometime soon will help. Love to you all, Carol Nagie
“You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived. You can close your eyes and pray they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that they left for you. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them, or you can be full of love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, and feel empty, or you can do what they would want. Smile. Open your heart. Love… and go on.” – Elizabeth Ammons
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife Damien & your children’s mother …heaven has gained a beautiful soul ❤️..she will be greatly missed 💔 you are in our thoughts ..condolences to you all xx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLsmcOmoIXM
This song take on a whole new meaning, now ❣️🌹🥀 We will be missing you, so much ❣️
Condolances to the family of helen. Such a sad situation.
I was so sad to hear about Helen passing she was a wonderful actress from peaky blinders to her last role roadkill she was brilliant my condolences to Damien and her children and family she will not be forgotten 🌹❤️
spread your little wings and fly away, beautiful Helen!!!, we love you forever!, thanks
Dear Mr. Lewis, I am very sorry for your loss and understand a bit the sorrow you must feel since I too, have lost my wife after a long and difficult struggle with cancer. One quote I noted in my diary is one you delivered as Charlie Crews in the TV series, LIFE. “What we learned as children, that one plus one equals two, we know to be false. One plus one equals one. We even have a word for when you, plus another, equals one. That word is love. My wife and I were one and now I am just a half.
Deepest sympathy,
Donald Patterson
I was at the opening night of “Five Gold Rings” at The Almeida Theatre in December 2003. I was actually there to see Damian, as was a bit of a fan/had a crush on him after seeing him in, ” Band of Brothers” several years before.( I took Damian some Florentines from Harrod’s food hall and Damian was kind enough to sign my programme and Band of Brothers items). Whilst there,Helen came out and she was also kind enough to sign my programme. Ironically, I hadn’t seen any of the Harry Potter films until recently or any of Helen’s other work but I remember her performance in this play with Damian vividly and was impressed by her talent. I met Damian again shortly after the birth of Manon and he was obviously very excited at the prospect of becoming a father. I can’t even imagine what a huge loss Helen’s death is to Damian,Manon and Gulliver in addition to extended family and friends in the film and theatre industry. I send on the behalf of myself and my family,our most sincere condolences and hugs and best wishes at this time and you will remain in my thoughts.
Helen
You were my inspiration during the dark days of depression especially. Your Aunt Polly gave so much pleasure and I loved the vibrant fearless way that character demanded life….her way without apology. Such style such panache. You were everything we wanted to be and yet you were a unique lady with a heart of pure gold.
God bless you as you take flight to the stars above as you leave your adoring “fans” We love you and will miss you so very much.
Our thoughts are with you Damien, Manon and Gulliver.
Love is the last word 💕
She was definitely someone special. I hope she rests in peace and her family and friends are in my thoughts. She was a light in so many lives and will continue to live on through her work and dedication to her family and friends.
I wanted to write a little note sorry if my English is not perfect I am French and yes even in France fans love and admire him, I am a pottermore so necessarily Narcissa Malfoy I love him, , she was narcissa malfoy so i raise my wand the wizarding world has been in mourning all this week and friday , I was shocked and shook at the news my heart was broken in a thousand pieces to lose such a happy woman funny, huamines, talented, smiling , she was all that to me, I never had the chance to tell her to her face , now i will keep it in my heart , she was a witch, a mother, a wife, a sister, a shelby, a Malfoy , thank you for all this presence and this love even if it is still painful and to see again films and series will take me time , I would continue to admire you in each of your interpretations, , you were strong until the end of your illness surrounded by people who loved you and will love you forever , a huge thought to damian and the children , rest in peace and thank you for being polly gray and narcissa malfoy you will be forever for me 💔 💔 💔 💔
GOD BLESS HER SOUL AND GOD BLESS HER FAMILY TOO<3<3<3
Dear Damian and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to interview Helen a few times for work (I am a journalist) and I have honestly never been so blown away by someone’s charisma and warmth. When anyone ever asks me who is the best person i’ve interviewed, I aways reply Helen. She had an aura unlike anything I have ever seen before. My colleague was pregnant when she interviewed Helen, and Helen asked her so many questions about the baby and gave her advice. Helen asked me all about my work, and what I do in my day-to-day. We used to have a photo of her on our desk so we could try to be more like her – kind, warm, confident and bloody cool. Your Times piece on Helen was a beautiful article which brought her spirit alive. I can’t imagine what you are going through but I hope you manage to find peace. Sending love.
So young, so talented. As a retired cameraman I tell you: The camera loves her. And I saw your wife and mother only on screen. And what I saw was tenderness, love, character.
It came as a shock that such a force of nature such as Helen McCrory could be taken from her family way before her time. Selfishly, I had hoped to grow old watching this powerful actress emerge as the greatest actress of the 21st century. My heart aches for Damian and their dear children. She will always be with them in their hearts, but one never forgets the loss, you just adjust to the absence but never the longing for the physical presence, the laugh, and the hugs.
I was thunderstruck when I found out. She had become my favorite actress on peaky blinders. What do you say when someone hurts so bad when there’s such a whole torn into a family that is unfillable and unreplaceable? How feeble my words are to mend such a broken heart.
Sending love, strength and prayers to Helen’s family and friends xx
My sincerest condolences to Damian Lewis and family, friends and loved ones. May you find peace and comfort. RIP Helen. Thank You for blessing us with your amazing talent. You will be missed.
Helen McCrory struck me as a powerful, charismatic, strong, outrageously talented, funny and kind woman. I’ve enjoyed many of her performances over the years and had just about gotten to the point where if I saw her name against something, I’d watch it. Peaky Blinders has been on my to watch list on Netflix since the start of this year and the only reason I hadn’t started was because of personal losses in my own life which meant I was after lighter fare – now it’s far too painful to start. It feels so unfair Helen has died so young when she had so many more astonishing performances to give. Yesterday, I tried to find a new drama to watch and between four different streaming services, a whole bunch of McCrory’s recent work I hadn’t seen before was being showcased – she’d just been getting started on taking the world by storm. I truly believe she was a British acting great. I won’t forget her magnificent and powerful female roles in Skyfall, Penny Dreadful, Doctor Who or Harry Potter any time soon and there are no words to express how sorry I am for the terrible loss Damian, Helen’s children, and the rest of Helen’s family and friends must feel. RIP Helen. You will be missed by many.
Please except my deepest condolences to Damian Lewis and family. Ms McCrory was a force of nature in her presence on screen and a beauty to behold.
Yours truly
VKD
Albuquerque, USA
Sending lots of love, thoughts & prayers to Helen’s family. She was a spark of joy in this world & her loss will be felt by many. Hope you find peace in your incredible memories of her & the fact that her energy lives on in all the lives she touched. ❤️❤️❤️
Sending heartfelt sympathies to Damian Lewis and all of Helen’s family. What an incredibly talented actress and wonderful human being Helen was. She had great strength, beauty, vitality and compassion. Her loss will be keenly felt for many years to come.
I cannot begin to explain how saddened I was when I heard of Helens passing, she was such a huge role model to me, and was in general such a talented woman. She was taken from us too soon. Even though she’s not here, one place she will never leave is our hearts. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
I don’t know to find the right words how shattered I am hearing of her passing. I had the chance to meet her a few years ago and she was such a beautiful and warm-hearted woman. I never met someone like her before. It is a huge loss for this world. She inspires me every single day to be a better and kinder human being.
All my thoughts go to Helens family and friends. I wish you all the strenght and a lot of love to go on.
She will be always in our hearts! 🤍🕊
Our condolences to dear Damian and the family.
Damian, You are our favorite actor.
And Dame Helen will always be our favorite actress .
This is an unspeakable loss.
Yours sincerely
Denis and Anita Pericic
Croatia
Como descrever uma dor dessa, nem sei dizer estou muito triste, sinto meu coração quebrado.. meus pensamentos vão para seu esposo ,filhos e amigos.. a Helen é um fenômeno, uma verdadeira artista, tão talentosa que eu assisto algo dela ansiando para que ela apareça logo, emana profundidade em seu ofício não é atoa que todos ao seu redor a admiravam tanto .. que grande pessoa, que mulher forte.. que saudade eu já estou, amo cada trabalho dela, como desejei poder ver ela de perto .mais ela está na minha mente ,no meu coração e na tela de bloqueio do meu celular , sim a Maldita polly gray de peake blinders,como eu te Amo helen.. que injustiça ela ser levada assim tão cedo.. que Descanse plenamente na eternidade ao lado de jesus, poque nossa vida só está começando…te amamos para sempre grande Alma..
I am old enough to know that life is unfair but still it took me a week to wrap my head around Helen’s passing.
I have always known that Helen was a brilliant actress but now I also know that she was such a class act in life and death. The way she chose to live, bravely, focusing on her family, work and charity rather than on her illness and death, is a lesson for everyone about how to live and how to die. I am holding Damian, Manon and Gully, and Helen’s parents in my thoughts. I am hoping with all my heart that they will find comfort in the beautiful memories they created together.
I was lucky to meet Helen once. She was calling a cab at the Theatre Royal Haymarket stage door and we were trying to drop off our gift for Damian. In a couple of minutes, Helen told us why she wanted to take a cab but not an Uber, taught us how to take a selfie from above so that we could all look like seven year olds, and helped us to pronounce Manon’s name right. Her eyes were lit up when she talked about her children. And we were in the receiving end of her ‘Thank you. You’re so kind” when we told her about the poster we had made for you.I was already a fan of Helen’s but the five minutes with her was enough to get to know the down-to-earth woman that she was.
Helen was such a bright star that I know she will keep on living and enriching the world through her brilliant work and the two wonderful children she and Damian have raised.
This is not a place to talk about one’s self but I will. My dad died when I was eight years old so I know it is very hard to lose a parent when you are young. But my dad was such a strong figure in my childhood that I have always felt his presence in my life. So I know Manon and Gully will always have Helen in their lives. She will guide them. She will help them. She will protect them. Exactly like my dad has.
Rest in Peace, Helen. We love you.
Ì would like to send my deepest sympathies to the family. I am from Australia and her passing has touched us . My condolences to all the family during this difficult time. She was a loving wife and mother and will be deeply missed.
It was a shock to hear that the beautiful Helen passed away last week.
Every day since her passing she has been on my mind and I really feel the huge loss for Damian and their children. We only know her as an amazing actress, but I can imagine that she was a blessing to all who ever had the chance to meet her in person.
She was the perfect woman, wife and mother, a beautiful human being with a golden heart.
I never had the chance to see her on stage, I live in Flanders (Belgium), but it was amazing to see her on screen, like how Helen portraited Narcissa Malfoy, perfect! The most beautiful scene was the unbreakable vow.
My deepest condolences to Damian, Manon and Gulliver, sending you all my love and prayers for this difficult period. I hope you will find comfort in the beautiful memories you build over the years. I hope music brings you comfort and will heal your broken heart.
I have been listening a lot over the past week to Ubi Caritas by Ola Gjeilo, performed by Voices 8, it is a balm for the soul in this heart-breaking time.
she will always be in our hearts
❤
Just to say I have not long started watching Peaky Blinders Helen is brill and had a way of making u feel you knew her what am amazing Actress feel like you know them personally deepest love and Sympathy to her family & friends .I was reading some of the other comments and feel theres so much love and admiration for her still cant believe it take care 💗
I lost my mum a few weeks ago and am struggling to cope and miss her terribly. I cared for her through her cancer, it was so hard to watch someone you love die. It was strange how reading Damians post about his wife brought me much solace and looking at this pic I can see what he meant There is something in her face that is so alight, genuine and true, a real person with no agenda but to love her family with all her heart. The happiness and love you can see in this photo is warming however it is also heartbreaking to think how much she will be missed by Damian and her children and I would say all who knew her. Sleep well Helen.
I was completely heartbroken when I heard the news, to say the least. Helen McCrory was hands down my favorite actress and overall person. She had and will continue to make me so happy. Words can’t express how much she’ll be missed. My heart goes out to her family in this tough time. Helen Mccrory is an amazing person and I miss her dearly. Rest In Peace now.
Dear Damian,
We were both horribly shocked and saddened by the news of Helen’s death.
I keep thinking of her, of you and of the children, and it’s taken until now to be able to express even a hint of how sorry we are.
We got to know you a bit when you moved into the flat above us while your house was being done up over several months.
The first thing that happened was your flooding the bath and the kitchen sink onto our ceilings, but after that, we just enjoyed having you all here – but especially Helen.
I’d followed her career in the theatre since the beginning, had kept the program for the NT’s Seagull for years (I never keep programs), because to me it was a landmark production: the first time I’d seen any tragedy, or that play, performed not as though tragedy were in the offing, but, at the beginning, with innocent joy.
This was particularly true of Helen’s performance, and made her final scenes the more bitter, harrowing and heart-breaking.
After the show, I went backstage to see Edward Petherbridge, a friend whom I tied always to visit and congratulate after performances I’d seen.
I keep wishing I’d known Helen well enough to feel able to go backstage after The Deep Blue Sea, a performance I thought her greatest, and definitive. I have no desire to see that play ever again now – she cannot be bettered as far as I’m concerned, and I do not want my memory of her overlaid by another interpretation.
But when you lived above us, we realised that she was much, much more than a great actress.
She was a wonderful mother, an adored and loving wife, a totally individual, vividly warm and fascinating personalty.
Your family seemed so happy and right with her at its centre.
While for us catching glimpses from our windows, or coming across Helen in the street, there was always the excitement of seeing her and noting what she was wearing – that strong but dainty figure always looking elegant and stylish, whether in a big hat, her soft little sheepskin jacket, whatever it was.
And there was the fun of her – whether she was sitting on the front steps calling to anyone passing in the street to ask if someone knew anybody with the accent she needed to study for her next job, or her surprising nerves when I rang the bell once to complain that Gully was thundering overhead and breaking the light bulbs.
She was so distressed at displeasing that she shook – and I slunk away feeling lousy at upsetting her.
This because she was so utterly unaffected and genuine, there was no veiling in Helen, and she wanted to spread joy and for others to be happy – making the charm of her overwhelming.
The greatness of your family’s loss is unimaginable, and nothing can make it less.
But you were so, so very lucky to have her…
With our thoughts
Tony and Jane
What a a very heartwarming remembrance of Helen McCrory, from a real-life interaction point of view. It’s humbling, isn’t it, to have that proximity to someone so real, so unaffected by their fame. Thank you so much for sharing your story of her.
Saddened and totally shocked to hear the news that Helen has died. The fact that she chose to deal with her cancer privately is a testament to her strength and character, what an incredibly hard thing to do. What an amazing woman. My heart goes out to Damien and the kids, they are all far too young to have to deal with the loss of a wife and mother. I know nothing can help right now but I hope in time these messages will give some comfort. Take care of each other and know that your wife/mam will live on forever through her amazing work and gorgeous soul.
Strong, amazing, wonderful lady. Such admiration for Helen for her theatre work as well as on screen, where her character Polly caught my attention. I loved the way she played her.
Forever in our hearts 💕
It took me so long to get around to write something for Helen MCcrory.And its not that I didn’t have time but I was heavy with sadness and found myself burst into tears whenever I think about the tribute paid by her husband Damian Lewis.Its ironic because I can’t even define myself as a fan probably because I was not big fan of Harry Potter at the time as a teenager.All I remembered about her are her roles in Queen as Cherie Blair (and its really vivid in my memory) and in A little Chaos.I went through all her interviews,pictures etc.. as possible as i could find .I was fascinated by her positvity,her stance on life,family,womanhood and love.People praise her talent and tell how her role on Peaky Blinders unforgettable .But what made me interested is her selfless personality and how she got through her final days with grace and consideration for the people around her and her family.I read comments from the people who knew her more or less through the works and daily life .Its very obvious to see how she made an impression on others even in a small amount of time.She was the kind of a person ı wish to have met in her life time.This last week was full of Helen Mcccrory for me.I’ve watched her performance as Medea which made me sad because ı would never see her on stage .She was fantastic.it was never a reality for me even before her demise because I don’t live in England and im not even british .Her untimely death reminds me of how i love watching theatre actually.
She’s taken too soon from her loved ones. It shook me to the core how a happy and peaceful family are shattered this way.I was entralled by Helen and Damian’s love story which made me extra sad.But how lucky they are indeed that they found each other even for a rather small amount of time and built a loving family.Life seems unfair at the times like this but it seems Helen saw the wisdom that most of us cannot see even near to the end saying she had a full life and lived the way she wanted.Its unbearable that her loved ones will never see her radiant smile and feel her warmth that even i can feel by looking her pictures and clips.Death is a bitter reality for everyone especially if someone so funny ,positive,talented and humane is gone too early.My thoughts are sincerely with her husband, family and especially her children who are lucky to have a gentle soul as a mother who is very proud of them not because they are the brightest children at school but they are very kind and generous.
And Thanks Helen for all the wisdom you left behind.I dont know how but I will keep it as a guide as possible as I could .
What kind of woman so thoroughly prepares her children and husband for their futures without her? One who loved, lived and died as fiercely and as courageously as Helen McCrory. I am in awe of her bravery and I’m so sorry for the loss her loved ones are experiencing.
I don’t think words will ever do a loss this sad any justice. This is simply heartbreaking. Thank you Helen, for everything you gave. For your kindness, compassion, warmth and wisdom. Thank you for inspiring so many, and I know that you will continue to inspire them for years to come, through your words and all that you left behind.
My thoughts are with her family at this heartbreaking time.
Rest easy, Helen.
Helen McCrory …. What about this woman that I am a fan of and will always be, this inspiration in person for all of us, this woman who taught us until the last second how to best enjoy life, who showed us how to live intensely. Helen was responsible for every smile of mine, she was responsible for showing me light and happiness in the dark and sad moments of my life. Helen saved me, saved my life, saved my heart, she was the person who motivated me every day and will always be my reason for continuing my life. Helen was part of me, she was a part of me and she always will be, when I discovered her going, a part of me had also been taken away and since then every day has been more difficult for me, just as it must be being difficult for everyone. But every day I get up and I think she didn’t want me to give up and I didn’t want to see anyone give up, so I’m still here for her. She will always be in my heart …. in our hearts. And I will always be an eternal fan of her. Helen McCrory, we will love you forever.
A Superstar in every department of her life. She will be forever missed, forever loved ❤
Mr. Lewis & family.
Please accept my sincere condolences on Helen’s passing.
However weird this sounds, I’ve been asked to pass on a message.
Helen says “Tell him I’m absolutely fine, and I’ll be waiting for him on the other side”
I apologize if this seems inappropriate or disrespectful, this is not my intent. I’m an Akashic Records Consultant, and she won’t leave me alone until I send a message.
She says “I told him I would find a way to contact him if I could and let him know I’m ok. So don’t worry he won’t be freaked out.”
Eh, I kinda think he will – but whatever. I’ve left the message, so I hope she’s satisfied and will stop pestering me. (She’s sort of bossy)
Sincerely
Alison.
I don’t know what I have come to say but I feel compelled to say… something. So many stories here, consistently painting a picture of a woman who speaks to my heart. By all accounts a bloody decent human being. Another death in a year of so many. One not personal to us in the traditional sense, yet personal all the same.
We feel her loss.
It hurts.
There’s little I feel I can add but I wanted to say that she touched my heart. A friend once said that I have always reminded him of Helen. Nonsense of course but I take the compliment not just with a laugh, but with gratitude.
Whatever she had, she carried it with ease and with fire and with energy.
That we had to lose her so young makes me want to scream.
Yet another injustice on top of so many.
That you had to lose her so early makes me sob and my voice catches in my throat.
So much to say yet nothing to say.
Platitudes come easy but the thousands of words on these pages ring true.
I’m grateful that she ever existed and for all that she brought with her.
Thank you, beautiful Helen, thank you.
Go well, sweetheart. We will hold your family in our hearts and they will feel our love.
‘And we lie among our atoms and I speak to you of things
And hope sometimes that maybe you will understand
There is no order here and there is no middle ground
Nothing can be predicted and nothing can be planned
A star is just a memory of a star
We are fireflies pulsing dimly in the dark
We are here and you are where you are
We are here and you are where you are’
(Fireflies by Nick Cave)
Sending love and light.
Pili Garcia ❤️
I am in awe of the courage of both Helen and Damian and have been genuinely humbled by their love and strength. I always loved Helen as an actress and am saddened to be robbed of her incredible charisma and talent. She always looked so much fun to be with and this, in addition to learning of her extraordinary capacity for empathy and knowing she devoted time to help others despite her being in pain and very ill, makes me mourn a friend I really wish I’d had.
Much love to Damian, their children and all who love her. xox
It’s been two weeks but I still can’t believe it. It’s devastating to know Helen is not here anymore.
I still remember I felt like how I discovered a treasure when I first saw her on Penny Dreadful. I had the need to see every other performance because I was completely blown away by her and her ability to play such a character. She was so captivating and mesmerising. Only afterwards I realised I had seen her and loved her in other roles, I just hadn’t recognised her as she was like a chameleon, forever changing in every role. She could have played an object and still she would have been absolutely marvelous. The light of every scene, no matter if she was the leading lady or not. I am into acting and I consider her “my favourite actress of today”: a brillant actress with the finest talent. I would have loved to meet her just to tell her she was such a guiding light, truly an inspiration. I have lived in London for a while and I really hoped to meet her randomly in the city, on the tube or somewhere else so that I could thank her for her work. What a big loss for the acting industry.
A much bigger loss for her family and her friends. I think of them as they have lost a loved one who was so young. I never met her but in interviews she came across as a wonderful human being, definitely a funny friend, a strong and powerful woman who chose to be happy and live a full life. A lovely lady, down-to-heart and genuinely caring about other people, even when ill with a horrible disease. How hard must have been to go through it all, moreover during a pandemic, keeping it private; it makes me appreciate her even more that she wanted the focus to stay on her work, in acting and in charity, during these hard times. A private and reserved person who, together with her loving husband, wanted to protect her family and her children.
What happened is extremely sad and heartbreaking, still hard to believe. I hope her family may find some comfort knowing how loved she was even in other parts of the world. She won’t be forgotten. We will miss her dearly.
Rest in Peace, beautiful Helen. And thank you.
Utterly shocked and saddened by the news about Helen. I adored her as an actress and from what I have read in the tributes to her here, she was an amazing woman. Love and thoughts to her husband, children, family and friends.
Love lives on forever
in each memory and thought
Of the special ones
who meant so much
and the happiness they brought.
Love lives on forever
It will never fade away
For, in our hearts, our loved ones
are with us every day.
I had the honour of knowing and working with Helen over a 20 year period. We did 4 theatre shows together over that period (i was stage management) and whenever i saw her name on the contact sheet at the beginning of a job i knew its was going to be a great job ,not only great fun but a fantastic production.We had so much fun at the Almeida on Platonov and later 5 Gold Rings (with Damien) and also at The Donmar and a fantastic awarding winning transfer to New York with Twelfth Night and Uncle Vanya. ( her 1st entrance in Uncle Vanya was mesmerising.)
I will miss not reading her name on any more contact sheets.
She will be hugely missed.
My deepest condolences to Damien and family.
Dear Damian and family
I want to offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your wife Helen,
She was a wonderful actrice and a wonderful mother. She will be mist.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chantal Boccave (Belgium)
I never thought that your death would be as traumatizing to me as it was. In my eyes you were immortal and in a way you are. The legacy you left behind, not just tour work but your presence and your values. What a charismatic, gorgeous, kind, gracious, elegant and talented woman we have lost, and far too soon. You will always be in my mind Helen and we will miss you so much. Rest In Peace lovely Helen.
I had the pleasure of meeting Helen twice at two premiers of Peaky Blinders. She was as stunning and radiant off screen as she was on screen. Helen made time for her fan’s and we love her and thank her for that. To her family and friends, her husband and children my heart is broken 💔for you.
Why would god not want his beautiful angel sat by his side?
RIP Helen you have given so much x
I was only newly acquainted with with Helen McRory, but quickly immersed myself in all that was available of her various movies and and television shows. I feel like her personal strength shone through each character as well as her fearlessness. And yet, there was a soft, vulnerability that was beautiful. She was taken too soon; she was simply to good for this world and she will be missed as deeply and as fiercely as she approached each character portrayal.
Rest in Power
Dear Helen
A few days have passed since your departure, I still feel a lot of pain and sadness, but it is perhaps minimal to what your husband and your little ones must be feeling, I really cannot imagine it.
I read a fragment of the letter that Damian wrote to you and I felt a lot of consolation when I read that in your last days you had shone much more as the great star that you were and will continue to be.
You lived those days as a brave warrior, you encouraged your
family despite your suffering and you continued to help people in need.
I have admired you since I met you through the screen, you are a beauty in all the splendor of the word, beautiful, talented, strong, bright, intelligent, elegant, vibrant, both as an actress mother and wife. A wonderful woman that I will always love and admire. I will continue to look at your work as a tribute to you in the least I can do.
Sleep easy my beautiful queen, Helen.
Helen you will be so much missed.
Thank you for all that you performed for us
I’m saddened that we have also lost all that you would have performed.
I never met Helen. To be honest I had not seen her on stage I had just watched her being interviewed and knew her reputation as one of the greats. It seems shallow to say that I am affected by her passing but I am. To watch someone perform as I am doing at the moment in ‘Fearless’ and see her energy, her mesmerising talent – it takes your breath away. What a loss. What a thing it must have been to have known her. She was clearly one of those people you just want to be around. What a joy to have known her. How lucky to have spent time in her company. A rare talent. A self-effacing, life loving, just wonderful human being. i wish I had met her and I feel for her gorgeous family. Thank you for sharing her with us. I am going to watch everything she did that I can access. Sad times but what a legacy. Thank you Helen.
I loved working with Helen, she was not only effortlessly chic and fun, she made everything so interesting and I really enjoyed her company It was always so exciting styling her for various events. Thank you Helen for being a wonderful inspiring woman, loyal, kind, strong and a friend. I do miss her but I cherish the time we spent together and will always think of her and her beautiful family. May she continue to blossom up above.
<3
Dear Helen, Damian, JK Rowling, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall and Harry Potter the Play,
I am writing you a message of my condolence of the death of a Harry Potter actor Helen McCrory and I am saddened and shocked of the death after she have suffered from cancer she was in a Harry Potter films and I am saddened and shocked of the death of the Harry Potter Actress in a Movie.
I feel sorry for Damian and the family of Helen McCrory and I am sad and shocked of the death of the Harry Potter actress and that makes me very very sad I am saying that.
She was an actress and she being in Movies for Peaky Brothers and Harry Potter films also she was on Doctor Who an actress in it.
Lets hope we want a cure for Cancer and lets hope researchers would find a cure for Cancer and lets hope we can beat this disease and we want a cure for Cancer so we wanted to fight the terrible horrible disease.
I like the concept of reincarination and therefore Yes I hope her soul will reincarinated again to a different person to a different body the soul will come back to earth and be born again and maybe in her next life their next transition of life back again we hope she will reincarinate in her next life again so who knows what will happen.
My Condolence will go to the family of Helen McCrory and Damian.
Thanks for taking time to write to you in this difficult period and I am saddened and shocked of the death of Helen McCrory and my last word is Helen McCrory was Harry Potter and Doctor Who.
I am truly sorry for you Damian and your boys on the terrible loss of Helen. I too lost my dear wife at Christmas last year after 34 years. She was the one that picked up on band of brothers before me and we went on a tour in France to Carentan and other sites. I was first to catch Peaky blinders and Hellen was just brilliant in it. I know your pain and loss and know that each day is different but terribly the same too. Take care, M