Helen McCrory

About

Helen McCrory was a renowned British actress known for her versatile roles in both stage and screen. Born on August 17, 1968, in London, she showcased her acting prowess in notable roles including Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter series and Polly Gray in the BBC series Peaky Blinders. She was also a critically acclaimed theater actress, earning accolades in performances at the National Theatre and the Almeida Theatre. McCrory was married to fellow actor Damian Lewis and they had two children. She passed away on April 16, 2021, after a private battle with cancer.

Associated With

Helen McCrory was a highly esteemed and accomplished British actress who worked with a number of illustrious industry figures throughout her career. She was married to fellow actor Damian Lewis and together they had two children. She was known for her collaborations with notable directors like Martin Scorsese in "Hugo" and the Russo brothers in "Avengers". McCrory's most iconic roles were in the "Harry Potter" series, where she worked closely with a host of famous actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Alan Rickman, and in the TV series "Peaky Blinders" with Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, and Tom Hardy. Additionally, she had a long-standing association with the National Theatre, the Donmar Warehouse, and the Almeida Theatre in London, which marked her as a prominent figure in the world of stage acting also.

Career Highlights

• - 1993: Helen McCrory began her acting career in the theatre in London at the Harwood.
• - 1994: McCrory debuted on screen in the British drama series "Screen Two."
• - 2000: She played Anna Karenina in the ITV television adaptation.
• - 2002: McCrory appeared in movies like “Deep Down”, “Charlotte Gray” and television series "White Teeth."
• - 2003: She was awarded the prestigious Ian Charleson Award for her performance in "Uncle Vanya" and "Twelfth Night."
• - 2006: McCrory acted in the BBC television series "Messiah."
• - 2007: She portrayed Cherie Blair in the film “The Queen.”
• - 2008: She played Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
• - 2010: Helen reprised her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the final two Harry Potter films.
• - 2013-2019: McCrory starred as Aunt Polly in the BBC series "Peaky Blinders,” for which she won the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress in 2014.
• - 2014: She was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama.
• - 2016: McCrory portrayed Emma Banville in the British television series "Fearless."
• - 2020: She played Kathryn in the miniseries “Quiz.”
• -2021: Helen McCrory died from cancer on April 16th. Her legacy in both film and stage continues to be celebrated.

Notable Awards

• Helen McCrory was a highly accomplished British actress who has won several awards in her career, such as:
• Critics' Circle Theatre Award: She won Best Actress in 2013 for her role as Hester Collyer in 'The Deep Blue Sea'.
• Evening Standard Theatre Award: She won Best Actress in 2014 for her role as Medea in 'Medea'.
• Broadcasting Press Guild Award: In 2020, she won Best Actress for her role in 'MotherFatherSon'.
• Glamour Award: In 2016, she was honored as the Best UK TV Actress for her role in 'Peaky Blinders'.
• She was also nominated for several other awards during her career.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Helen McCrory Movie/TV Show?

Helen McCrory is renowned for her many roles, but the most popular among them is likely her character, 'Aunt Polly,' in the hit television series "Peaky Blinders." Set in post-World War I England, the series centers around the Shelby crime family, with McCrory's character serving as the family's matriarch. McCrory's compelling performance has been critically acclaimed, her Aunt Polly character marking an indelible presence in the series. She is also known for her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" film series, which has a massive global fanbase. However, "Peaky Blinders" is often considered her standout role due to the depth of character portrayal and intense performance.

How Did Helen McCrory Get Famous?

Helen McCrory gained fame through her diverse roles in both theatre and film. She studied acting at the Drama Centre in London, then made her name on stage in productions like "Uncle Vanya" and "Twelfth Night." However, she reached a wider audience with her roles in films and television. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" film series and Polly Gray in the television series "Peaky Blinders." Her compelling performances, along with her versatility as an actress, launched her to fame.