How did Helen McCrory die? JK Rowling remembers ‘extraordinary actress’ as tributes pour in after tragic death at 52

English actor Helen McCrory best known for playing the character Draco Malfoy's mother Narcissa in 'Harry Potter' and Polly Gray in 'Peaky Blinders' has died. The 52-year-old passed away following her long-drawn battle with cancer, her husband, English actor Damian Lewis shared the heartbreaking news with the world via his Twitter account. 

“I’m 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 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,” Lewis shared the note on his page on Friday. 

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McCrory was an award-winning actress and her celebrated career was dotted with unforgettable characters she portrayed in a number of television shows and movies. This includes: 'The Queen' in 2006 and 'The Special Relationship' where she slipped into the role of Cherie Blair modeled after the British barrister and the wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. 

Other notable roles in her 27-year long career include 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' in 2006, 'Skyfall' in 2012, and between 2014-2016 she essayed the character of Evelyn Poole/Madame Kali in 'Penny Dreadful'. She was also seen in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part I' and 'Part II' but at the same time remained dedicated to her theater character and earned critical praise as Medea in a 2014 production of the National Theater. 

Tributes pour in for the actress on social media

JK Rowling was one of the first to share her condolences. "I’m devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who’s left us far too soon. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. Simply heartbreaking news," she penned down.

Many other fan couldn't believe the tragic news. "Helen McCrory will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity. She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. What a tremendous loss," read a tweet.

"Unbearable and unbelievable that Helen McCrory has gone. A genuine firecracker with an aching vulnerability. A wonderful actor and a wonderful woman. Thoughts with Damian and family. RIP," another tweet read.

"Helen McCrory was literally perfect in every scene and show she was in. Carrying scenes effortlessly. Just pure talent. Rest in peace!" wrote another fan. "RIP Helen McCrory. No one could have played a matriarch like Aunt Polly as well as you - one of the most fascinating and complex female characters to grace our screens," read another tweet.

Another said, "As well as her extraordinary career, we should also remember that while evidently privately dealing with cancer, Helen McCrory and Damien Lewis organised free meals for NHS workers in London at the height of the pandemic last year."

Read all the tributes here: