Helen McCrory led a remarkable life committed to philanthropy, family, and putting smiles on people’s faces. Many of those she impacted sang her praise in heartfelt tributes following her death from cancer.
“Peaky Binding” star Helen McCrory died in April 2021, following a short battle with cancer. Her husband, Damian Lewis broke the news on social media, plunging fans into sadness.
Before her death, McCrory and Lewis were married for fourteen years. Their union yielded two children, both of whom have remained devastated by the loss of their mom.
But Helen McCrory’s husband and kids were hardly the only ones distressed by her untimely demise. During her lifetime, the actress lived an impactful life, inspiring millions around the world. Little wonder tons of fans, colleagues, and several Hollywood A-listers have since turned up in immense grief, to pay their last respects to her.
As the world says goodbye to this remarkable gem, take a walk down memory lane to become accustomed to some notable highlights of Helen McCrory’s life.
HELEN MCCRORY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HER HUSBAND
Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory met while co-performing in a production of “Five God Rings” at the London Theater. The star later admitted to becoming attracted to Lewis, two years her junior, because he made her laugh.
The relationship kicked off thereon. In July 2007, the couple exchanged vows at Kensington and Chelsea Registry office and honeymooned for an evening. They went on to begin their lives together in London.
McCrory has often gushed about her husband’s love and support. In a 2017 interview, she admitted the 50-year-old often encouraged her to take on challenging gigs, which she would otherwise have refused due to her cramped up schedules. One such gig was her role on “Fearless.”
HOW MANY KIDS DO THEY HAVE?
The “Harry Potter” star and her husband are parents to two children, Manon McCrory-Lewis and Gulliver Lewis. They welcomed their first child in 2006, and a year later, their son, Manon, joined the family.
Both kids, now teenagers, have traveled across countries in years past due to their parent’s acting careers.
WHAT HELEN HAD TO SAY ABOUT BODY-OBSESSED WOMEN
Helen McCrory has openly reprimanded women who worried so much about their age and appearance. During an interview in 2014, the actress pointed out that women who obsessed over age, weight, and appearance did so because they had too much time on their hands.
According to her, many women today fell in this category, which was sad, as such things hardly mattered and should not determine a woman’s self-worth. The star went on to commend her parents for imbibing in her, body positivity and a positive attitude towards aging.
Hence, her conclusion about appearance-obsessed women was that they had “too much time” on their hands.
MCCRORY ON HOW A WOMAN SHOULD LIVE HER LIFE
As an advocate of body positivity, Helen McCrory once penned an article on The Guardian about how a woman should live her life. The piece centered on her role in “Anna Karenina,” a heroine who defied societal norms, expectations, and her husband, to become a mistress to the love of her life, Vronsky.
Although the movie was set in the pre-modern era, McCrory managed to relate the story of Anna Karenina to the modern-day woman in her piece. Torn between her love for Vronsky and her commitment to her kid, Anna began doubting her choices, and ultimately, Vronsky’s love for her.
Yet, when the time came to go back on those decisions and return to her husband, disgraced, she chose emotional fulfillment. She appreciated the opportunity life presented her in the form of Vronsky to know what it felt like to truly live. Although Anna, played by Helen McCrory, eventually jumped to her death, she was content knowing she lived a life she wanted for once.
And that’s how a woman should live, for herself, embracing things that made her truly happy. Not becoming beat down by idealistic societal expectations, losing oneself in the process.
HELEN MCCRORY’S DEATH
The “Peaky Blinders” star passed away in April 2021. Damian Lewis announced Helen McCrory’s passing via an emotional social media post, listing cancer as her cause of death. The “Homeland” actor also noted that his wife died “fearlessly” just as she lived.
Following the heartbreaking revelation, many fans, colleagues, and well-wishers stormed various platforms to pay tribute to the legend. JK Rowling, who starred alongside the Narcissa Malfoy roleplayer on “Harry Potter” referred to her as an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman. Going further, he extended condolences to her husband and children.
Dame Helen Mirren expressed sadness over the loss via a heartfelt Instagram post. Matt Lucas of “Little Britain” acknowledged her selflessness and generosity throughout her lifetime.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, actor Taron Egerton expressed his devastation over the loss, describing McCrory as a kind, funny, and awe-inspiringly talented actress who helped him become a better actor. Cillian Murphy joined the emotional outpouring, disclosing how broken-hearted he was over the loss.
More Hollywood A-listers and former co-stars dished out touching tributes to the lost gem, whose legacy continues living through her good deeds.
