Helen McCrory: How Harry Potter actor was cast as Bellatrix Lestrange but ended up playing Narcissa Malfoy

Glaswegian actress, who died at the age of 52 last week, said her family background made her wary of acting in "yet another apologetic British drama".Helen graced our screens for years - most recently as Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders - but also as Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter, Cherie Blair in The Queen, Clair Dowar in the James Bond film Skyfall, and Sonia Woodley QC in ITV's Quiz.Did you know you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to our daily newsletter?We send a morning

Loose Women were left sobbing today as the hosts discussed Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory ’s final wish for her husband Damian Lewis. The 52-year-old actress tragically passed away last week after a short battle with cancer.

Damian Lewis penned a touching tribute to his wife, Helen McCrory. The piece was published by, following McCrory's death earlier this week. The actress — best known for her roles as Narcissa Malfoy in the franchise and Polly Gray in — died of cancer.

Helen McCrory, known for playing Aunt Polly on Peaky Blinders and Narcissa Malfoy in a trio of Harry Potter films, passed away “peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family,” according to the Apr. 16 statement from her husband, Damian Lewis. The actress was 52 and died after a battle with cancer. The news was greeted by sadness by Helen’s Harry Potter co-stars, who grieved her loss and celebrated her life with tributes posted online.

Tom Felton is honouring Helen McCrory.

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Jason Isaacs is the latest star to remember Helen McCrory.

On Saturday, Jason Isaacs took to Twitter to note the death and celebrate the life of his Harry Potter co-star, Helen McCrory.

Tom Felton is honouring Helen McCrory.

Tom Felton is honoring Helen McCrory.The 33-year-old actor took to Instagram on Saturday to pay tribute to his on-screen mother and late co-star. Felton portrayed Draco Malfoy in the film franchise, while McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy.

Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory, who has died from cancer, aged 52. The actor was known for her performances on stage and onscreen, but perhaps best for her roles in the Harry Potter film series, as Narcissa Malfoy, and as Aunt Polly in the BBC series Peaky Blinders.

Peaky Blinders and Harry Potter actor Helen McCrory has died from cancer. She was 52 years old.

Helen McCrory, known for starring in Peaky Blinders and Harry Potter, has just died aged 52. Helen McCrory has died from cancer aged 52, her "heartbroken" husband Damian Lewis has said.

Peaky Blinders and Harry Potter actress Helen McCrory has died at 52 after a battle with cancer, her husband, actor Damian Lewis, has announced. Lewis on Friday said that McCrory, whom he married in 2007, died "peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family," following a "heroic" cancer battle.

Speaking in 2013 about their links to Wales, Mr Lewis said: “My father is Welsh through his blood line and I support the Welsh rugby team, otherwise he would have taken the belt to me. “My wife Helen has a Welsh speaking mother that lives in Cardiff and she has a grandfather who was the Welsh boxing champion no less, Bobby Morgan.

Helen McCrory, who died of cancer on Friday at age 52, blazed during a multi-decade career in film, TV and onstage, with memorable roles including playing the lead in the Channel 4/Masterpiece Theatre miniseries Anna Karenina, portraying Narcissa Malfoy in three Harry Potter movies and most recently starring as Aunt Polly in Netflix and the BBC’s hit period gangster series Peaky Blinders.