Helen McCrory Biography: Age, Children, Siblings, Parents, Net Worth, Husband, Awards, Death, Movies

Helen McCrory was a renowned British actress known for her powerful performances in film and television.

She became widely recognized for her portrayal of Aunt Polly in the hit television series Peaky Blinders and Narcissa Malfoy in the final three films of the Harry Potter series.

Her career spanned several decades, during which she earned critical acclaim for her versatile acting in productions such as The Queen, Penny Dreadful, and Skyfall.

McCrory’s combination of stage and screen work, particularly in British drama, made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Profile

•   Full name: Helen Elizabeth McCrory  
•   Date of birth: August 17, 1968  
•   Age: Deceased (52 years old at the time of her death in 2021)  
•   Gender: Female  
•   Place of birth: Paddington, London, England
•   Nationality: British  
•   Profession: Actress  
•   Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)  
•   Parents: Iain McCrory (father), Anne McCrory (mother)  
•   Siblings: Jon McCrory (brother), Catherine McCrory (sister)  
•   Spouse: Damian Lewis  
•   Children: Manon McCrory-Lewis, Gulliver Lewis
•   Relationship status: Married until her death  
•   Religion: Christianity  
•   Ethnicity: Welsh and Scottish heritage
•   Net worth: $25 million  

Early Life and Education

Helen McCrory, who would have turned 56 in 2024, was born on August 17, 1968, in Paddington, London. Her father, Iain McCrory, was a diplomat from Scotland, and her mother, Anne, was a Welsh physiotherapist.

This international background meant that Helen spent much of her childhood travelling to countries such as Norway, Tanzania, and Cameroon, giving her a broad worldview. McCrory attended Queenswood School in Hertfordshire before studying acting at the Drama Centre London.

Personal Life

Helen McCrory married fellow actor Damian Lewis on July 4, 2007. The couple had two children: a daughter named Manon, born in 2006, and a son named Gulliver, born in 2007.

Their relationship was widely regarded as one of the most stable in the entertainment industry, with Lewis often expressing admiration for McCrory as a mother and a professional. Sadly, their marriage was cut short when McCrory passed away in 2021.

Career

Helen McCrory’s acting career began on the stage, where she debuted in 1990 with The Importance of Being Earnest. She soon earned critical acclaim for her theatre work, winning awards for her roles in productions like Trelawny of the ‘Wells and Medea.

Her television and film career took off with notable roles in Interview with the Vampire, The Count of Monte Cristo, and the Harry Potter films, where she played Narcissa Malfoy. However, her portrayal of Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders genuinely cemented her status as a leading actress in British television.

McCrory was known for playing strong, complex women, often with a dark or mysterious edge, such as in Penny Dreadful and Skyfall. Her work continued until her untimely death, including her final television appearance in the BBC drama Roadkill.

Awards

•   Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress
•   Glamour Award for Theatre Actress  
•   Numerous other nominations for her work in Peaky Blinders and The Queen

Net Worth

When her death in 2021, Helen McCrory’s net worth was estimated at $25 million, a sum shared with her husband, Damian Lewis. Her wealth came from her extensive film, television, and theatre career, as well as voice work and productions. The success of Peaky Blinders and her roles in major films like Skyfall and Harry Potter significantly increased her earnings.

Death

Helen McCrory passed away on April 16, 2021, at her home in Tufnell Park, London. Her death came after a private battle with breast cancer, which she and her family had chosen to keep out of the public eye. Her husband, Damian Lewis, announced the heartbreaking news, describing her as having died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Social Media

•   Instagram: N/A  
•   Twitter: N/A  

Filmography

•   The Queen (2006)  
•   Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
•   Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1(2010)  
•   Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)  
•   Peaky Blinders (2013–2019)  
•   Skyfall (2012)  
•   Penny Dreadful (2014–2015)  
•   The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)  
•   Interview with the Vampire (1994)
•   Roadkill (2020