Tom Felton is honoring the actress who played his onscreen mom in the Harry Potter films – Helen McCrory, who portrayed Narcissa Malfoy – with a touching tribute following news of her passing.
Helen, who is perhaps best known for her roles in Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders, Penny Dreadful, and Fearless, passed away after a battle with cancer. She was 52.
Her husband, Damian Lewis, announced the sad news in a statement shared on social media Friday (April 16).
“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 loss from friends and family,” Damian wrote. “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.”
Tom paid tribute to his onscreen mom, sharing a still of the two of them holding hands in a scene from Harry Potter on Instagram, writing, “So sad to say farewell so suddenly – I never took the chance to tell her, but she helped shape me as a person so much – on & off screen,” Tom expressed. “She was always relentlessly herself- razor sharp wit – silver tongued – kind & warm hearted – she suffered no fools yet had time for everyone – thank you for lighting the way forward & holding my hand when I needed it xx.”
Members of the HP cast also shared their tributes on social media.
Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the HP films, remembered Helen fondly.
“Decades ago Helen and I auditioned together for a film. I came home and said to [my wife] Emma [Hewitt] ‘I think I’ve just met the greatest actress I’ve ever seen,'” he began. “After years of watching her mesmerize audiences I don’t think that any more…I know it.”
“Luckily, I eventually found out that she was also scabrously funny, shockingly naughty and with an empathetic heart the size of a planet,” Jason continued. “As continually starstruck as I was on the Harry Potter films, being screen-married to and giggle with the great Helen McCrory will always be a highlight.”
“Her proudest achievement, though, was building and loving the family that was her bedrock,” he added. “They’ve lost so much and I send all my love to Damian and the kids. xxx.”
Chris Rankin, who played Percy Weasley, also went on Twitter to honor the late actress.
“Awful news about Helen McCrory. A sublime talent, and, from the couple of brief moments our paths crossed whilst battling Hogwarts, a very lovely person. 52 is no age,” he wrote.
HP author, J.K. Rowling, expressed her condolences, tweeting, “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.”
Helen’s Peaky Blinders co-star Cillian Murphy also shared a sweet tribute in a statement.
“I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being,” Cillian said in the statement. “She was also a gifted actor – fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played. It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. I will dearly miss my pal. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family.”
Helen was the voice behind The Dark Materials’ daemon Stelmaria, and the show also shared some words on Twitter.
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of Helen McCrory, who voiced Asriel’s wonderful daemon Stelmaria. She will be greatly missed,” the show’s official account tweeted.
Rest in love, Helen.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Damian and his family.
