Contents
Last updated on the 19 June 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 17 August 1968, Paddington, London, England.Â
Helen McCrory was an actress who carved a remarkable path across British theatre, film and television. The daughter of a Welsh physiotherapist and a Scottish diplomat, McCrory’s early life was a tapestry of cultures. Growing up, she spent time in Italy and moved around frequently due to her father’s work. This instilled in her a sense of adaptability, a trait that would later serve her well in her acting career.
Drawn to the world of performance from a young age, McCrory attended the Drama Centre London. Her professional debut came in 1990 with a role in Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” This marked the beginning of a successful stage career that saw her tackle iconic Shakespearean characters like Lady Macbeth and Olivia in “Twelfth Night.” Her performances earned critical acclaim, earning her prestigious awards like the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress.
Helen McCrory’s screen debut arrived in the late 1990s, and she soon began flitting effortlessly between film and television. She possessed a captivating screen presence, able to imbue her characters with a potent mix of strength, vulnerability and wit. Film audiences recognised her from roles in “Interview with the Vampire” and “Anna Karenina.” Television viewers were enthralled by her portrayal of Cherie Blair in “The Queen” and the formidable lawyer Irving in “North Square.”
However, it is for two iconic characters that McCrory is perhaps best remembered. The first is Narcissa Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” film series. Though initially cast as Bellatrix Lestrange, due to pregnancy, she landed the role of the composed and fiercely loyal Narcissa, Draco Malfoy’s mother.
The second is Polly Gray, the formidable matriarch of the Shelby clan in the period crime drama “Peaky Blinders.” Polly’s sharp wit, unwavering loyalty and steely resolve resonated deeply with audiences, making her a fan favorite.Tragically, McCrory passed away from cancer in 2021 during the filming of “Peaky Blinders” final season. The show’s creators paid tribute to her legacy by rewriting the storyline to reflect her absence.
Beyond her career, Helen McCrory was a devoted wife to actor Damian Lewis, with whom she shared a happy marriage and two children. She was also a passionate advocate for human rights and lent her support to numerous charities.
Suggested viewing
Peaky Blinders (2013)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.8
Peaky Blinders is a gritty TV drama set in the aftermath of World War I. Led by the ambitious and cunning Tommy Shelby, the Peaky Blinders gang rises to power in Birmingham’s criminal underworld. This gripping series explores family loyalties, political intrigue and the brutal clashes between rival gangs during a turbulent era.
Top cast: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Annabelle Wallis, Sam Neill, Joe Cole, Sophie Rundle, Finn Cole.
Penny Dreadful (2014)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2
Penny Dreadful is a captivating TV series set in Victorian London, combining horror, supernatural and literary characters. It follows the adventures of Vanessa Ives as she battles dark forces alongside an ensemble cast that includes iconic figures like Dracula and Dorian Gray. Prepare for chilling encounters and moral dilemmas!
Top cast: Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Harry Treadaway, Reeve Carney, Rory Kinnear, Billie Piper, Danny Sapani, Helen McCrory (S1-S2).
Fearless (2017)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
Fearless is a TV drama series starring Helen McCrory as Emma Banville, a dedicated and determined human rights lawyer. As she takes on the case of Kevin Russell, a man convicted of murder but who claims innocence, Emma unravels a complex web of conspiracy, corruption and cover-ups in her quest for justice.
Top cast: Helen McCrory, Jonathan Forbes, Sam Swainsbury, Robin Weigert, Wunmi Mosaku, Jamie Bamber, Rebecca Callard, John Bishop.
Anna Karenina (2000)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.2
Based on the timeless novel by Leo Tolstoy, it reveals the tragic tale of Anna, a married Russian aristocrat who embarks on an affair with Count Vronsky. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia’s societal norms and expectations, this story explores love, passion and the consequences that follow when one defies societal conventions.
Top cast: Helen McCrory, Douglas Henshall, Stephen Dillane, Mark Strong, Paloma Baeza, Kevin McKidd, Amanda Root, Tom Ward.
