Helen McCrory Net Worth

What was Helen McCrory's net worth?

Helen McCrory was a British actress who had a net worth of $25 million at the time of her death. That was a combined net worth with her husband, fellow actor Damian Lewis. Unfortunately, Helen died on April 16, 2021, at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer.

Helen McCrory's career spanned stage, film, and television. Renowned for her commanding presence and emotional depth, she built a reputation as one of Britain's most versatile performers. McCrory was equally at home in Shakespearean tragedies, contemporary dramas, and blockbuster franchises, where she often brought nuance and complexity to supporting roles. She won acclaim for her performances in television dramas such as "Peaky Blinders," where she played the formidable Polly Gray, and "North Square," as well as films including "The Queen," "The Special Relationship," "Hugo," and the "Harry Potter" series, where she portrayed Narcissa Malfoy. Over the course of her career, she earned critical recognition, awards, and the respect of her peers, while also dedicating herself to philanthropy and mentoring younger actors

Early Life

Helen Elizabeth McCrory was born on August 17, 1968, in Paddington, London, to a Welsh mother, Anne, and a Scottish father, Iain McCrory. She was the eldest of three children. After attending Queenswood School, she spent a year traveling in Italy before enrolling at the Drama Centre London to study acting. This training grounded her in classical performance techniques and set her on a path toward both stage and screen success.

Stage Career

McCrory first made her name in theater, where she quickly rose through the ranks of British drama. She performed with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, earning praise for her portrayals of strong, complex women. Notable stage credits included Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth," Olivia in "Twelfth Night," and lead roles in "Uncle Vanya" and "Medea." Critics often noted her magnetic presence and ability to balance vulnerability with steeliness, qualities that carried over into her screen work.

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Film Career

McCrory began appearing in films in the early 1990s, taking on a variety of roles that showcased her adaptability. She played Cherie Blair, wife of Prime Minister Tony Blair, in both "The Queen" (2006) and "The Special Relationship" (2010), bringing warmth and intelligence to the role. She appeared in Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" (2011), the James Bond film "Skyfall" (2012), and as Narcissa Malfoy in the final three "Harry Potter" movies, cementing her place in one of the most successful film franchises of all time. Her performances were frequently described as elegant and layered, elevating the material with subtlety and authority.

Television Career

While she enjoyed success in film, McCrory became a household name through her work in television. She earned early recognition in the legal drama "North Square" (2000), which won her a Broadcasting Press Guild Award. Later, she starred in "Charles II: The Power and the Passion" (2003), "Life" (2009), and "Penny Dreadful" (2014–2015). Her most defining role came in the critically acclaimed series "Peaky Blinders," where she played the matriarch Polly Gray from 2013 to 2019. The performance won her widespread admiration and established her as one of the strongest screen actors of her generation.

Personal Life

In 2007, McCrory married actor Damian Lewis, with whom she had two children, Manon and Gulliver. The couple was well-regarded in the British acting community for their talent, humility, and charitable work. Together, they supported several philanthropic causes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they helped raise millions for healthcare workers. McCrory was known for her warmth, wit, and commitment to her family, balancing a demanding career with her personal life.

The family owns a townhouse located in Tufnell Park, north London. They bought the house in 2007 from fellow British actor Hugh Laurie. Hugh learned of this fact when Damian called and said, "I know this is weird, but I have just bought your house and I am sitting in your bedroom". He proceeded to ask Laurie whether or not he should accept the part on what became NBC's "Life". They also own a house near Sudbury in Suffolk.

Legacy

Helen McCrory passed away on April 16, 2021, at the age of 52 after a private battle with cancer. Her death was widely mourned by colleagues, fans, and the theater community, who praised her talent, generosity, and courage. She left behind a body of work that continues to inspire, from her Shakespearean stage performances to her unforgettable turn as Polly Gray. McCrory's career exemplified the power of an actor to shape stories and captivate audiences, and she is remembered as one of the finest performers of her generation.

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