Celebrities are paying tribute to Helen McCrory. On 16April, Helen's husband, Damian Lewis, confirmed the actress's death [1] through a statement on Twitter [2]. "I'm heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from family and friends," he said.

In the days following, messages from Helen's former costars poured in to honour the longtime performer's legacy. Jason Isaacs and Tom Felton, who played Lucius and Draco Malfoy to Helen's Narcissa, were among the Harry Potter [3] actors who shared personal memories. Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy also remembered Helen from her role as Aunt Polly on the Netflix series. See their messages, plus others, ahead.

Jason Isaacs

Jason wrote on Instagram [4]:

"Decades ago Helen and I auditioned together for a film. I came home and said to Emma "I think I've just met the greatest actress I've ever seen." After years of watching her mesmerise 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. As continually starstruck as I was on the Harry Potter [5] 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. They've lost so much and I send all my love to Damian and the kids. xxx"

Evanna Lynch

Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, wrote: [6]

"Can't get my head around this, I'm thinking of Helen McCrory's family and sending them love. Such a beautiful, regal woman. I only met her a handful of times on the Potter sets and the occasional press junket but she was such a huge presence in every room - so vivacious, kind, warm and fun. If you weren't secretly obsessed with her you just weren't paying attention. I remember googling her all evening after one particular junket to try and learn all about where she'd trained and studied because I wanted to learn how to radiate strength like that. But I don't think her presence was something you could imitate, she was just a force. My dad also reminded me how she spent ages talking to him about Irish history on one of the press days, how curious and engaged she was to talk about whatever it was that lit a person up. I feel so lucky to have got to spend some time in her presence, to see how she held herself and how she worked. That moment in Deathly Hallows where Narcissa has the pivotal task of checking on Harry, where the future of the magical world hinges on a mother's love, always makes me tear up - she did it so beautifully. Rest in peace ❤️"

Tom Felton

Tom Felton wrote [7]:

"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 - 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"

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy shared a statement [8] with Entertainment Weekly:

"I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being. 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."