Yesterday, the entertainment world was left rocked after it was announced that actor Helen McCrory had passed away at the age of 52.
The tragic news was announced by her husband, actor Damian Lewis, who shared the following message on Twitter:
"Im heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at her home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.
"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."
Following news of McCrory's passing tributes have flooded in from the acting and entertainment world.
Now, McCrory's Peaky Blinders co-stars have shared their memories about the time they spent with 'Aunt Polly'.
Per The Sun, Cillian Murphy penned the following heartwrenching tribute to his late co-star: "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."
Sophie Rundle, who plays Polly's niece Ada in the critically acclaimed show, wrote: "God she was so f***ng cool though. It is entirely senseless and brutal to lose Helen, she was an extraordinary and remarkable person.
"Quite shockingly talented. What a privilege to have worked with her these past years, I can’t overstate how much I admired her.
"My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. Our Pol. What a heavy loss. We will miss her so dearly."
And Finn Cole, who plays McCrory's on-screen son, Michael, in the hit show, wrote on Instagram: "Mother, wife, and an all round amazing role model.
"A force of nature who’s advise I’ll carry forever. From day 1 on Peaky I felt blessed, and I will always aspire to be as awesome as Helen McCrory. Thank you mum. Rest easy x"
Joe Cole - who plays John Shelby on the show - also shared a touching tribute to McCrory, writing: "They don’t make many like this one, let me tell you. I feel incredibly lucky to have known and been inspired by her.
"Thank you for all the laughs and the memories, Helen. You were an incredible talent and one in a million. My love and thoughts go out to Helen’s family and those closest to her.
"RIP Helen McCory."
Kate Phillips, who plays Linda Shelby in the show, also shared an photo of McCrory to her Instagram page, along with the caption: "Helen"
And the tributes continued, with actress Annabelle Wallis, who plays Grace Shelby in the hit show, also writing on Instagram: "The most powerful life force. The most ferocious and commanding actress. I learnt so much watching you work, watching you light up the room with your intelligence and wit.
Your laughter infectious. Thank you for the whiskey fulled rehearsals late into the night. Thank you for showing me that it’s okay to not take s**t. You will be deeply missed.
"My heart goes out to Damien, your children and the entire family."
The Independent reports that the star's cancer diagnosis has been kept private from her fans.
Born in Paddington, England, McCrory started studying acting at the Drama Centre in London. Throughout her career, she became a beloved star on both the big and small screen.
Some of McCrory's other prominent roles include her portrayal of Cherie Blair in both The Queen and The Special Relationship, as well as her performances in Charlotte Gray, Hugo, Skyfall, and Fearless.
McCrory was also a celebrated stage actor, having won a Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress in 2015 for her performance in Medea.
She was also nominated for an Olivier theatre award in 2006 for her West End performance as Rosalind in As You Like It.
Our thoughts are with McCrory's family, friends, and fans at this time.
