Today (April 16), marks four years since the death of Peaky Blinders actress Helen McCrory.
Her husband Damian Lewis broke the news back in April 2021. In a statement, he said he was “heartbroken”.
Helen, who was 52 when she died, had cancer. However, she kept the news private, telling only a few of her closest confidants about her illness.
Carrie Cracknell, who directed Helen in a state production of Medea, revealed after the star passed away that she was one of a few people who knew about her diagnosis.
What did Carrie say about the death of Helen McCrory?
Speaking on the BBC’s Today programme, Carrie revealed that Helen kept her cancer battle quiet so that she could continue to work. She said friends were “sworn to secrecy” as Helen underwent gruelling cancer treatment.
“Very, very few people” knew about her illness and she continued her charity work until just a few weeks before her death. Carrie said Helen didn’t want her illness overshadowing her family or professional life.
She said: “Helen wanted to be very private about her illness. And I understand why. When you live in the public spotlight you have to find space to protect the things that are just for you.
We were sworn to secrecy.
“Very, very few people knew. I only did because we were planning to transfer a show to Broadway and we had to cancel that because she was undergoing treatment. We were sworn to secrecy.”
She added: “Her need to be fully alive and be committed and to take things incredibly seriously, such as her family and charity work, defined her last few years for her as much as ever.”
Carrie added that Peaky Blinders star Helen faced up to her cancer “with a level of bravery and humour that was completely extraordinary”. “It was a very remarkable thing,” she added.
What did Damian Lewis say about his wife’s death?
Posting on Twitter, Damian said: “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.”
He added she was “surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family”.
“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.”
Damian Lewis find love
Damian has found new love following Helen’s death. His romance with musician and artist Alison Mosshart was ‘confirmed’ in July 2022.
The romance came after Damian revealed in a eulogy at Helen’s memorial service that his wife had urged him to “love again”.
Read more: Helen McCrory’s last televised interview devastates fans
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