Peaky Blinders director Anthony Byrne has shared a moving tribute to the late actor Helen McCrory, who played the striking matriarch Polly Gray.
The filmmaker shared a photo on set of season 6 of the show, showing a clapper board with an illustration of McCrory as Polly Gray.
“Today was beautiful and strange and sad and surreal,” Byrne wrote in his post. “We found ourselves in the most beautiful environment. The sun beating down on us and it felt ok. It was incredible but not surprising to read the many tributes and articles dedicated to Helen over the weekend.”
He continued, “This is our ‘A’ camera board and Polly Gray is always in front of our cameras.
“This board was designed by @lo_marie_s a super talented tattoo artist in Manchester. It has meant a huge amount to me and the crew on Peaky to have an image of Helen on set with us everyday.”
View this post on InstagramLove Film & TV?
Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Helen McCrory, a true legend of the screen and stage, passed away last week following a secret battle with cancer. She was 58.
McCrory’s passing was confirmed by her husband, actor Damien Lewis. “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 friends and family,” he wrote.
“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.”
Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby in the series, recently paid tribute to his late co-star.
“I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend,” Murphy said in a statement. “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.”
