What Cillian Murphy Never Told Anyone About Helen McCrory—Until Now

When Peaky Blinders fans think of Polly Gray, they remember a woman of unmatched strength, wit, and complexity—a portrayal brought to life by the late Helen McCrory. Behind the scenes, her co-star and close friend Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, has offered heartfelt reflections on their collaboration, highlighting the profound impact McCrory had both on the show and on him personally.

Their bond was rooted in kindness from the very beginning. Murphy first met McCrory in the late 1990s during an audition at London’s Donmar Warehouse. Nervous and uncertain, he found an unexpected source of comfort in McCrory, who, noticing his anxiety, shared a cigarette and words of encouragement. Years later, when Peaky Blinders brought them together again, McCrory remembered that moment—a testament to her attentiveness and warmth.

As colleagues, Murphy described McCrory’s talent as operating on a “different level.” Her commitment to preparation, her thoughtful nuances, and her ability to imbue Polly Gray with humanity and depth elevated every scene. Their dynamic on screen was electric—sometimes familial, sometimes adversarial, but always magnetic. It was this layered relationship that helped anchor Peaky Blinders, making it feel less like a crime drama and more like a saga of a fiercely loyal family.

Off-screen, the pair developed a rare camaraderie, built on mutual support and a shared sense of humor. Murphy often recalled how McCrory’s dry wit and self-deprecating charm kept spirits high even during the most emotionally charged scenes. She became his “closest pal” on set—a trusted friend he could turn to for advice and laughter amid the demands of filming.

Yet perhaps the most remarkable aspect of McCrory’s legacy was her grace in the face of private battles. Few knew she was undergoing cancer treatment during the filming of season five, as she never sought sympathy and carried herself with dignity and strength. Murphy’s recollections of their final conversations, filled with humor even in the most difficult moments, paint a portrait of an extraordinary woman.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed production of the final season, tragically meant McCrory couldn’t return to complete Polly’s arc. Her absence, Murphy noted, was a “huge loss”—not just to the narrative, but to the spirit of the Peaky Blinders family. In response, the show’s final season was carefully restructured to honor her memory, with her influence woven into the fabric of Tommy Shelby’s concluding journey.

“She was the beating heart of the show,” Murphy said, acknowledging that Peaky Blinders could never be the same without her. But in every frame, every whispered reference to Polly, her spirit lingers—an indelible reminder of Helen McCrory’s enduring brilliance, both as an actress and a beloved friend.