How ‘Peaky Blinders’ Is Honoring Helen McCrory in Final Season
Spoiler Alert
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Season 6 of Peaky Blinders.]
Peaky Blinders‘ final season has arrived on Netflix and with it comes an explanation for Polly Gray’s absence as the actress who played her, Helen McCrory, died between the productions of Seasons 5 and 6.
McCrory died in April 2021 after a battle with cancer as her husband, actor Damian Lewis, shared with fans over social media. Her absence left the creative team of Peaky Blinders with quite the decision to make as they wrestled with the idea of having her live offscreen or killing Polly Gray off of the show.
In an interview with EW, creator Steven Knight said, “First of all, issues of plot and story and television programs are insignificant compared to the tragedy that was the death of somebody so brilliant and so fantastic,” but he acknowledges, “It presented us with a situation.”
(Credit: Ben Blackall
© Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd. 2019)
Polly Gray is the aunt of protagonist Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and is the matriarch of the Peaky Blinders. So her absence would be felt no matter what decision was made, but ultimately, Knight shared, “the idea that Polly’s alive but she’s gone to America or something wasn’t right.”
Instead, the creator decided that killing her off was the more honorable thing to do and the death is revealed early on in the new season. “We wanted to pay tribute to the character and hopefully the actor at the same time, so we wanted that to be part of the show.”
“I think Helen would’ve wanted us to continue with the influence of Polly,” Knight continued. “She is still a very strong influence on Tommy, and therefore the whole thing. Her death is a catalyst for a lot of stuff that happens, all the way up to the end of episode 6.”
Along with Knight, Murphy spoke about McCrory’s impact on the series in her role as Polly. “Helen would’ve been in the series if we had shot in 2020, so she’s very much part of the series,” the actor stated. “Her influence is still in there, particularly for Tommy.”
In Season 6, the show opens with Polly’s death but then makes a time jump years into the future where Tommy is still struggling to operate without her. “It’s very much in the story, that absence,” Murphy concluded.
What did you think of the show’s send-off for Polly and tribute to Helen McCrory? Let us know in the comments below, and catch Peaky Blinders on Netflix now.
Peaky Blinders, Streaming now, Netflix
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C
She was so talented i feel the big absents of her character i loved her acting and i know she will and is missed for ever i grew to love her on the show and off the show even tho i didnt know her personaly i felt as tho i have by her interviews and she gave her all heart and soul thru her character. Love u polly gray
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C
Shocked me when she got killed off and I liked her character RIP MRS HELLEN MCCRORY AKA POLLY GRAY
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O
Helen , Was an excellent Actress
Strong presence I feel like we lost a family member those that are fans of Peaky Blinders . I was hoping she would come back like Arther did but she really passed away in real life .God bless her family, make sure Helen gets acknowledged with some kind of award for best Actress!!!!!’ Tuff Ass Lady!!!
7
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O
She was the real OBE!
6
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G
Helen was fantastic as Polly Gray. I loved the character and am so sad by the news of her passing.
5
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O
Helen was absolutely amazing. She felt real life watching her.
I loved her style, the way she carried it off. Rest in peace Helen. A legend
5
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G
There are no words to express my sadness about this news of this wonderful actresses passing. Every thing I've ever seen her in she stole the scene. She was fantastic as Polly Gray and deserves to be rewarded for her work. I missed her on the show, and now I realize why she wasn't apart of the last season.....but she truly was a part of it.....She will be missed.
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B
I was shocked that she was killed on PB, but when I found out she really did pass away , I thought it was a good choice.
4
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G
Very classy tribute to a great actress. RIP Helen.
4 2
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G
Helen was an actors actor! She was a natural
And I never saw her but only her character! That. Is the best complement to give an actor, when they disappear into their character.
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R
Helen was superb. A serious actor with major talent. She “made” Peaky Blinders powerful. An OBE proves it. RIP sweet Polly.
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O
nah, she wasn't my favorite character. But she was a good actor though.
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