'She made any material, any scene special': Cillian Murphy pays tribute to Peaky Blinders co-star Helen McCrory

Irish actor Cillian Murphy has paid tribute to his late Peaky Blinders co-star Helen McCrory, after the sixth and final season of the hugely popular BBC show wrapped on Thursday.

Murphy, who plays the role of Tommy Shelby on the show, referred to the late actress as his "closest colleague" and "one of the finest actors" he has ever worked with.

The 52-year-old actress, who played Tommy formidable aunt Polly on the hit drama, died last month after a battle with cancer.

In an interview with The Guardian, the 45-year-old Cork native spoke about McCrory's impact on him personally.

"Oh, man. She was my closest colleague on Peaky, and one of the finest actors I’ve ever worked opposite," he said.

"Any material, any scene...she made it special. She could do power and vulnerability, one after the other."
He added: "She was just so cool and fun, and had such compassion for everyone she met. I was kind of in awe about how she lived her life – the way she balanced her work and her family so beautifully."

Peaky Blinders director Anthony Byrne posted a picture to Instagram today, showing him holding a clapperboard decorated with a sketch of McCrory.

"Today was beautiful and strange and sad and surreal," Byne wrote. "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. It has meant a huge amount to me and the crew on Peaky to have an image of Helen on set with us everyday."

Byrne also posted a behind the scenes photo of Murphy on set during the last days of filming.

The Quiet Place Part II actor has earned widespread acclaim for the role of Tommy Shelby since the show debuted in 2013.

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