Celebrities and other public figures are reacting to the news of "Harry Potter" and "Peaky Blinders" actress Helen McCrory's death with moving social-media tributes describing her as an "extraordinary actress" and a "compassionate human being."

The messages started pouring in on Instagram and Twitter after McCrory's husband, actor Damian Lewis, shared on Friday that she had died of cancer at age 52.

"I'm heartbroken to announce that after a 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," Lewis wrote in a tweet.

"She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives," he continued. "She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you."

McCrory and Lewis had two children, Manon, 14, and Gulliver, 13.

J.K. Rowling and several 'Harry Potter' stars spoke warmly of McCrory in their tributes to the late actress

McCrory began her acting career with a stint on stage at London's West End and has also appeared in critically-acclaimed movies like "Interview With the Vampire" (1994) and "The Queen" (2006).

McCrory joined the "Harry Potter" movie franchise as Narcissa Malfoy, the mother of Draco Malfoy, in 2009, although she was initially cast as Bellatrix Lestrange. 

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling tweeted she was "devastated" to hear about McCrory's death and praised her as an "extraordinary actress." 

Chris Rankin and Bonnie Wright, who played siblings Percy and Ginny Weasley in the "Harry Potter" franchise, also spoke highly of the "brief moments" they spent with McCrory while filming the movies. 

McCrory's 'Peaky Blinders' costars called her 'shockingly talented'

McCrory starred as Polly Gray in "Peaky Blinders" from 2013 until 2019.

Cillian Murphy, who starred alongside McCrory on the period drama, said in a statement that he was "broken-hearted" over McCrory's death.

"Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being," Murphy said. "She was also a gifted actor — fearless and magnificent."

"She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played.," he added. "It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. I will dearly miss my pal."

"My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family," Murphy concluded.

Actor Finn Cole, who played her character's son on "Peaky Blinders," called McCrory "witty, classy, and "really f------ cool" in a series of Instagram story videos. 

McCrory's costars Sophie Rundle and Sam Claflin joined Cole and Murphy in paying tribute to the actress.

Other public figures — in the entertainment industry and beyond — joined in posting social-media messages about her

The official Twitter account of the Royal National Theatre in the UK said they had a "long and rich association" with McCrory, who had returned to the stage as Hester Collyer in "The Deep Blue Sea" in 2016.

"James Bond" producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli extended their condolences to McCrory's family. They had worked with the actress on the 2012 Bond film "Skyfall."

"Lucifer" star Tom Ellis called McCrory a "true treasure."

McCrory's longtime friend, actor Michael Sheen, said that it was an honor "to work with her and know her" since they were children.

"Midsommar" star Florence Pugh wrote on Instagram Stories that she was "heartbroken" and that, like many others, she had grown up watching and admiring McCrory's work.

"Sherlock" actor Mark Gatiss commended McCrory for bringing "aching vulnerability" to her performances and said that she was "a wonderful actor and a wonderful woman."

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, tweeted that he was "desperately sad" to hear about McCrory's death.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: What cocktails look like around the world