Actress Helen McCrory talks to Charlotte Williamson about age holding no barriers, female solidarity and her new “fearless” TV role
Helen McCrory enters the w&h studio in a head-turning outfit of top-to-toe tartan. It’s a sartorial homage to her Glaswegian father who’s staying with her, a mix of “Vivienne Westwood and Topshop; punk-rock Scottish.” She’s been up since 6am managing the kids and walking the dog, but you’d never guess. A veritable ball of energy, Helen can’t wait to see the clothes rail as, she explains, “I have three premieres coming up and might find something for the red carpet.”
This is an actress in demand. We’re here to talk about Fearless, the new ITV six-part political thriller written by Homeland writer and executive producer Patrick Harbinson in which Helen plays the lead, Emma Banville, a lawyer who defends lost causes. But she also has the romantic comedy Their Finest out soon, as well as Loving Vincent, an animated film telling the story of Vincent van Gogh. Plus, the fourth season of the hugely popular TV series Peaky Blinders is on the horizon.
The eldest of three siblings, Helen had a peripatetic childhood thanks to her diplomat father, growing up in Africa, Scandinavia and Paris. Despite only watching her first film at the age of nine, she became interested in acting as a teenager when she attended boarding school in England. She has since played everyone from Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter to Medea at the National Theatre.
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Woman & Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Woman & Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LOVE is LOVE? It's different for everyone
As a gay parent, Lotte Jeffs is simply encouraging her five-year-old daughter to follow her heart
BANK HOLIDAY BAKES
Showstopping sweet treats the whole family will love
I worry about my BROTHER'S FUTURE'
Author Claire McGowan on growing up with her disabled brother, David
Your GREEK ISLAND GUIDE
Find the perfect Hellenic summer getaway with our round-up of sun-soaked isles
Your SPRING CLEAN GUIDE
Make your home shine this season with clever tricks that are better for the planet
HOW OLD is your BODY?
Whatever decade you're in, find out if you're as fit and healthy as you could be
Simple SELF HYPNOSIS for success
Stuck in a rut? Learn the mindset secrets that could help you live your best life
Do you need to use AZELAIC ACID?
Heard the hype about this new wonder ingredient? Sarah CooperWhite finds out why you might need it in your regime
Is politeness DEAD?
Certainly not... manners cost nothing, says leading etiquette coach William Hanson
Finding my LONG-LOST SON
Last year, author Lesley Pearse wrote in w&h about tracking down her mother’s family. Now that moment has led to another wonderful reunion