Photo: Isabel Infantes/PA Images via Getty

Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory arriving at the Charles Finch and Chanel pre-Bafta party at 5 Hertford Street in Mayfair, London.

Damian Lewisshared a heartfelt tribute to his late wifeHelen McCrorymore than year after her death. The actressdiedin April 2021 at age 52 after a battle with cancer.

“She was a fabulous human being and people from all walks of life have been in touch to say what an impact she had on their lives,” he shared. “That day we had the other day…was a special day, I’m very glad you could have been part of it.”

“One person whose thunder absolutely would not be stolen was Helen McCrory. You could try, but it wouldn’t work,” Lewis said to the crowd, according to U.K.‘sThe Times. The event was also dedicated to McCrory.

McCrory was known for her roles as in theHarryPotterfilms andPeaky Blinders. She and Lewis married in 2007 after they met on the production ofFive Gold Ringsat London’s Almeida Theatre in 2003. They share daughter Manon, 15, and son Gulliver, 14.

“Many people have spoken about her career and many more will, so that’s where I’ll leave it, because it strikes me that two things are happening this weekend: anoutpouring of grief and shock, and a celebrationof Helen McCrory the actress from fans everywhere, and of Helen the person,” Lewis shared. “And that’s who I want to talk about.”

Helen McCrory, Damian Lewis.Mike Marsland/WireImage

Helen McCrory, Damian Lewis

TheHomelandstar said that McCrory always “spread happiness,” writing, “Even when dying in her last few days, when talking to our wonderful carers, she repeatedly said, ‘thank you so much’ in her half delirious state.”

“I’ve never known anyone able to enjoy life as much,” Lewis shared. “Her ability to be in the present and enjoy the moment was inspirational. Nor was she interested in navel-gazing. No real interest in self- reflection; she believed in looking out, not in. Which is why she was able to turn her light so brightly on others.”

RELATED VIDEO: Helen McCrory, Harry Potter Star, Dies at 52 After ‘Heroic Battle with Cancer,’ Says Husband Damian Lewis

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Lewis also wrote in the tribute of McCrory: “She has been utterly heroic in her illness. Funny, of course — generous, brave, uncomplaining, constantly reminding us all of how lucky we’ve been, how blessed we are. Her generosity has extended to encouraging us three to live. Live fully, take opportunities, have adventures.”

“Already I miss her,” Lewis added. “She has shone more brightly in the last months than you would imagine even the brightest star could shine. In life, too, we had to rise to meet her. But her greatest and most exquisite act of bravery and generosity has been to ‘normalize’ her death. She’s shown no fear, no bitterness, no self-pity, only armed us with the courage to go on and insisted that no one be sad, because she is happy.”

source: people.com