Peaky Blinders’ Benjamin Zephaniah Dead at 65

Post created on 12:03 pm

British actor, Benjamin Zephaniah, who played Jeremiah Jesus on Peaky Blinders, has died.

He died aged 65 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Benjamin Zephaniah was born on 15 April 1958, in the Handsworth district of Birmingham, England.

Aside his role in Peaky Blinders, he appeared in the 2022 TV series Zen Motoring. He also featured in ’90s movies and shows like Farendj, The Bill and EastEnders.

However, acting was just one part of Zephaniah’s life. According to his website’s biography states, and released his first book Pen Rhythm in 1980, he could not “remember a time when he was not creating poetry,”

Over the years, Zephaniah wrote several more books of poems, including Propa Propaganda, Too Black, Too Strong and Talking Turkeys. He also published novels like Face and Refugee Boy and children’s books like When I Grow Up.

In addition to being a writer, Zephaniah—who had more than a dozen honorary doctorates—was an activist and a musician, performing with The Benjamin Zephaniah Band.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy in a statement said  “Benjamin was a truly gifted and beautiful human being—a generational poet, writer, musician and activist, A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder,I’m so saddened by this news. RIP.”

On Instagram Libby Rochester wrote “Rest in peace Benjamin, you were an inspiration and amazing lecturer. I am so honoured to have been taught by you”

Matt Campbell wrote “RIP Benjamin! What a terrible loss, he was lovey guy with the right ideas and a great mind. Condolences to his family and friends, big love”