Benjamin Zephaniah, Acclaimed Poet and Peaky Blinders Actor, Dead at 65

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Poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who also starred in series such as Peaky Blinders, died on Thursday, eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was 65.

“It is with wonderful sadness and remorse that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son and brother in the early hours of this morning of December 7, 2023,” reads a message shared on Zephaniah’s Instagram account. “Benjamin’s wife was through his appearance and was with him when he passed away. We have shared it with the world and we know that many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave so much to the world. With a career spanning an immense framework of poetry, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us a joyful and fantastic legacy.

Although Zephaniah was the author of many other works throughout his career, he was best known for his poetry, which commented on political and social issues. He has published a dozen collections of poetry over the years, beginning with Pen Rhythm in 1980. She has also written several novels and children’s books, including Face, Refugee Boy, We Are Britain, and J Is For Jamaica, as well as the 2018 memoir. The Life and Nursery Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah.

On the small screen, Zephaniah appeared in 14 episodes of Peaky Blinders as Jeremiah Jesus, a Jamaican preacher and friend of Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby. He also appeared in episodes of EastEnders, The Bill, and Zen Motoring.

“Benjamin was, indeed, a lovely and talented human being: a poet, writer, musician and generational activist. A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder,” Murphy said in a statement received via our sister site Deadline. this new. REAR. “

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