Current:Home > MyPeaky Blinders' Benjamin Zephaniah Dead at 65 After Brain Tumor Battle -ProfitLogic
Peaky Blinders' Benjamin Zephaniah Dead at 65 After Brain Tumor Battle
View
Date:2025-04-16 11:21:57
The Peaky Blinders cast has lost one of their own.
Benjamin Zephaniah—who played Jeremiah Jesus on the series—has passed away at the age of 65.
"It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved Husband, Son and Brother in the early hours of this morning the 7th December 2023," a post shared to his Instagram account read. "Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumor 8 weeks ago."
The message noted that Zephaniah's wife was "by his side throughout" his health battle and at the time of his passing.
"We shared him with the world," the post continued, "and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news."
Calling Zephaniah a "true pioneer and innovator" who "gave the world so much," the message then reflected on his life and career.
"Through an amazing career including a huge a body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy," it added. "Thank you for the love you have shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah."
After learning of Zephaniah's death, Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy paid tribute.
"Benjamin was a truly gifted and beautiful human being—a generational poet, writer, musician and activist, A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder," the Oppenheimer actor said in a statement to Deadline. "I'm so saddened by this news. RIP."
The show's official Instagram account also expressed its condolences.
"We are so shocked and devastated at the news of the death of our friend Benjamin Zephaniah," the post read. "He was a much-loved, instrumental, and influential part of the Peaky Blinders family from the very start, as well as to the creative community at large. All our love and thoughts are with his family."
In addition to acting in Peaky Blinders, Zephaniah appeared in the 2022 TV series Zen Motoring. His earlier roles included parts in '90s movies and shows like Farendj, The Bill and EastEnders.
However, acting was just one part of Zephaniah's life. Born in Birmingham, England in 1958, he could not "remember a time when he was not creating poetry," his website's biography states, and released his first book Pen Rhythm in 1980.
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.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (5248)
Related
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Ippei Mizuhara arraignment: Ohtani's ex-interpreter pleads not guilty with plea deal in place
- Google’s unleashes AI in search, raising hopes for better results and fears about less web traffic
- Why Oklahoma Teen Found Dead on Highway Has “Undetermined” Manner of Death
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Pennsylvania carnival shut down due to 'unruly crowd of juveniles'; assault suspect sought
- Alabama bans lab-grown meat, joining Florida among US states outlawing alternative proteins
- Harry and Meghan wrap up a very royal looking tour of Nigeria
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Ariana Madix Called Out for How Quickly She Moved on From Tom Sandoval in VPR Reunion Preview
Ranking
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Bumble dating app removes ads mocking celibacy after backlash
- Transgender rights targeted: 18 states sue to block protections for transgender employees
- The Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- The Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist
- Houston Astros' Ronel Blanco ejected following lengthy inspection of his glove
- Tom Brady Admits Netflix Roast Jokes Affected His Kids
Recommendation
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
The WNBA season is getting underway featuring Caitlin Clark's debut and more. Here's what you need to know.
Biden won’t participate in nonpartisan commission’s fall debates but proposes 2 with Trump earlier
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's Archewell Foundation declared delinquent
'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
'The Golden Bachelorette' will look for love on Wednesdays this fall! ABC's 2024 schedule
Serena Williams will host 2024 ESPY awards in July: 'She’ll bring elite star-power'
WNBA's newest team has a name: The Golden State Valkyries