Poet and Peaky Blinders star dies at 65 - eight weeks after tumour diagnosis

07 December 2023 , 11:10

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Poet and Peaky Blinders star dies at 65 - eight weeks after tumour diagnosis

Peaky Blinders star and poet Benjamin Zephaniah has died aged 65 just eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The tragic news was announced in a statement shared by his family on his official Instagram account. The post read: "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.

"Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago. Benjamin's wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed. We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much.

Benjamin played Jeremiah Jesus in Peaky Blinders (BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd 2019/Robert Viglasky)

"Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy. Thank you for the love you have shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah."

Heartbroken fans rushed to the comment section to pay tribute to the star and reminisce about his work as a poet and an actor. "This news really saddens me. I’m a big fan. I was lucky enough to meet him and tell him how much I liked his poetry and what he stood for. My heart goes out to his family and friends," one user said.

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In 2008, Benjamin was ranked as one of Britain's top 50 post-war writers (Birmingham Mail)

The multi-talented star also released music (PA)

Another posted: "This is terrible news, I’m so saddened to read this. Sending love to all of the family," while one commented: "Oh I am so so sorry to hear this. A true legend in our midst. His beauty lives on eternally through the magical words he has given us. Sending love."

Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah was born in the Handsworth area of Birmingham to a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse. When he was a child, he was given an old typewriter which inspired him to become a writer. His poetry was hugely influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica and what he previously called "street politics".

He published a lot of poetry over the years as well as five novels and seven plays. His first book of poetry called Pen Rhythm was published in 1980. Other collections of poetry included The Dread Affair: Collected Poems, Rasta Time in Palestine, Too Black, Too Strong and We Are Britain!

In 2008, Benjamin was ranked as one of Britain's top 50 post-war writers by The Times. Not only was he an influential writer, but he also appeared in six series of the popular BBC show, Peaky Blinders. He also had an appearance on The Bill and was a panellist on QI in 2020.

The multi-talented star released an album called Rasta in 1982, which featured the Wailers' first recording since Bob Marley's death. His years of hard work and activism earned him many awards, including several honorary doctorates, a BBC Youn Playwright's Award, and more.

Zara Woodcock