'Peaky Blinders' actor, poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah dead at 65
LONDON — Benjamin Zephaniah, a British dub poet and political activist who drew huge inspiration from his Caribbean roots, has died. He was 65.
In a statement on Instagram, his family said Zephaniah died Thursday after being diagnosed with a brain tumor eight weeks ago. The statement was confirmed by his agent, Jodie Hodges.
“We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news,” the family said.
Zephaniah, who was born in Birmingham, England, on April 15, 1958, is best known for his work on racism, refugees and healthy eating. He also appeared on the popular BBC television show "Peaky Blinders."
Zephaniah starred as Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus, a preacher and friend of the Peaky Blinders, in 14 episodes across all six seasons of the hit series.
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The activist also appeared in the BBC series "EastEnders" and the British comedy series "Zen Motoring." His first acting credit was in 1988 in the British comedy "The Comic Strip Presents."
Zephaniah also wrote and starred in the 2021 sports documentary "Standing Firm: Football's Windrush Story" about the impact Caribbean migration has on British football.
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He also published 14 books of poetry — including two audiobooks — five novels, five children's books, seven plays and seven albums. He was named as one of Britain's top 50 post-war writers in 2008 by The Times.
“Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much,” the family said. “Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television, and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.”
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY