The family of Peaky Blinders star Benjamin Zephaniah has announced he has died aged 65. An emotional statement shared on his Instagram page on Thursday reads: “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.”
The statement adds he was as “a true pioneer and innovator” who “gave the world so much”. “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,” it concluded. Many of the actor’s 13,000 Instagram followers have flooded to the comments section to pay tribute.
One wrote: “I am so sorry. What a loss,” while a second commented: “This is terrible news, I’m so saddened to read this. Sending love to all of the family.”
A third added: “A huge shock and loss. Your legacy lives on.” A fourth typed: “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, also a writer and dub poet, had many on-screen roles including a stint in Peaky Blinders. In the popular drama, he starred as preacher Jeremiah ‘Jimmy’ Jesus across six series.
The actor also made minor appearances in several shows throughout the 1990s including; The Bill, The Comic Strip Presents and Crucial Tales.
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