Peaky Blinders star and poet Benjamin Zephaniah has died aged 65, with his devastated family sharing heart-breaking tributes. Zephaniah's death was announced in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Thursday morning (December 7).
It 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".
The family added: "Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he 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."
Born Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah in Birmingham in 1958, the star published many collections of poetry as well as five novels and seven plays. In 2008 he was ranked one of Britain's top 50 post-war writers by The Times.
He was actor on screen and played the street preacher Jeremiah Jesus in the BBC series of Peaky Blinders between 2013 and 2022. He had also appeared on The Bill and was a panellist on QI in 2020.
Tributes for Benjamin Zephaniah have already started to pour in with Loose Women's Charlene White writing on X: "Thank-you for everything Benjamin Zephaniah", followed by a love heart and heart broken emoji.
Nadine White stated: "Iconic writer & poet Benjamin Zephaniah has died, a statement from his family confirms. Very sad news". Michael Rosen said: "The tragic terrible news has come to me that Benjamin Zephaniah's family have announced that Benjamin has died. I'm devastated.
"I admired him, respected him, learnt from him, loved him. Love and condolences to the family and to all who loved him too". While another added: "Rest in power Benjamin Zephaniah. A hero. A role model. An inspiration."
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