Benjamin Zephaniah: Celebrated Writer, Poet, and Peaky Blinders Actor Passes Away at 65

Benjamin Zephaniah, a renowned writer, poet, and actor known for his role in the TV series Peaky Blinders, has passed away at the age of 65. Diagnosed with a brain tumor eight weeks ago, Zephaniah died with his wife by his side. Born and raised in Birmingham, he overcame dyslexia and left school at 13, eventually becoming a prominent figure in British literature. Known for his powerful poetry and activism, Zephaniah rejected an OBE in 2003 due to its association with the British Empire and its history of slavery. Tributes have poured in for the "titan of literature" and "proud Brummie" who made a significant impact through his work.