Zephaniah was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago. <\/p>
Benjamin Zephaniah, the Birmingham-born writer and poet who was also known for starring in Peaky Blinders<\/a>, has died at the age of 65.<\/p>\n Zephaniah, the son of a\u00a0Barbadian\u00a0postman and a\u00a0Jamaican nurse, was influenced by the music and poetry of the Caribbean in his own works, for which he was included in The Times\u00a0list of Britain\u2019s top 50 post-war writers in 2008.<\/p>\n As well as being a poet, writer and activist, he was also known for his TV appearances, including on panel shows such as QI.<\/p>\n He also acted in episodes of The Bill<\/a> and EastEnders<\/a>, and had a major role across all six seasons of Peaky Blinders, playing Jeremiah Jesus.<\/p>\n A message posted to his account on Twitter, which has recently been re-branded as X, announced the news of his death, saying: \u201cIt 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 the 7th December 2023. Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumour 8 weeks ago.<\/p>\n \u201cBenjamin\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough 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.\u201d<\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/5pM9g5ZiEI<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Professor Benjamin Zephaniah (@BZephaniah) December 7, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>