R.I.P. Benjamin Zephaniah, poet, activist, and Peaky Blinders actor

Benjamin Zephaniah—a British poet and professor who appeared in Peaky Blinders as street preacher Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus—has died. The new comes via a post on his official Instagram account, stating that he was diagnosed with a brain tumor eight weeks ago. “Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed,” the statement reads. “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.” He was 65.

Zephaniah grew up in Birmingham, England and published his first book of poetry, Pen Rhythm, in 1980 when he was 22 (per Variety). He went on to publish 13 more works of poetry, as well as a number of novels, children’s books, plays, and an autobiography titled The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah. Zephaniah was also a staunch activist and anti-imperialist. In 2003, Zephaniah rejected the honor of being inducted as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. “I’ve been fighting against empire all my life. I’ve been fighting against slavery and colonialism all my life… How could I then go and accept an honor that puts the word ‘empire’ onto my name?” he said of his decision at the time.

Zephaniah appeared in 14 episodes of Peaky Blinders as Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus, a preacher and friend of Cillian Murphy’s character, Tommy Shelby. He also played small roles in Zen Motoring, EastEnders, and The Bill.

The official Peaky Blinders account posted a tribute to Zephaniah on Instagram today. “We are so shocked and devastated at the news of the death of our friend Benjamin Zephaniah,” they wrote. “He was a much-loved, instrumental, and influential part of the Peaky Blinders family from the very start, as well as to the creative community at large.”

Murphy also paid his respects in a statement to Variety: “Benjamin was a truly gifted and beautiful human being — a generational poet, writer, musician and activist. A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder. I’m so saddened by this news. RIP.”