Peaky Blinders Cast (2013–2022)
BBC One | Crime Drama, Historical Drama | 6 Seasons | Created by Steven Knight
Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, following the rise of the Shelby family crime syndicate under the ruthless and calculating leadership of Thomas Shelby. The show spans from the early 1920s into the late 1930s, depicting the gang's evolution from a local street outfit into a nationally significant criminal and political force. Created by Steven Knight and first broadcast on BBC One in September 2013, the series ran for six seasons before concluding in April 2022. The series is distinguished by its atmospheric production design, a rock-infused anachronistic soundtrack, and a cast of exceptional depth led by Cillian Murphy in one of the most celebrated television performances of the 2010s and 2020s.
The Peaky Blinders cast is one of the most acclaimed ensemble groups in British television history, combining Irish, English, and international talent across six seasons of the BBC crime drama. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Thomas Shelby is widely regarded as the cornerstone of the series, but the show's power also derives from exceptional supporting performances — Helen McCrory's commanding Polly Gray, Paul Anderson's volatile Arthur Shelby, and a roster of high-profile guest performers including Tom Hardy, Adrien Brody, and Sam Claflin that expanded with each new season. The Peaky Blinders cast drew increasing attention as the show grew from a cult BBC hit to an international phenomenon via Netflix distribution.
Main Cast
Cillian Murphy
Thomas Shelby
The cold-eyed, strategic leader of the Peaky Blinders gang; a World War I veteran whose ambition drives him from the streets of Birmingham to the corridors of Parliament.
Paul Anderson
Arthur Shelby
Tommy's volatile older brother and enforcer, whose struggles with violence, religion, and addiction make him one of the show's most complex and tragic figures.
Helen McCrory
Polly Gray
The matriarch of the Shelby family and a formidable strategist in her own right; McCrory appeared in seasons 1–5 and passed away in 2021 before the final season filmed.
Sophie Rundle
Ada Shelby
Tommy's sister, whose communist sympathies and independent spirit set her apart from the rest of the family and repeatedly put her at odds with the gang's criminal world.
Finn Cole
Michael Gray
Polly's son, who is reintegrated into the family and gradually becomes a key figure in the gang's financial operations, before becoming an antagonist in the final seasons.
Joe Cole
John Shelby
The youngest of the Shelby brothers in the core trio, headstrong and loyal; a series regular through season 4 until his character was killed.
Tom Hardy
Alfie Solomons
A Jewish gangster and Camden Town rum distiller who is an unpredictable ally and rival to Tommy; Hardy's eccentric, scene-stealing performance became one of the most beloved elements of the series.
Sam Neill
Major Chester Campbell
A ruthless inspector from the Royal Irish Constabulary sent to Birmingham to suppress the Peaky Blinders; the primary antagonist in seasons 1 and 2.
Annabelle Wallis
Grace Burgess
An undercover agent who becomes Tommy's great love; a key character in seasons 1–2 and season 3, with her fate altering the trajectory of Tommy's life.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Gina Gray
Michael Gray's American wife, introduced in season 5; a calculating and ambitious figure whose agenda becomes a major source of conflict in the later seasons.
Sam Claflin
Oswald Mosley
A fictionalised version of the real British fascist politician, portrayed as a charismatic and dangerous demagogue who becomes a principal antagonist in seasons 5 and 6.
Adrien Brody
Luca Changretta
A New York Italian-American mobster who arrives in Birmingham seeking vengeance on the Shelbys; the lead antagonist of season 4.
Supporting & Recurring Cast
| Actor | Character | Role | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aidan Gillen | Aberama Gold | A ferocious Scottish Romani hitman and ally of the Shelbys introduced in season 4; father of Bonnie Gold | 4–5 |
| Paddy Considine | Father John Hughes | A menacing and corrupt priest with ties to the IRA who becomes a significant antagonist in season 3 | 3 |
| Noah Taylor | Jeremiah Jesus | A loyal former soldier and associate of the Peaky Blinders who provides support throughout the series | 1–6 |
| Benjamin Zephaniah | Jeremiah Jesus (early) | The original portrayer of Jeremiah in the series' early seasons before the role was recast | 1–3 |
| Natasha O'Keeffe | Lizzie Stark | A woman with a complicated history in Birmingham who eventually becomes Tommy's second wife | 1–6 |
| Charlie Murphy | Jessie Eden | Based on the real Birmingham labour activist and Communist organiser; a love interest for Tommy in season 4 | 4–5 |
| Kate Phillips | Linda Shelby | Arthur's deeply religious wife, whose faith and moral convictions set her at odds with the violent world of the Shelbys | 3–5 |
| Gaite Jansen | Tatiana Petrovna | A Russian duchess who becomes entangled with Tommy during the season 3 storyline involving Romanov jewels | 3 |
| Tom-Paul Roberts | Bonnie Gold | Aberama Gold's son, a talented boxer recruited by the Shelbys | 4–5 |
| Emmett J. Scanlan | Billy Boys leader | Leader of a dangerous Glasgow gang that clashes with the Shelbys in season 5 | 5 |
Creators & Production
Steven Knight
Creator and lead writer; Knight drew on family history — his grandparents lived in the Small Heath area of Birmingham — to build the world of the Peaky Blinders. He also directed several episodes and has served as executive producer throughout.
Caryn Mandabach
Executive producer through Caryn Mandabach Productions; a key producing partner of Steven Knight and one of the principal creative forces behind the series' development.
Otto Bathurst
Director of the first two episodes, who established the show's distinctive visual style and tone before going on to direct major film and television projects.
David Caffrey
A recurring director across multiple seasons who helped maintain the series' signature atmospheric look.
Tiger Aspect Productions / BBC
The series is produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and Caryn Mandabach Productions for BBC One; it is distributed internationally by Netflix.
About the Peaky Blinders Cast
When Peaky Blinders premiered on BBC Two in September 2013, Cillian Murphy was already a respected film actor known for his work with Christopher Nolan and in indie cinema, but the role of Tommy Shelby transformed his profile entirely. Murphy's intense, understated performance anchored every season of the show, and his ability to convey intelligence and menace through stillness rather than overt emotion became one of the most discussed acting choices in British drama. Equally central to the show's identity was Helen McCrory as Polly Gray, whose matriarchal authority and dry, cutting wit made her a fan favourite from the very first episode. McCrory's death in April 2021 was a profound loss for both the production and its audience, and the show's decision to dedicate its final season to her memory was a widely praised act of tribute.
The Peaky Blinders cast evolved considerably across six seasons. While the Shelby family core remained constant, each new season introduced a major antagonist played by a high-calibre guest performer: Sam Neill in seasons 1–2, Tom Hardy from season 2 onward, Paddy Considine in season 3, Adrien Brody in season 4, Sam Claflin in seasons 5–6. This structure — a new villain, often with a different cultural or political background, representing a new threat to Tommy's empire — gave the series a propulsive quality while allowing the showrunners to track historical changes in British society from the post-WWI years to the eve of World War II. The casting of Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Gray added a transatlantic dimension to the later seasons just as she was rising to global prominence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Peaky Blinders?
Peaky Blinders stars Cillian Murphy as gang leader Thomas Shelby, with a core ensemble including Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory, Sophie Rundle, Finn Cole, and Joe Cole. Notable guest and recurring cast members include Tom Hardy, Sam Neill, Adrien Brody, Sam Claflin, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
Who plays Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders?
Cillian Murphy plays Thomas (Tommy) Shelby across all six seasons of Peaky Blinders. Murphy's performance earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, cementing Tommy Shelby as one of the defining antiheroes in contemporary British television.
How many seasons of Peaky Blinders are there?
Peaky Blinders ran for six seasons on BBC One from 2013 to 2022. Creator Steven Knight has indicated the story will continue in a feature film.
Who created Peaky Blinders?
Peaky Blinders was created by Steven Knight, the British writer and director also known for the film Locke and the series Taboo. Knight has served as the primary writer on the series throughout its run.
Is Helen McCrory in all seasons of Peaky Blinders?
Helen McCrory, who played matriarch Polly Gray, appeared in seasons 1 through 5. She passed away in April 2021 before filming season 6, and the show honoured her by dedicating the final season to her memory. Her character's death is addressed within the narrative of season 6.
How we build these cast lists
For background on how Cast.biz compiles and orders cast credits, see understanding billing order, how TV show casts are built, and our glossary of cast credits.