When Peaky Blinders first aired on BBC Two (before later moving to BBC One), it didn’t make a huge splash. Over time, however, viewership steadily increased, with the latest episodes becoming the show’s most-watched yet. Its addition to Netflix also helped fuel its growing popularity.
While most people now watch the series on Netflix, many may not know much about it beyond the main story. This includes the exceptionally talented actors who have appeared alongside the core cast—many of whom are successful in their own right, but whose roles on Peaky Blinders might go unnoticed by casual viewers.
Noah Taylor
Noah Taylor may not be a widely recognized name, but he’s one of those actors audiences have probably seen countless times. He’s perhaps best known for playing Locke on Game of Thrones, the character who infamously cut off Jaime Lannister’s hand.
Taylor has also brought memorable performances to the screen as Mr. Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as pianist David Helfgott in Shine. In Peaky Blinders, he appeared in six episodes of season 2 as Darby Sabini, the Italian gang leader and rival to Thomas Shelby.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Netflix has been smart in promoting Peaky Blinders, often featuring Anya Taylor-Joy in their ads. Her star power comes from her Golden Globe-winning performance in Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit and her upcoming role in Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho.
Because she appears so frequently in marketing, viewers quickly recognize her, which may prevent her from standing out more than some other actors. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that Taylor-Joy joined Peaky Blinders in season 5, portraying Gina Gray, the American wife of Michael, who is maneuvering for significant influence within the Shelby family.
Charlotte Riley
Like Noah Taylor, Charlotte Riley may not be a household name, but she’s had a steady career in notable films and TV shows since 2007, including Wuthering Heights, Easy Virtue, Edge of Tomorrow, and A Christmas Carol.
Riley first appeared on Peaky Blinders in season 2 as May Fitz Carleton, a wealthy widow whom Tommy Shelby hires to help train his racehorse. Their relationship occasionally took a romantic turn. In real life, Riley is married to Tom Hardy, and both actors joined the series around the same period.
Sam Neill
With the show’s popularity growing in later seasons, some newer viewers may have missed its early episodes—and along with them, Sam Neill’s significant role. Neill is a celebrated actor, known for Jurassic Park, The Hunt for Red October, and the indie favorite Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
While many fans more recently recognized him from a cameo in Thor: Ragnarok, on Peaky Blinders he portrayed Chester Campbell, a police officer determined to bring down Thomas Shelby during the first two seasons. Campbell was also in love with Grace, who eventually married Tommy, adding further tension between the two men.
Sam Claflin
Peaky Blinders has showcased some of the finest English acting talent, including Sam Claflin. He first gained fame as Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games series and later impressed audiences in Me Before You, Adrift, and Enola Holmes.
Claflin joined the show in its fifth season as Sir Oswald Mosley, a character inspired by the real-life fascist politician. Mosley serves as an antagonist who manages to get the upper hand against Thomas Shelby, and he is poised to be the main villain in the upcoming final season.
Tommy Flanagan
Tommy Flanagan is another actor with an extensive filmography, though he rarely lands leading roles. He’s best known for playing Chibbs on Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C., and has also appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Gladiator.
On Peaky Blinders, Flanagan played a pivotal role as Arthur Shelby Sr., the patriarch of the Shelby family, who had a complicated and often strained relationship with his children. His character died before he could reappear in later seasons.
Aidan Gillen
Most viewers have come to associate Aidan Gillen with untrustworthy characters, thanks largely to his iconic role as Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish on Game of Thrones, whose schemes kept everyone on edge. He’s also appeared in The Dark Knight Rises, Queer as Folk, and The Wire.
However, Gillen subverted expectations on Peaky Blinders. His character, Aberama Gold, remained fiercely loyal to Thomas Shelby—even after the tragic death of his own son. A professional killer, Aberama also became Polly’s lover before meeting his end in one of the most recent episodes.
Kingsley Ben-Adir
When Kingsley Ben-Adir first appeared on Peaky Blinders, many viewers likely didn’t know him. He was primarily recognized for his stage work, a reputation that expanded after his acclaimed portrayal of Malcolm X in One Night in Miami.
Ben-Adir joined the show in season 4 as Ben Younger, a colonel tasked with investigating fascist and socialist politicians. He treated Ada Thorne with respect—being the only one not to watch her change—before the two began a romantic relationship that lasted until his character’s death.
Tom Hardy
The most famous actor to join Peaky Blinders after its early seasons is undoubtedly Tom Hardy. Following his breakout in Black Hawk Down, Hardy made a name for himself with standout performances in Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, later becoming a leading man in films like Bronson, Warrior, Venom, and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Hardy first appeared in season 2 as Alfred “Alfie” Solomons, the leader of a Jewish gang. His dynamic with Thomas Shelby constantly shifts between ally and adversary, making their scenes unpredictable and compelling. From his sharp line delivery to his explosive nature, Alfie quickly became one of the show’s most unforgettable characters.
Adrien Brody
It’s rare for a TV series to feature a guest star who’s an Academy Award winner for Best Actor, but Peaky Blinders managed just that with Adrien Brody. The Oscar winner, celebrated for his powerful performance in The Pianist, is also known for his roles in King Kong, Predators, and several Wes Anderson films.
Brody joined Peaky Blinders in season 4 as Luca Changretta, a New York mobster seeking revenge for his family’s deaths. Ruthless and relentless, he became one of the Shelby family’s most formidable enemies—responsible for John Shelby’s murder and nearly taking Arthur’s life as well.
