Get Ready to Be Surprised! 5 Actors You Probably Forgot Appeared in Peaky Blinders—You Won’t Want to Miss This!

Peaky Blinders has been celebrated for its intense drama, captivating storylines, and unforgettable characters. But amid all the chaos, some big-name actors have graced the screen without many viewers realizing—or remembering! From Oscar winners to fan-favorite performers, here are five actors you probably forgot made an appearance in this gritty Birmingham-set series.

1. Tom Hardy – Alfie Solomons

While many remember Tom Hardy’s charismatic and unpredictable portrayal of Alfie Solomons, it’s easy to forget just how different Hardy’s role is from his typical Hollywood fare. Hardy, known for his roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight Rises, took a sharp turn in Peaky Blinders. As a Jewish gangster with razor-sharp wit and ruthless tendencies, Alfie remains one of the show’s most dynamic and beloved characters. Hardy’s performance is a masterclass in blending humor with menace, and it’s no surprise fans were delighted to see him return in later seasons.

2. Adrien Brody – Luca Changretta

Oscar-winner Adrien Brody, known for his role in The Pianist, took a detour into villainy as Luca Changretta in Peaky Blinders. The Italian-American mob boss with a vendetta against the Shelby family dominated the fourth season with his brooding presence and relentless pursuit of revenge. Brody’s transformation into this dark, intense character was so seamless that many might not have recognized the Academy Award-winning actor at first glance.

3. Anya Taylor-Joy – Gina Gray

Before The Queen’s Gambit catapulted Anya Taylor-Joy into international fame, she made a notable appearance in Peaky Blinders as Gina Gray, the cunning and ambitious American wife of Michael Gray. Taylor-Joy’s chilling portrayal of a character who always seems to have an ulterior motive was a standout in the series. Her role added new layers of tension to the Shelby family’s internal struggles in the fifth and sixth seasons, but it’s easy to overlook her Peaky Blinders stint among her growing list of star-making roles.

4. Aidan Gillen – Aberama Gold

Best known for playing Petyr Baelish, aka Littlefinger, in Game of Thrones, Aidan Gillen brought the same magnetic energy to Peaky Blinders as Aberama Gold, a Romani hitman hired by the Shelby family. Gillen’s portrayal of the fierce and calculating Aberama added a new layer of complexity to the Shelby family’s growing empire. Though his time on the show was impactful, many fans may have overlooked his appearance, especially with the extensive cast of characters Peaky Blinders is known for.

5. Sam Neill – Inspector Campbell

Some may have forgotten that Jurassic Park legend Sam Neill played one of the earliest antagonists of the series—Inspector Chester Campbell. Tasked with bringing down Tommy Shelby and his gang, Neill’s Inspector Campbell was a relentless force in the first two seasons. His role as a morally complex lawman who descends into corruption was pivotal to setting the tone of the show. Neill’s powerful performance as a villain clashing with Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby left a lasting impression, even if it’s not always the first name fans recall.

Wrapping It Up

While Peaky Blinders has seen many iconic faces over its six seasons, these actors made some of the most unforgettable appearances. Whether playing villains, allies, or somewhere in between, these performances are worth revisiting. So, if you haven’t binge-watched Peaky Blinders in a while, now’s the perfect time to rediscover these star-studded cameos!