Peaky Blinders fans know the feeling: you watch Tommy Shelby stride through the smoky streets of Birmingham, and you can’t help wondering — was this man real? While Cillian Murphy’s portrayal made Tommy a cultural icon, the character himself is entirely fictional, as entertainment news site ScreenRant notes. In this article, we separate the fiction from the historical facts, tracing the Irish Romani roots of the Shelby family and the real gang that inspired the series. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s true and what’s myth.
Character name: Thomas Michael Shelby ·
Portrayed by: Cillian Murphy ·
TV series: Peaky
Related stories
James HollowayStaff Writer
James Holloway covers culture, lifestyle and society for MorningTimes.uk.