Joe Cole, widely recognized for his portrayal of John Shelby in Peaky Blinders, opened up about his personal journey during an interview on Friday, revealing that he identifies as being “somewhere” on the neurotypical spectrum.
Cole, who played the younger brother of Tommy Shelby from 2013 to 2017, spoke candidly about his struggles with maintaining focus on academic work, which stood in stark contrast to his passion for drama and theater.
After departing from Peaky Blinders before its final two seasons—right as the show’s popularity surged—Joe shifted his attention to leading roles and went on to win the British Independent Film Award for Best Actor in 2018.
Discussing his path to becoming an actor, Joe told, “I found it difficult to concentrate on coursework and the work needed for university, but drama and theater studies lit a fire in me, pushing me to pursue my passion.”
In addition to his role in Peaky Blinders, Joe has made notable appearances on The Bill, Holby City, and the cult classic series Skins.
Joe also paid a heartfelt tribute to his late Peaky Blinders co-star, Helen McCrory, who passed away from breast cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Helen, known for her iconic role as Aunt Polly, left an indelible mark on those around her, including Joe.
Reflecting on Helen’s impact, Joe said, “The people who burn the brightest in this world may be the ones taken too soon. It’s truly heartbreaking.”
He described her as someone who always kept people on their toes in the best way possible.
“She was incredible with my younger brother, Finn, who had his first acting role on Peaky Blinders. They were very close, and she left a lasting impression on the world.”
