Who played the role of Michael in Peaky Blinders? Star's career and notable projects, explored 

A part of Steven Knight's period crime series Peaky Blinders' success lies with its A-list cast, including Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory, Sam Neill, Joe Cole, Tom Hardy, and many other actors who were introduced in the subsequent seasons.

While a majority of these actors were already well-established for their primary British audience, Michael Gray's actor was surely a revelation. Very few would believe this, but English actor Finn Cole, who plays Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders, made his small-screen debut in the crime series. Thanks to his elder brother, Joe Cole's (John Shelby) guidance, Finn Cole earned this part.

The actor proved his caliber with his small-screen debut in Peaky Blinders Season 2, where he was introduced as Aunt Polly's biological son, Michael Gray. While Michael was forcefully taken away from his mother in childhood and grew up with another family, Tommy reunited him with his mother and introduced him to the Shelby family.

Throughout five seasons of Knight's crime saga, Michael transformed into a major antagonist, even threatening to overtake Tommy's throne in the Shelby business.

More on Finn Cole's career in our story.

What other projects has Peaky Blinders star Finn Cole done in his career so far?

Finn Cole perfectly portrayed Polly's once-timid son, Michael Gray, who eventually became a secondary antagonist in the show's Seasons 5 and 6. His debut project eventually became his breakthrough role, paving the way for his future success.

After Peaky Blinders, Cole starred as Joshua "J" Cody in Netflix's crime drama series Animal Kingdom. His character moves in with his Uncle Cody's criminal family, following his mother's sudden death. In addition, Finn Cole has also starred in BBC One's 2015 British TV film An Inspector Calls, alongside his Peaky Blinders co-star Sophie Rundle (Ada Thorne). Rounding up his small screen roles is the 2015 ITV detective drama series Lewis, where Cole played the role of Ollie Tedman.

Finn Cole's Peaky Blinders role also paved the way for big-screen projects, including the 2018 British comedy horror film Slaughterhouse Rulez, where Cole starred alongside Asa Butterfield. Some of his other films include Dreamland, Here Are the Young Men, and Locked In.

In addition, Finn Cole also played the role of young Jakob (John Cena) in Justin Lin's 2021 action film Fast & Furious 9. Recently, Cole appeared in Alex Parkinson's 2025 survival thriller film Last Breath, alongside Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Cliff Curtis.

Finn Cole breaks down his inspiration for Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders

Finn Cole had a huge task of transforming into the mighty Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders, alongside Hollywood A-listers like Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy.

Discussing the preparation for his role, the actor revealed in an interview with The Gentleman's Journal:

"From day one when I first read the scenes, it was clear to me what I wanted to do. My influences were the Godfather and stories about [Colombian drug lord Pablo] Escobar. Although they’re terrible human beings, they are quite incredible. I’ve always been fascinated by that power and how someone gets it. Not that I could ever do it in real life."

He added:

''[Playing Michael Gray] was quite challenging...It is difficult to go toe-to-toe with those characters. But Tom and Cillian are such great guys and such talented actors. From a young age, even before I thought I could be an actor, I watched their movies and looked up to them. I still do, so that experience was amazing. I’m still on a high."

While the Shelby crime saga will return with The Immortal Man film, Cole will not return, as his character was killed in the series finale by Tommy Shelby.

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