Bad news for Peaky Blinders fans. Actor Paul Anderson, known for playing the role of Arthur Shelby, is once again making headlines for his connection to drugs. The actor has reappeared completely unrecognizable on the streets of London just a few weeks after being tried and convicted of drug use and possession. This is demonstrated by some images collected by the New York Post.
Peaky Blinders is one of the most successful series of recent times. The British historical drama production, starring Cillian Murphy, gained a large number of fans. That is why most of them have great affection for the characters and the actors who played them. That is why many are now very concerned about the health of Paul Anderson, who has recently been known to consume narcotic substances.
It was the Daily Mail that brought to light the news of the actor's conviction. The judged events occurred on December 26, 2023, in a pub in Hampstead, northwest of London. A customer complained that the bathroom smelled like crack cocaine smoke after Anderson, 48, came out of it. After this notice, the police were notified. Authorities found Anderson "drunk", accompanied by a young man and a 17-month-old baby, according to Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.
After this incident, the actor was taken to the police station, where the agents found crack, cocaine and a brown powder wrapper that turned out to be amphetamines. In addition, diazepam and pregabalin were added to all this, as revealed by the prosecutor, Kevin Kendridge. Finally, following the judge's verdict, the actor pleaded guilty to all four drug-related charges. The interpreter of other films such as Robin Hood and Legend was fined a total of 1,573 euros.
For her part, his lawyer, Moira MacFarlane, explained that everything happened when a group of fans of the series recognized Paul, who could not resist taking on the role of Arthur Shelby. It should be remembered that the character played by the actor had problems with drugs, consuming large quantities. "He is often recognized and does everything he can to please the fans of the series by getting into character. He was recognized that day and tried to play the role for these people. And because of the lifestyle he leads, people often gives him incentives," the lawyer said at the time.
Recently, the actor has been seen on the streets of London in a very poor pose, crestfallen and with two jackets covering him. In an interview for the BBC, granted some time ago, Anderson claimed to be comfortable with his role as Arthur. "They are the most interesting roles to play: violent, brutal, dark characters. There is a lot of room because you can do obvious and brutal things, but then you can play different layers with a violent man," he said.
"There is a reason for that type of behavior and mentality. The men were tough men and if they weren't, they were left behind. It was a pleasure to play Arthur Shelby. Much better than playing the good guy," he said then. Now, many fans of the plot regret that he is involved in the world of drugs. "I hope he gets the help he needs," said a fan of the production on X, formerly Twitter.
