Age of All 5 Shelby Siblings in Each Season of Peaky Blinders

Warning: This article contains major SPOILERS for Peaky Blinders Season 6.

Understanding the Ages of the Shelby Siblings in Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders, the acclaimed series spanning several decades of the 20th century, intricately weaves the complex relationships and developments of the Shelby family. Each season unfolds multiple years with significant time jumps, making it somewhat challenging for viewers to track the ages and evolution of the five main Shelby siblings. Initially set in 1919, the narrative progresses to 1934 by the end of Season 6.

The narrative structure necessitates these time leaps; many of Tommy Shelby’s (Cillian Murphy) intricate plans unfold over extended periods. This format not only aligns with historical developments—such as the aftermath of World War I and the rise of Oswald Mosley—but also enriches the storytelling by immersing viewers directly into pivotal moments. However, these jumps can make it difficult to ascertain the precise ages of the Shelby siblings throughout the series.

Arthur Shelby Jr.: Ages 32–47

Portrayed By: Paul Anderson

Age in Season 1: 32
Age in Season 2: 35
Age in Season 3: 37
Age in Season 4: 39
Age in Season 5: 42
Age in Season 6: 47
Paul Anderson Date of Birth: February 12, 1978

As the eldest of the Shelby siblings, Arthur (born in 1888) journeys through various personal challenges, particularly highlighted in his marriage to Linda (Kate Phillips) in Season 3. At the onset of Season 1, Arthur, then 32, exhibited childlike impulsivity, complicating his role within the family dynamic. His age not only reflects personal growth throughout the seasons but also underscores a struggle with addiction that he confronts as he matures.

It’s worth noting that Paul Anderson is nearly two years older than Cillian Murphy, despite portraying the older brother role. Arthur’s character, marked by a harder lifestyle influenced by drug use, presents a more rugged appearance as the series progresses, leading to a stark contrast with the visibly aged Tommy by Season 6.

Thomas “Tommy”Shelby: Ages 29–44

Portrayed By: Cillian Murphy

Age in Season 1: 29
Age in Season 2: 32
Age in Season 3: 34
Age in Season 4: 36
Age in Season 5: 39
Age in Season 6: 44
Cillian Murphy Date of Birth: May 25, 1976

Born in 1890, Tommy Shelby’s transformation throughout the series is profound. In Season 1, he appears youthful and eager at 29, but by Season 6, at 44, he shows signs of wear: gray hair and glasses, marking the toll of leadership, family responsibilities, and trauma from World War I. Tommy’s early struggles with PTSD evolve into more complex character dynamics as he shifts from high-risk gambles to protective strategies for his family.

Ada Thorne: Ages 26–41

Portrayed By: Sophie Rundle

Age in Season 1: 26
Age in Season 2: 29
Age in Season 3: 31
Age in Season 4: 33
Age in Season 5: 36
Age in Season 6: 41
Sophie Rundle Date of Birth: April 21, 1988

Ada, the only sister in the Shelby family, was born in 1893. She enters the series journeying into adulthood amid significant family dynamics, marrying Freddy Thorne and later giving birth to two children. Unlike her brothers, Ada demonstrates a keen moral compass and eventually rises to a leadership role within the Shelby Company Limited, reflecting her growth and capability as a matriarch in Season 6.

John Shelby: Ages 24–30

Portrayed By: Joe Cole

Age in Season 1: 24
Age in Season 2: 27
Age in Season 3: 29
Age in Season 4: 30
Joe Cole Date of Birth: November 28, 1988

John Shelby, the youngest sibling born in 1895, faces substantial adult responsibilities early on. By 24, he is already a father of four. John’s life tragically ends at 30 during a violent altercation, marking a pivotal moment in the series and significantly impacting his family’s trajectory.

Finn Shelby: Ages 11–26

Portrayed By: Harry Kirton, Alfie Evans-Meese

Age in Season 1: 11
Age in Season 2: 14
Age in Season 3: 16
Age in Season 4: 18
Age in Season 5: 21
Age in Season 6: 26
Alfie Evans-Meese Date of Birth: Unknown
Harry Kirton Date of Birth: July 17, 1998

Born in 1908, Finn Shelby represents a generational gap within the family. His entrance into the storyline is characterized by youthful naivety, as demonstrated in Season 1. Over his development, Finn’s trusted status shifts, highlighting tensions around responsibility and maturity as he evolves into a 26-year-old by Season 6.

The Shelby Family Tree

The Shelby Family Tree
Arthur Shelby Sr.	Polly Gray
Arthur Shelby Jr.	Tommy Shelby	John Shelby	Ada Thorne	Finn Shelby	Michael Gray	Anna Gray
Billy Shelby	Erasmus “Duke”Shelby	Charles Shelby	Ruby Shelby	Katie Shelby	Six unnamed children	Karl Thorne	Elizabeth Younger	None	Laurence Gray	None

The dynamic growth of the Shelby siblings encapsulates a rich narrative filled with tension, loyalty, and the struggle for control within their enterprise and family bonds. This evolution resonates through their ages and character arcs, making Peaky Blinders a compelling exploration of the impacts of time and choices in a fluctuating historical landscape.

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