Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders: Thomas Shelby's Signature Look

Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Thomas Shelby in the acclaimed period crime drama Peaky Blinders stands as a defining milestone in his extensive career. Starring as the formidable Birmingham gang leader for all six seasons, Murphy anchored the production from its premiere in 2013 through to the series finale in 2022. The Irish actor, who also works as a screenwriter, composer, voice actor, musician, and stage actor, channeled his diverse artistic background into an incredibly intense performance. Born in Douglas, County Cork, the 50-year-old actor (as of 2026) brought a haunting depth to the complex patriarch of the Shelby family. Over the show's nearly decade-long television run, the character's distinct aesthetic transcended the screen, evolving into a massive cultural phenomenon that heavily influenced modern men's fashion, tailoring, and grooming trends worldwide.

A central pillar of this cultural impact was the signature Peaky Blinders haircut. The style is specifically defined as a variation of the disconnected undercut. This striking look is characterized by aggressively shaved sides and a closely cropped back, which starkly contrasts with the longer, heavily textured hair left on top of the head. Interestingly, despite the show's meticulous attention to period set design, this iconic hairstyle was not historically accurate to the actual 1920s era in which the early seasons are set. Instead, it was a deliberate, calculated stylistic choice made by the series' creators. They intended to give the Shelby family a more modern, edgy, and rebellious appearance that would immediately resonate with contemporary audiences. While the exact hair products utilized by the on-set grooming team to achieve Murphy's precise texture remain an unknown detail, the visual weight of the disconnected undercut became entirely inseparable from the Thomas Shelby persona.

Beyond the famous hairstyle, Cillian Murphy's eyes served as a crucial cinematic tool in shaping Thomas Shelby's intimidating, yet deeply magnetic screen presence. Frequently described by critics and fans alike as "ice blue" or "piercing blue," his natural eye color became a primary focal point of the show's visual storytelling. Cinematographers working on Peaky Blinders consistently utilized extreme close-up shots to highlight Murphy's striking features. By focusing tightly on his eyes, the directors were able to convey the character's rapid internal calculations, hidden vulnerabilities, and simmering emotional turmoil without relying heavily on dialogue. This deliberate framing maximized the quiet intensity of his performance. It is important to note that this striking feature is entirely natural; the piercing blue hue is not the result of colored contact lenses, but rather a physical trait expertly captured by the camera to cement the visual legacy of the role.

The combination of the disconnected undercut and the piercing blue eyes created a visual shorthand for Thomas Shelby's character—a man who is both brutally calculating and deeply traumatized. Murphy's ability to hold the camera's gaze, paired with the severe, sharp lines of his haircut, perfectly mirrored the harsh realities of the criminal underworld depicted in the series. This distinct combination of physical traits and styling choices not only defined the character's on-screen identity but also solidified Cillian Murphy's status as a global television icon during the show's celebrated nine-year broadcast history.