Stephen Graham

Stephen Graham isn't just an actor; he's a chameleonic force, disappearing into every role with an intensity that captivates audiences worldwide. From gritty dramas to blockbuster spectacles, his journey from working-class Liverpool to global acclaim is a testament to raw talent and relentless dedication. Prepare to delve into the remarkable career of a performer whose impact extends far beyond the screen.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

Graham's breakthrough in "This Is England" cemented his reputation for powerful, emotionally charged performances.
His exceptional versatility, including masterful accent work, allows him to portray an incredibly diverse range of characters across film and television.
Beyond his acting prowess, Graham is a respected producer and a voice for social causes, actively shaping impactful stories.

The Man Behind the Many Faces

Stephen Graham, born in Kirkby, Lancashire in 1973, is a celebrated English actor, producer, and screenwriter. Over decades, he has become renowned for his distinctive, often intense, performances across a vast array of films and television series, earning him numerous accolades and a loyal following.

Roots in Kirkby

Raised by his white English social worker mother and his stepfather—a mechanic who later became a pediatric nurse—Stephen's upbringing was marked by a unique family tapestry. His biological father, whom he maintained a good relationship with, had dual Swedish and Jamaican heritage, adding to the rich background that shaped his early life.

His acting journey began remarkably early. At just eight years old, a local actor, Andrew Schofield, encouraged him after seeing Stephen perform as Jim Hawkins in a school production of 'Treasure Island.' This early spark led him to Liverpool's Everyman Theatre by age 14, even performing at the Edinburgh Festival.

Forging His Craft

Stephen continued to hone his skills at the prestigious Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance in London. It was here that he met fellow actor Hannah Walters, who would later become his wife and producing partner. He immersed himself in acting techniques, studying the influential works of Stanislavski and Uta Hagen.

Despite his success, Graham has openly spoken about his struggles with depression, revealing a suicide attempt in his early twenties. He attributes this breakdown to unaddressed trauma, including the loss of his grandmother and his mother's stillbirth of his baby brother. His candidness has made him a powerful advocate for mental health awareness.

Adding to his unique approach, Stephen also lives with dyslexia. His wife, Hannah, plays a crucial role in his career, reading scripts to him and helping him decide which roles to take on. This partnership highlights the profound connection and mutual support at the heart of their lives and work.

Early Cinematic Impact

Graham's career truly took off in 1990, quickly landing roles that showcased his raw talent. Audiences might recall his memorable performances as Tommy in Guy Ritchie's gritty crime caper 'Snatch' (2000) and the intense Shang in Martin Scorsese's historical epic 'Gangs of New York' (2002).

The Breakthrough: 'This Is England'

However, it was his powerful portrayal of Andrew 'Combo' Gascoigne in Shane Meadows' 2006 film 'This Is England' that served as his true breakthrough role. The film, a visceral exploration of youth culture and racial tension, earned him a British Independent Film Award nomination and left an indelible mark on audiences.

Stephen reprised the iconic role of Combo in a critically acclaimed television sequel series: 'This Is England '86,' 'This Is England '88,' and 'This Is England '90.' These extensions allowed for an even deeper, more nuanced exploration of the character and the societal issues at play.

A Television Powerhouse

On the small screen, Graham's versatility has shone brightly. He delivered a chilling portrayal of the legendary mobster Al Capone in the HBO series 'Boardwalk Empire' (2010–2014), a role that garnered him and the ensemble two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

His television résumé is a masterclass in range, including turns as the formidable John Corbett in 'Line of Duty' (2019), the emotionally charged Eric McNally in the BBC drama 'Time' (2021), and the enigmatic Hayden Stagg in the final series of 'Peaky Blinders' (2022). Each role further solidified his reputation as an actor capable of immense depth.

Despite his celebrated accent work, Graham faced a rare critique for his Welsh accent as DCI 'Taff' Jones in 'White House Farm' (2020). This momentary stumble only highlighted his commitment to fully embodying his characters, even when attempting challenging linguistic transformations.

Pirates and Blockbusters

Graham also found himself in the fantastical world of Hollywood blockbusters, appearing as the character Scrum in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' (2011) and reprising the role in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' (2017). His wife, Hannah Walters, even joined him on screen in the latter.

His presence in major films continued with a role alongside acting legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman' (2019), and as Patrick Mulligan in the 'Venom' franchise, starring in 'Let There Be Carnage' (2021) and 'The Last Dance' (2024).

The 'Boiling Point' Phenomenon

In 2021, Graham starred in the critically acclaimed one-shot film 'Boiling Point,' playing Andy Jones, a troubled chef on a chaotic night. This intense, real-time drama—which he also executive produced—earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor and was later expanded into a powerful BBC One series.

Matriarch Productions: A Family Affair

In 2020, Stephen and his wife, Hannah Walters, co-founded Matriarch Productions. This company isn't just a business venture; it's a creative hub dedicated to bringing authentic, compelling stories to life, recently securing a first-look deal with Disney+ in 2026, marking a significant step in their influence behind the camera.

'Adolescence' and Social Impact

Graham further showcased his multi-hyphenate talent by creating, co-writing, and executive producing the 2025 Netflix miniseries 'Adolescence,' in which he also starred. The series, praised for its raw depiction of a challenging subject, swept all three of its nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Beyond its critical acclaim, 'Adolescence' sparked vital national conversations around violence, incel culture, and online safety. The series became a powerful educational tool, made available free for schools and even leading to parliamentary discussions at Downing Street with political leaders.

Surprising Musical Appearances

Adding another intriguing dimension to his career, Stephen has appeared in several notable music videos, demonstrating his willingness to explore diverse creative outlets.

Year	Artist	Title
1999	Travis	Turn
2006	Arctic Monkeys	When the Sun Goes Down
2007	Arctic Monkeys	Fluorescent Adolescent
2010	Babybird	Unloveable (directed by Johnny Depp)
2017	Kasabian	You're in Love with a Psycho
2021	Sam Fender	Spit of You

Honours and Philanthropy

For his extensive services to drama, Stephen Graham was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours, an award he deeply dedicated to his mother, who had passed away in 2022. This prestigious recognition underscores his profound contribution to the arts.

Beyond his professional achievements, Graham is a devoted husband and father, living in Ibstock, Leicestershire, with Hannah and their two children, Alfie and Grace. He's also a lifelong supporter of Liverpool FC and has backed an arts program dedicated to supporting the mental health of disadvantaged young people.

Article

Recognition

Stephen Graham

Graham was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to drama, which he dedicated to his mother, who died in 2022.

Stephen Graham (born 3 August 1973) is an English actor, producer, and screenwriter. He has received nominations for seven British Academy Television Awards and one British Academy Film Award; has won three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award among other accolades.

Graham began his career in 1990, with early notable roles in Snatch) (2000) and Gangs of New York (2002), before his breakthrough role as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne in the film This Is England (2006). His film appearances include Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) (2011), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), Rocketman) (2019), The Irishman (2019), Boiling Point) (2021) and its sequel series of the same name) (2023), and Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) and its sequel Venom: The Last Dance (2024).

On television, Graham reprised his role as Combo in This Is England '86, This Is England '88, and This Is England '90. He also starred in the drama Little Boy Blue); the fifth series of Line of Duty; HBO series Boardwalk Empire; BBC drama Time); and the sixth series of Peaky Blinders). He created, co-wrote and executive produced the miniseries Adolescence) (2025) on Netflix, in which he also appeared, and won all of three nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards for it. He also starred in A Thousand Blows, (2025) created by Peaky Blinders Steven Knight.

For services to drama, Graham was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours.

In 2020, Graham co-founded the production company Matriarch Productions with his wife and fellow actor, Hannah Walters.

Early life and education

Stephen Graham

Graham attended Overdale Primary School in Kirkby, where he was encouraged to pursue an acting career at the age of eight by local actor Andrew Schofield), who lived across the road from him and went to see him perform as Jim Hawkins) in a school production of Treasure Island. He then continued his education at Ruffwood School. Aged 14, he was introduced to Liverpool's Everyman Theatre, and he travelled to a range of locations to perform, including at the Edinburgh Festival. He was part of a breakdancing crew called "The Bronx Breakers".

After his brother, Nathan, was born, Graham went to train at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance in Bexley, London. There he met actor, and future wife and collaborator, Hannah Walters. He then moved to Plumstead, South East London. He began learning about acting and was introduced to the work of Stanislavski and Uta Hagen.

Career

Stephen Graham

Graham has played notable roles across both film and television. Graham has often portrayed characters from different parts of Britain, Ireland, and America, receiving praise for his accent work.

In November 2019, Graham was the guest for BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. He said he loves improvisation.

Graham is currently represented by Jan Epstein at Independent Talent Group (UK); ICM Partners and Link Enterainment (US).

Beginnings (1990–2006)

Graham began his career in 1990, with early notable roles including Tommy in Snatch) (2000), Myron "Mike" Ranney in Band of Brothers) (2001), and Shang in Gangs of New York (2002).

This is England (2006) and series (2010–2015)

Graham's breakout role was playing Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne in Shane Meadow's film This Is England (2006). He received a nomination for a British Independent Film Award for the role. He reprised his role as Combo on television in This Is England '86 (2010), This Is England '88 (2011), and This Is England '90 (2015).

Television

!Graham in 2013

Graham has starred in further television roles including: as Det. Supt. Dave Kelly in the 2017 drama Little Boy Blue); John Corbett in the fifth series of Line of Duty (2019); Al Capone in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014); Eric McNally in the BBC drama Time) (2021); and Hayden Stagg in the sixth series of Peaky Blinders) (2022).

In 2011, Graham starred in the BBC Christmas show Lapland. When the series was remade as Being Eileen, Graham's role was recast with Dean Andrews.

In 2019, Graham featured as DS John Corbett in series 5 of the BBC drama Line of Duty.

In January 2020, he appeared in the ITV series White House Farm) as Welsh detective "Taff" Jones. Despite his reputation for his ability to adopt different accents, a number of critics criticised his performance and stated that his Welsh accent was inauthentic.

Film

Graham appeared as the Scrum in the 2011 film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, a role he reprised in the 2017 film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, starring alongside his wife Hannah Walters.

Other film roles include Anthony Provenzano, alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, in The Irishman (2019) and Patrick Mulligan) in Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) and its sequel Venom: The Last Dance (2024).

Music videos

Graham has appeared in several music videos including those for:

• "I Remember)" by Deadmau5 and Kaskade • "Fluorescent Adolescent" and "When the Sun Goes Down)" by Arctic Monkeys • "Unlovable" by Babybird (directed by Johnny Depp) • Gazelle's single "Finger on the Trigger" • "Soul Vampire" by Macclesfield-based neo-psychedelic band the Virginmarys • "Turn)" by Travis) • Kasabian's video "You're in Love with a Psycho" • Goldie's "I Adore You" (2017), as an inmate within the open prison system • Sam Fender's "Spit of You)", in which he plays Fender's father. This was also produced by his production company Matriarch Productions.

He also appeared in "CODnapped", a promotional video for a DLC of the video game Call of Duty: Ghosts.

Matriarch Productions

In 2020 he co-founded the production company Matriarch Productions with his wife, Hannah Walters. In 2026, Disney+ signed a first look deal with the company.

Boiling Point (2019–2023)

In 2021, he played Andy Jones, a troubled chef, alongside his wife Hannah Walters in the film Boiling Point), directed by his Band of Brothers co-star Philip Barantini. A one-shot film set in a restaurant kitchen, the film was expanded from a 2019 short film of the same name. The film depicts a stressful night in a restaurant, where Graham's character covertly drinks and takes drugs until he collapses at the end of the film, in what appears to be a heart attack. Graham was nominated for a BAFTA for the feature film.

In October 2022, it was announced that Graham would reprise his role in a BBC One series airing in 2023 as a sequel to the film, also named Boiling Point). The series picks up six months after the film, where Andy's sous chef Carly is now head chef of her own restaurant, with many of Andy's original team. The Guardian said of the series that "it is a shame that Andy is a smaller part of this story, because it means that when the magnificent Graham does appear on-screen, you realise just how good he is."

Adolescence (2025)

In 2025, he created, co-wrote and executive produced the miniseries Adolescence) on Netflix, in which he also appeared. Graham plays Eddie Miller, father of 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) who is accused of murdering a young girl.

The series was widely praised by critics and he won all of three nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards for it.

The series also started national conversations around violence, incel culture and online safety. Co-writer of the show, Jack Thorne, attended Downing Street to talk with prime minister Kier Starmer and culture secretary Lisa Nandy. Graham and Thorne also accepted an invite to a parliamentary meeting on the subject of online safety by Labour MP Josh MacAlister. The series has been made available free of charge for schools to use as a learning tool.

A Thousand Blows (2025–2026)

Graham also appeared in the British historical drama series A Thousand Blows.

Recognition

Stephen Graham

Graham was nominated for an RTS Award for his work in The Street), and for a British Independent Film Award for his work in This Is England. He has received nominations for five British Academy Television Awards and two British Academy Film Awards. He was made an OBE in 2023.

Personal life

Stephen Graham

Graham met actress and producer Hannah Walters while both training as actors at Rose Bruford College. After a five-year friendship, the started a relationship. They married in 2008. They live in Ibstock, Leicestershire, having previously lived in Beckenham, London. They have a son, Alfie, and a daughter, Grace, together.

Graham has dyslexia, explaining in 2019 that Walters reads scripts for him and helps him decide whether to accept a role.

Graham has shared openly that he struggled with depression, revealing that he once tried to hang himself in his early 20s, but survived because the rope snapped. He had a breakdown when he first moved away from home; he said this was because of trauma he had not dealt with, including his grandmother's death aged 14 and his mother's stillbirth of baby Kieran when he was 17.

He is teetotal. Graham and Walters have backed a new three-year arts programme that aims to support the mental health and well-being of disadvantaged young people in Leicester.

Graham is a lifelong supporter of Liverpool FC and has made several appearances on Sky Sports's Soccer AM. In December 2024, he faced an FA investigation after verbally abusing a referee at a non-league football match.

Filmography

Film

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1990</td><td>Dancin' Thru the Dark</td><td>Football Kid</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1991</td><td>Blonde Fist</td><td>Son</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1997</td><td>Downtime</td><td>Jacko</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>Joint Venture</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2000</td><td>Snatch</td><td>Tommy</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Blow Dry</td><td>Photographer</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Last Minute</td><td>DJ Banana</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Revengers Tragedy</td><td>Officer</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gangs of New York</td><td>Shang</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>American Cousins</td><td>Henry</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Without You</td><td>Billy</td><td>Short film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2004</td><td>The I Inside</td><td>Travis</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>Pit Fighter</td><td>Harry</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goal!</td><td>Des</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2006</td><td>Scummy Man</td><td>George</td><td>Short film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>This Is England</td><td>Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2007</td><td>The Good Night</td><td>Victor</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2008</td><td>Filth and Wisdom</td><td>Harry Beecham</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Crew</td><td>Franner</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Inkheart</td><td>Fulvio</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>The Devil's Wedding</td><td>The Hotelier</td><td>Short film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Awaydays</td><td>Godden</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Damned United</td><td>Billy Bremner</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Doghouse</td><td>Vince</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Public Enemies</td><td>Baby Face Nelson</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>London Boulevard</td><td>Danny</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>Season of the Witch</td><td>Hagamar</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides</td><td>Scrum</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Texas Killing Fields</td><td>Rhino</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy</td><td>Jerry Westerby</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Being Eileen</td><td>Pete Lewis</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>Best Laid Plans</td><td>Danny</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Blood</td><td>Chrissie Fairburn</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>Get Santa</td><td>Barber</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hyena</td><td>David Knight</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>A Patch of Fog</td><td>Robert Green</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Orthodox</td><td>Benjamin</td><td>Also executive producer</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales</td><td>Scrum</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool</td><td>Joe Turner Jr.</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Journey's End</td><td>Trotter</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Funny Cow</td><td>Mike</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Being Keegan</td><td>Jay</td><td>Short film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Man with the Iron Heart</td><td>Heinrich Himmler</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>Yardie</td><td>Rico</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Walk like a Panther</td><td>Mark Bolton</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>Hellboy</td><td>Gruagach (Voice)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rocketman</td><td>Dick James</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Irishman</td><td>Anthony "Tony Pro" Provenzano</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Boiling Point</td><td>Chef</td><td>Short film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pop</td><td>Pop</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>Greyhound</td><td>Lieutenant Commander Charlie Cole</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>Venom: Let There Be Carnage</td><td>Patrick Mulligan</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Boiling Point</td><td>Andy Jones</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>Matilda the Musical</td><td>Mr Wormwood</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>Young Woman and the Sea</td><td>Bill Burgess</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Buffalo Kids</td><td>Uncle Niall (Voice – English dub)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness</td><td>Léopold Zborowski</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Venom: The Last Dance</td><td>Patrick Mulligan</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Blitz</td><td>Albert</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>Good Boy</td><td>Chris</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere</td><td>Douglas Springsteen</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>Animol</td><td>Claypole</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man</td><td>Hayden Stagg</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TBA</td><td>Bunker †</td><td>TBA</td><td>Completed</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Greyhound 2 †</td><td>Lieutenant Commander Charlie Cole</td><td>Filming</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Television

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Channel</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1990</td><td>Children's Ward</td><td></td><td>Mickey Bell</td><td>2 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Heartbeat</td><td></td><td>Barry Ward</td><td>Episode: "Riders of the Storm"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>Devil's Food</td><td></td><td>WPKV News Director</td><td>Television film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1997</td><td>The Lakes</td><td></td><td>Graham</td><td>Episode #1.1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>Brothers and Sisters</td><td></td><td>Andrew</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Where the Heart Is</td><td></td><td>Nick Bowen</td><td>Episode: "Darkness Follows"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Liverpool 1</td><td></td><td>Thewlis</td><td>2 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Jump</td><td></td><td>Peter McNulty</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1998–2002</td><td>The Bill</td><td></td><td>Jezzo / Jason Barrett</td><td>3 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>Coronation Street</td><td></td><td>Lee Sankey</td><td>5 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2000</td><td>Forgive and Forget</td><td></td><td>John</td><td>Television film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Band of Brothers</td><td></td><td>Sgt. Myron "Mike" Ranney</td><td>2 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Flesh and Blood</td><td></td><td>Eddie</td><td>Television film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2004</td><td>Top Buzzer</td><td></td><td>Lee</td><td>10 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>Murder Investigation Team</td><td></td><td>Jason Phelps</td><td>Episode 2.3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Last Rights</td><td></td><td>Steve</td><td>Miniseries</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Empire</td><td></td><td>Bazzer</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2006–2007</td><td>The Innocence Project</td><td></td><td>Andrew Lucas</td><td>6 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2008</td><td>The Passion</td><td></td><td>Barabbas</td><td>3 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Occupation</td><td></td><td>Danny Ferguson</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Street</td><td></td><td>Shay Ryan</td><td>2 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>This Is England '86</td><td></td><td>Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne</td><td>2 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2010–2014</td><td>Boardwalk Empire</td><td></td><td>Al Capone</td><td>36 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>This Is England '88</td><td></td><td>Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne</td><td>2 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Walk like a Panther</td><td></td><td>Mark Bolton</td><td>Episode 1.1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>Accused</td><td></td><td>Tony</td><td>Episode: "Tracie's Story"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Parade's End</td><td></td><td>Vincent Macmaster</td><td>5 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Good Cop</td><td></td><td>Noel Finch</td><td>1 episode</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>Playhouse Presents</td><td></td><td>Len</td><td>Episode: "The Call Out"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>This Is England '90</td><td></td><td>Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne</td><td>3 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>The Secret Agent</td><td></td><td>Chief Inspector Heat</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Watchman</td><td></td><td>Carl</td><td>Television film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>Decline and Fall</td><td></td><td>Philbrick</td><td>3 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Taboo</td><td></td><td>Atticus</td><td>8 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Little Boy Blue</td><td></td><td>Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly</td><td>4 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>Action Team</td><td></td><td>Gavril</td><td>Episode: "Mind Games"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2018–2020</td><td>Save Me</td><td></td><td>Fabio "Melon" Melonzola</td><td>Main role</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>Line of Duty</td><td></td><td>John Corbett</td><td>Series 5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Virtues</td><td></td><td>Joseph</td><td>4 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>A Christmas Carol</td><td></td><td>Jacob Marley</td><td>Miniseries</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>White House Farm</td><td></td><td>DCI Taff Jones</td><td>6 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2020–2022</td><td>Code 404</td><td></td><td>DI Roy Carver</td><td>Main role</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>Time</td><td></td><td>Eric McNally</td><td>Series 1; main role</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The North Water</td><td></td><td>Captain Brownlee</td><td>Miniseries</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Help</td><td></td><td>Tony</td><td>Television film</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>Peaky Blinders</td><td></td><td>Hayden Stagg</td><td>Series 6; 2 episodes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Walk-In</td><td></td><td>Matthew Collins</td><td>Main role</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>Boiling Point</td><td></td><td>Andy Jones</td><td>Miniseries</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bodies</td><td>Netflix</td><td>Elias Mannix</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>Adolescence</td><td></td><td>Eddie Miller</td><td>Also co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2025–2026</td><td>A Thousand Blows</td><td></td><td>Sugar Goodson</td><td>Also executive producer</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Music videos

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Artist</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1999</td><td>"Turn"</td><td>Travis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2006</td><td>"When the Sun Goes Down"</td><td>Arctic Monkeys</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2007</td><td>"Fluorescent Adolescent"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2008</td><td>"I Remember"</td><td>Deadmau5 ft. Kaskade</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>"Soul Vampire"</td><td>The Virginmarys</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>"Unloveable"</td><td>Babybird</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>"You're in Love with a Psycho"</td><td>Kasabian</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>"I Adore You"</td><td>Goldie</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>"Wandering Star"</td><td>Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>"Spit of You"</td><td>Sam Fender</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Awards and nominations

Stephen Graham

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Award</th><th>Category</th><th>Work</th><th>Result</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2006</td><td>British Independent Film Award</td><td>Best Supporting Actor</td><td>This Is England</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>RTS Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>The Street</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Screen Actors Guild Award</td><td>Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series</td><td>Boardwalk Empire</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>British Academy Television Awards</td><td>Best Supporting Actor</td><td>Accused (Tracie's Story)</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Screen Actors Guild Award</td><td>Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series</td><td>Boardwalk Empire</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>British Academy Television Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>This Is England '90</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>RTS Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Little Boy Blue</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International Film Festival of Wales</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Being Keegan</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>British Academy Television Awards</td><td>Best Supporting Actor</td><td>Save Me</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Screen Actors Guild Award</td><td>Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture</td><td>The Irishman</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>RTS Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>The Virtues</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>British Academy Television Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>British Academy Film Awards</td><td>Best Actor in a Leading Role</td><td>Boiling Point</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>British Independent Film Award</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>British Academy Television Awards</td><td>Best Single Drama (as producer)</td><td>Help</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Best Actor</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Best Supporting Actor</td><td>Time</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Broadcasting Press Guild Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Help / Time</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Seoul International Drama Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Help</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>Primetime Emmy Awards</td><td>Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series</td><td>Adolescence</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Seoul International Drama Awards</td><td>Best Screenwriter</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Golden Globe Awards</td><td>Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>British Academy Television Awards</td><td>Best Actor</td><td>Pending</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Early life and education

Stephen Graham

Graham was born on 3 August 1973 in Kirkby, Lancashire to parents who spanned racial and national lines. He was raised by his mother, a white English social worker, and his stepfather, a mechanic who later became a paediatric nurse. Graham maintained a good relationship with his biological father. Graham's father was dual heritage: his mother was Swedish and his father was Jamaican. Graham has discussed his experience being a light-skinned multiracial person in the UK. His brothers have skin that is much darker than his. Graham's stepfather also has African heritage, and he helped Graham accept this side of himself.