Stephen Graham broke down in tears during an emotional interview on Capital Breakfast radio show on March 19, 2025, as he reflected on the unwavering support he received from his family, particularly his father, throughout his career. At 51 years old, Graham has recently captured the public's attention with his compelling role in the Netflix hit series Adolescence, where he portrays Eddie Miller, a father facing unimaginable challenges.
During the candid conversation with hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Sian Welby, Graham recounted a poignant moment when he shared the exciting news with his dad that he would be working alongside the legendary actor, Robert De Niro. As he spoke, the actor's emotions became overwhelming. "It makes me want to go," he said, his voice cracking as he recalled the excitement he felt relaying this pivotal moment to his father.
“I went, ‘Dad, you’ll never guess who, I’m going to be working with!’ and he’s like, ‘That’s amazing son!’ I went, ‘Yeah...’ oh, I’ve gone!” Graham described, tears welling in his eyes. This heartfelt revelation highlighted how the steadfast belief and encouragement from his family have played a crucial role in his success.
In addition to working with De Niro—who co-starred with Graham in Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed film The Irishman—Graham has succeeded in building a remarkable acting career. He noted that his childhood bedroom was filled with memorabilia, including a poster of De Niro from the film Taxi Driver, which he credited as a significant influence. “Can you imagine what that phone call was like?” he asked, reminding listeners of the powerful connection between admiration and aspirational achievement.
Graham’s character in Adolescence is poignant and riveting; Eddie Miller finds himself grappling with the heartbreaking reality that his teenage son, Jamie, has been accused of murdering a female classmate. The series, which premiered on Netflix on March 13, 2025, has sparked conversations about the alarming topics it addresses, including the dark influences young boys might encounter online.
As Graham's career soars, his father’s influence has remained a steady foundation. With apparent gratitude, he said, “He proper backed me and my mum. They supported me throughout everything. All the struggles you go through and everything.” This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the powerful impact family support can have on pursuing one's passions and dreams.
Graham’s emotional moment on air resonated deeply with listeners, reflecting a universal theme of familial bonds and the empowerment they can provide. “Sometimes all it takes is one person, doesn’t it, to help you achieve your goal, or to believe in the dream that you have,” he added, praising his father’s unwavering faith throughout his challenges.
As the interview concluded, Graham underscored that pride among family members can spur individuals into feeling relentless motivation for success. This touching tribute extended to his wife, Hannah Walters, who has supported him by vetting scripts during their fruitful partnership. Together, they run their production company, Matriarch Productions, which focuses on elevating diverse storytelling in the film industry.
Despite the hurdles associated with dyslexia—an obstacle that Graham has openly navigated in his career—he continues to thrive. His wife’s assistance is invaluable in ensuring that he makes well-informed choices regarding his projects. “I have to read it and read it and read it, then make it look like it's the first time I'm saying it,” Graham mentioned, showcasing his dedication to his craft.
In the wake of Adolescence, Graham’s prior performances have laid the groundwork for his present success, culminating in an impressive financial turnaround with reports estimating his earnings at £5 million between March 2023 and March 2024. His production company also boasts cash reserves of about £3 million.
Ultimately, Stephen Graham's journey is not just about the accolades and recognition he has received but also about honoring the portion played by his supportive family in achieving those dreams. He expressed gratitude not only to his father but also to Robert De Niro, saying, “You were the beginning of my whole love affair with films,” sparking an emotional and heartfelt moment during their joint appearance on The One Show.
As Adolescence continues to make waves critically and commercially, Graham remains committed to representing strong stories and underrepresented voices, reinforcing the idea that success stems not only from individual talent but also from the love and support of those we hold dear.
