In an emotional live radio interview, Adolescence star Stephen Graham broke down in tears as he reflected on his early career and family connections. The 51-year-old actor appeared on Capital FM on March 19, 2025, sharing heartfelt memories that struck a chord with listeners. Graham revealed his admiration for legendary actor Robert De Niro, recounting how as a child, he idolized De Niro and even hung a poster of Taxi Driver on his wall.
During the interview, Graham shared an intimate moment about how his father also shared a love for De Niro's work. The actor expressed, “He was so proud,” referring to his father's joy when he announced that he would star alongside his long-time idol in a film. This candid revelation resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing not only Graham's professional journey but also the personal connections that fueled his passion.
Graham’s appearance coincided with the release of Adolescence, a gripping four-part series on Netflix that has been a significant hit since it dropped on the platform last week. The show, which is both created and starred in by Graham, follows the tense narrative of Jamie Miller, a schoolboy accused of murdering a classmate. Each episode was filmed in one continuous take, adding a unique layer to its intense storytelling.
In Adolescence, Graham portrays Eddie Miller, Jamie's father, facing the turmoil of his son's severe allegations. The climax of the series ups the emotional ante when Graham deviates from the script in a particularly poignant moment. In the series finale, his character, overwhelmed with grief, is seen sitting in Jamie’s empty bedroom. In a heart-wrenching scene, he tenderly tucks Jamie's teddy bear into bed and utters the unscripted words, “I should have done better.” This raw display of emotion profoundly captured the essence of his character's despair.
Director Philip Barantini noted the significant impact of Graham’s improvisation. "We rehearsed it, and it was great…but I just felt like there's something about him tucking in Jamie's teddy," Barantini explained in an interview with Tudum. This moment not only highlighted Graham's talent but also underscored the close collaboration between the cast and crew, rooted in their previous work together on the BAFTA and BIFA-nominated film Boiling Point.
While Graham’s moving performance is a central highlight, the series showcases a strong supporting cast as well. Top Boy star Ashley Walters plays Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, who is involved in the investigation of Jamie's case. The dynamics of the courtroom drama unfold with high stakes, and the series does not shy away from presenting the emotional toll on the families affected by the accusations.
Unscripted moments further enrich the viewing experience, as highlighted by Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie. Recalling a spontaneous exchange with co-star Erin Doherty, who portrays child psychologist Emma, Cooper shared an amusing yet impactful incident from filming. "In episode three, it was the second take of the day - we do two takes a day. I was tired, so a yawn came to me. Then Erin did an amazing line, she said, ‘Am I boring you?’" Cooper laughed, revealing how the unexpected line caught him off guard and added a layer of authenticity to their interaction.
The success of Adolescence emerges not just from its gripping narrative but from the emotional depth and authenticity that Graham brings to his role. The series has already garnered a strong following, with audiences praising its storytelling and the emotional performances from the cast. As viewers engage with this compelling drama, they witness not just the artist's journey but also grapple with critical societal issues reflected in the series.
Through Graham's heartfelt moments shared during interviews, as well as the depth he brings to Eddie Miller's character, Adolescence has set a high bar for emotional storytelling in television. Many fans are now looking forward to future projects that Graham may undertake, as his ability to connect deeply with audiences continues to shine both on and off the screen.
