Stephen Graham, the popular British actor, recounted a rather amusing yet potentially dangerous incident involving a golf cart and his co-star Leonardo DiCaprio during a recent appearance on NBC's 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'. The story took place during the filming of Martin Scorsese's acclaimed 2002 film 'Gangs of New York' at Cinecitta Studios in Rome, Italy.
Appearing on the show on March 20, 2025, Graham shared how his excitement to drive a golf cart led to a near disaster. 'Leo used to drive a golf cart - you know, the way they drive golf carts on big sets and stuff. So I asked him for a go; I was like, 'Can I have a go on the golf cart?' And he was like, 'Uh ... yeah, OK',' explained Graham, recalling the initial moments of his reckless joyride.
Although golf carts aren’t generally known for their speed, Graham discovered this limitation was entirely subjective when they headed downhill. 'So we’re sat in the golf cart, there was me, there was him and Alec [McCowen] in the back,' Graham reminisced. As he floored it, Graham humorously likened their unexpected speed to that of 'The Flintstones': 'All of a sudden - you know how when you knock a golf cart into reverse and it takes its time? Well, if you knock it into reverse when you're going quite fast, the back wheels lock.'
Everyone in the golf cart was caught in a moment of panic when the vehicle's rear wheels locked, creating a precarious situation. 'The wheels have locked, and as I've turned it, the whole thing just started to fall. As it’s falling, it looks like it's going to break his [DiCaprio] leg, so he just manages to get out of the way,' Graham recalled, while the audience erupted in laughter.
Graham’s careless joyride nearly resulted in what could have been a severe injury to DiCaprio. 'He's looking at me and he's going, 'What the f***?' And the next minute, as it's falling, it looks like it’s gonna break his leg. [He] just managed to get out of the way.'
Following the incident, Alec McCowen, who was also in the cart at the time, chimed in with a playful remark that led to Graham's nickname on set. 'Then Alec, who's a lovely lad ... he [tells me], 'You're an animal!' And so my nickname became Ani,' Graham said, relishing in the humorous aftermath of the close call.
Fast forward to 2025, Graham has garnered acclaim for his role as Eddie Miller in the Netflix mini-series 'Adolescence'. The series, which has quickly become a global phenomenon since its release, dives into themes of misogyny and online radicalization, resonating deeply with viewers. 'Adolescence' smashed expectations to become the most-watched show on Netflix around the weekend of its debut, reflecting the ongoing impact of Graham's contributions to film and television.
The four-part mini-series, conceived by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham himself, tells the gripping story of a young boy named Jamie (played by Owen Cooper), who finds himself accused of fatally stabbing a young girl. The show's critical acclaim has been monumental, with many hailing it as the best TV series of the year.
As the conversation on 'The Tonight Show' progressed, Jimmy Fallon took a moment to highlight Graham’s past collaborations with iconic actors like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, before honing in on his encounter with DiCaprio during filming. Graham's recollection brought forth not only laughter but also showcased how far he has come since those earlier days on set, illustrating the joy and chaos that can happen in the film industry.
Looking back at the golf cart incident, it’s evident that it was just one of those stories that you can't help but smile about. Wolfing down laughter, Graham managed to dodge a bullet, and DiCaprio’s leg survived unscathed—an outcome making the tale even more entertaining. He reminisced, 'I know, we would have had to stop filming.'
Now, as Graham embraces his success with 'Adolescence', the affection and gratitude for his acting journey become apparent. His continued success reminds fans and film enthusiasts alike of the unpredictable adventures that come with working in this vibrant industry.
In a business where many stories often revolve around drama, Stephen Graham's diverse experiences, whether reliving his past or embracing new roles, continue to capture the hearts of many. As both an actor and storyteller, his career unfolds before an ever-growing audience that appreciates both the laughter and lessons learned along the way.
With his storied past serving as a foundation, the future holds promise for Graham and broader conversations in the industry as he continues to take on impactful roles—proving that moments like a near miss with a golf cart can have lasting repercussions beyond the screen.
