Stephen Graham is making headlines this week, not just for his captivating performance in Netflix's new series Adolescence, but also for a detail that has surprisingly slipped under the radar: his height. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, Graham's stature may not fit the traditional mold of a leading man in Hollywood, but it hasn’t hindered his impressive career.
Graham, whose breakout role came with Guy Ritchie’s Snatch back in 2000, has consistently impressed audiences with his talent. He also gained acclaim for his portrayal of Combo in This Is England. In Adolescence, he takes on the compelling role of Eddie Miller, a father navigating the serious allegations against his son, Jamie, played by newcomer Owen Cooper.
Since its release on March 16, 2025, Adolescence has sparked significant conversations, particularly regarding the dark threads of incel culture—the social phenomenon of involuntary celibacy that has been linked to rising misogyny and internet bullying. Following the show's dramatic storyline, which centers on a boy accused of murder, Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne have been invited by Labour MP Josh McAlister to discuss these critical issues in Parliament.
In a recent interview, Thorne shared his thoughts on the impact of the series, stating, "It was such a privilege to adapt Let The Right One In, a story that is so deceptive in terms of the way it looks at genre, gender, and at love." This quote captures the essence of how narratives can reflect deeper societal issues.
As Graham and Thorne navigate the waters of their new work, the Prime Minister himself has acknowledged the importance of the discussion sparked by Adolescence. He noted that the violence perpetrated by young men, influenced by their online experiences, is a "real problem" that needs addressing. His comments came during Prime Minister's Questions, where he mentioned watching the series with his children.
The cultural relevance of Adolescence becomes even more apparent when comparing it to other works in Graham's career. The actor has long been celebrated for his roles that often challenge the status quo, echoing the societal problems faced by modern youth. Social media’s influence, especially, has taken center stage in many of the dialogues surrounding the show.
As Jack Thorne advocates for legislative changes to enhance online safety and restrict young people from the potentially harmful aspects of social media, he referenced the Australian government's recent move to impose fines of up to $50 million Australian dollars on platforms that fail to protect minors. Thorne remarked, "I would extend it further; it is about gaming too and it’s about getting inside all these different systems." This perspective aligns with the concerns raised in Adolescence, placing the spotlight on how technology shapes the identities and actions of young men.
Meanwhile, Graham’s physical presence continues to be a topic of discussion amongst fans, particularly on social media. Although some users joke about his stature, calling him “the best actor in the country by a mile” despite not fitting the traditional height of a leading man, there’s a growing acknowledgment of his talent that transcends physical limitations. One fan quipped, "It's mental that Stephen Graham is so good at acting to the point where I can actually take a 5ft man seriously."
As the conversation continues around the themes of Adolescence and its social implications, Graham and Thorne’s upcoming play, Let The Right One In, is set to embark on a UK tour starting in October 2025. It will begin in Northampton and conclude in Liverpool in April 2026, promising to engage audiences with its exploration of love, loneliness, and survival—further enriching the dialogue initiated by the Netflix series.
With such a merger of artistic expression and social critique, both Graham and Thorne have found themselves at the forefront of contemporary discussions about youth, empowerment, and the responsibilities of content creators. The impact of their work will likely resonate beyond the stage and screen, prompting a necessary reassessment of how society views itself through the lens of media.
In summary, Graham’s starring role in Adolescence, alongside the tour of Let The Right One In, illustrates the significant intersection of art and activism. The duo's initiatives, both in storytelling and parliamentary discourse, signal a pivotal moment for how media influences the dialogue around youthful misfortune and societal responsibility, making their contributions not just entertainment but a platform for change.
