Mike Fazakerley Reflects on His Lifelong Bond with Stepson Stephen Graham in Exclusive Interview from Liverpool

Mike Fazakerley, the man Stephen Graham credits with helping him through difficult times growing up, has spoken publicly for the first time about their unique and deep bond.

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Mike reflected on their relationship, which began when Stephen was a confused young boy facing bullying because of his mixed-race heritage.

A Stepfather’s Influence on Stephen Graham’s Life

When Stephen was just a small child, he struggled with his identity.

Born to a West Indian father from the Windrush generation and a white British mother, he often felt caught between two worlds.

Mike, who became Stephen’s stepfather in 1989, played a crucial role in helping the actor understand and embrace his heritage.

Mike, also of mixed-race descent, shared stories about their shared culture and history, which allowed Stephen to better understand his roots and gain pride in who he was.

Overcoming Racism and Finding a Sense of Belonging

Growing up in Liverpool, Stephen faced frequent racism. He remembers being taunted with racial slurs and being called names like “little monkey boy.”

But it wasn’t just the bullying that made him feel out of place; he also struggled with his identity.

“Sometimes I’d be accepted by my white cousins, and then my black cousins wouldn’t accept me,” Stephen shared in a 2019 interview.

Mike, who had a deep understanding of race and identity, was the one to guide him through those confusing moments, helping him embrace his mixed-race heritage and find confidence in himself.

Mike’s Impact on Stephen’s Career and Personal Growth

Mike has been a constant source of support throughout Stephen’s life and career.

“I’m highly proud of what he’s achieved,” Mike said about Stephen’s success, particularly his role in the Netflix hit Adolescence.

Stephen, now a highly respected actor, credits Mike with being the one person who believed in him and helped him achieve his dreams.

“It takes that one person to help you achieve your goal, and my [step] dad was that person,” Stephen said.

Stephen’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges.

From a young age, his talent for acting was apparent. He got his first taste of performing in his primary school’s production of Treasure Island, and his natural talent was quickly recognized by others.

His supportive family helped steer him toward a future in acting, with his stepfather, who worked as a mechanic before becoming a paediatric nurse, encouraging his passion for theatre.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs in Acting

As Stephen pursued his career, he encountered several personal hurdles.

At 20, he suffered a breakdown after engaging deeply in method acting during his drama studies.

The intense emotional work caused him to experience what he described as “induced psychosis.”

This was compounded by the grief of losing his nan and the stillbirth of his younger brother, events that he had never fully processed.

“I was very close to my mum and dad, and with the kind of intense work we did, I ended up tapping into emotions I had never dealt with before,” he explained.

During a particularly dark time, Stephen even tried to take his own life but was saved by hearing his late nan’s voice.

He later returned home to Merseyside and used his experiences of pain and loss to shape his acting.

“I’m drawn to real stories about real people, often those who are marginalised,” he shared, which led to his breakthrough role in This Is England, where he portrayed the fascist skinhead Andrew “Combo” Gascoigne.

The Weight of Fame and Its Challenges

While This Is England launched his career, it also brought some unwanted attention.

Far-right groups began using his image from the film to promote their own views, a situation Stephen described as “a load of w**k.”

Despite the difficulties, Stephen persevered, turning his personal struggles into powerful performances.

“Working with De Niro and Pacino on The Irishman was incomprehensible,” he said, reflecting on his journey to becoming one of the UK’s finest actors.

Now, with his return to the spotlight in Adolescence, Stephen is not just making waves in the entertainment industry but also continuing to honor the lessons he learned from his stepfather.

Mike’s influence is evident in everything Stephen does, from his career choices to his deep understanding of who he is and where he comes from.

As he continues to evolve as an actor and a person, Stephen knows he has the unwavering support of the man he calls “Pops.”