Stephen Graham, a celebrated British actor, has built a reputation for his intense, gritty performances on both TV and the big screen.
Known for working alongside icons like Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and his long-time friend Leonardo DiCaprio, Graham’s latest project might just be his most impressive yet.
In the new Netflix drama Adolescence, he takes on the role of a father whose 13-year-old son is accused of murdering a girl, a role that many consider his greatest achievement.
While Graham has become a household name for his roles in Line of Duty, Boardwalk Empire, Peaky Blinders, and Time, his success is not a solo effort.
Behind the scenes, his wife, actress and producer Hannah Walters, 48, plays a huge role in his career and their shared projects.
A Power Couple in the Industry
Not many may know, but Hannah Walters has been instrumental in Stephen’s rise.
She is not only his personal and professional partner but also a key figure behind their production company, Matriarch Productions.
Together, they co-produced the critically acclaimed film Boiling Point in 2021, which earned multiple BAFTA nominations.
In the film, Walters served as an executive producer while also appearing on screen.
The film, like every episode of Adolescence, was shot in one continuous take—a remarkable feat for both the actors and production team.
This collaborative spirit extends beyond their work, as the couple first met while training as actors at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance in Kent, well before they found fame in Hollywood.
Their deep bond grew over time, especially when they reunited professionally on This Is England in 2006.
Two years later, they married, marking the beginning of their shared journey in the entertainment industry.
From Drama School to Hollywood
Stephen has always been vocal about his admiration for Hannah’s talents.
During an online Q&A about the 2021 prison drama Time, he praised her early performances at drama school, describing her as “brilliant.”
On the Graham Norton Show, he even credited her with playing a vital role in getting their current streaming project A Thousand Blows off the ground.
Hannah presented the story to Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, who immediately took an interest in the idea, leading to its eventual production.
The couple currently lives in Ibstock, Leicestershire, a charming village near Hannah’s family.
Their down-to-earth lifestyle, marked by a £450k four-bedroom home, stands in stark contrast to their high-profile careers.
They’re well-loved in the community, where they were recently asked to open a newly renovated doctor’s surgery.
A Quiet Life with Family and Community
Stephen has spoken fondly of life in Ibstock, telling Leicestershire Live that he feels like “part of the furniture” there.
He enjoys the sense of camaraderie in the village and appreciates the everyday interactions with locals at places like the butcher’s shop.
He enjoys being treated just like everyone else, an experience that’s hard to come by when you’re a famous actor.
Despite the couple’s immense success, they remain grounded, valuing their quiet life away from the spotlight.
Facing Controversies and Personal Struggles
Despite his successful career, recent months have seen a few controversies that have raised questions about Stephen’s personal struggles.
In December, he was involved in a heated altercation during a non-league football match in Leicestershire, where he was accused of using offensive language towards the referee.
The situation escalated to the point where the match had to be delayed, and Graham’s behavior led to a penalty for the football club.
In another incident, just a few months later, he was accused of shouting at a female go-kart marshal, reportedly reducing her to tears.
Graham denied the allegations, stating that his group had not been asked to leave the track and that everyone involved was refunded for safety reasons.
Overcoming Past Struggles with Mental Health
Stephen has been open about his past battles with mental health.
In interviews, he has revealed that he struggled with severe depression in his early twenties and even attempted suicide.
Thankfully, he survived, and his experiences have shaped his approach to his craft.
He has shared that the intense method acting he practiced during drama school often affected him deeply, even leading to a form of “induced psychosis.”
His breakout role in This Is England as the racist skinhead Combo was particularly challenging, and he admitted that he “lost himself” in the character, using alcohol to cope with the emotional toll.
Reflecting on his time playing Combo, Stephen recalled the painful memories of racial abuse he faced growing up.
As a mixed-race individual, he had been subjected to cruel insults, which added a personal layer to the role.
Despite these challenges, Stephen’s raw, emotional performances continue to captivate audiences, and he remains one of the most respected actors in the industry.