Stephen Graham: Versatile Actor and Producer
Liverpool, 16 January 2026 – Stephen Graham, the renowned British actor and producer, has built a distinguished career marked by versatility, critical acclaim, and a commitment to authentic storytelling. Born in Kirkby, Lancashire, in 1973, Graham rose from early television roles to international stardom, earning accolades for his portrayals of complex characters across film and television.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Graham began his acting journey in 1990, appearing in shows such as Children’s Ward and The Bill. His early film roles included Tommy in Guy Ritchie’s Snatch (2000) and Shang in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York (2002). However, it was his breakout performance as Andrew “Combo” Gascoigne in Shane Meadows’ This Is England (2006) that garnered widespread recognition, earning him a British Independent Film Award nomination. He reprised the role in the television sequels This Is England ’86 (2010), ’88 (2011), and ’90 (2015).
Television and Film Highlights
On television, Graham starred as Al Capone in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014), winning two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. He portrayed detectives in Little Boy Blue (2017) and Line of Duty (2019), and appeared in Peaky Blinders (2022) as Hayden Stagg. His filmography includes Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) as Scrum, The Irishman (2019) as Anthony Provenzano, and Boiling Point (2021) as Andy Jones, which he also executive produced.
Recent Achievements and Production Work
In 2025, Graham co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the Netflix miniseries Adolescence, which explored themes of youth violence and misogyny. The series won three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor for Graham, and Outstanding Writing. He also earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film. Graham co-founded Matriarch Productions with his wife, Hannah Walters, in 2020, producing projects like Boiling Point and A Thousand Blows (2025).
Key Facts / Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Background | Born 3 August 1973 in Kirkby, Lancashire; of Jamaican and Swedish descent; lifelong Liverpool FC supporter. |
| Career Start | 1990; trained at Rose Bruford College; overcame dyslexia with help from wife Hannah Walters. |
| Notable Awards | OBE (2023); 3 Primetime Emmys (2025); 2 SAG Awards; 7 BAFTA TV nominations; 2 BAFTA Film nominations. |
| Production Company | Matriarch Productions (co-founded 2020 with Hannah Walters); produced Boiling Point, Adolescence, A Thousand Blows. |
| Upcoming Projects | Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (2026); Bunker (2026); Ibelin (2026); Lazarus (TBA). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stephen Graham best known for?
Graham is best known for his role as Andrew “Combo” Gascoigne in This Is England and its sequels, as well as Al Capone in Boardwalk Empire and his work on Adolescence.
Has Stephen Graham won any major awards?
Yes, he won three Primetime Emmy Awards in 2025 for Adolescence, a Golden Globe in 2025, and was appointed OBE in 2023. He also received multiple BAFTA nominations and SAG Awards.
What challenges has Stephen Graham faced?
Graham has spoken openly about his dyslexia, which he overcame with support from his wife, and his struggles with depression, including a suicide attempt in his early 20s.