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Stephen Graham moved viewers to tears at Sunday night’s (14 September) Emmys after crediting his wife, Hannah Walters, with saving his life.
The 52-year-old actor took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his gripping role in Netflix’s Adolescence—a drama he also co-wrote with Jack Thorne, which earned them an additional award for Outstanding Writing.
The series, which topped Netflix charts worldwide after its March debut, follows the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), arrested for the murder of a classmate. Graham plays Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller, as he struggles to come to terms with his son’s actions. Hannah Walters not only co-produced the show but also appeared on screen as teacher Mrs. Bailey at Bruntwood Academy.
On stage at the Emmys, Graham reflected on his unlikely journey from a mixed-race kid growing up in a block of flats in Kirkby to standing in front of Hollywood’s elite. “This kind of thing doesn’t normally happen to a kid like me,” he said, calling the moment “the most humbling thing” imaginable.
He went on to thank his father “for taking me to the video shop when I was a kid and starting my education in film,” as well as his children, Grace, 20, and Alfie, 18.
Finally, Graham turned to his wife: “You are my rock. You are my world. You are my soulmate. And you know and I know, without you, I would be dead. So from the bottom of my heart, I love you with everything I have.”
The actor has previously spoken openly about his mental health struggles, including a breakdown in his early 20s after moving to London and a suicide attempt. Speaking on Desert Island Discs, he recalled his mother discovering what he’d planned and breaking down in tears. “Life was worth living, thankfully,” he said.
Shortly after this dark period, Graham met Hannah at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, eventually marrying her in 2008. He credits her with helping him through his lowest moments and grounding him as his career took off.
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