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Stephen Graham, 52, gave an emotional acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmys on Sunday (14 September) after winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his role in Netflix’s Adolescence.
The British actor, who also co-wrote the show with Jack Thorne, thanked his family and colleagues but became visibly moved when speaking about his wife, Hannah Walters. Walters co-produced Adolescence and even appeared in a cameo role as teacher Mrs. Bailey.
Calling her his “adorable wife” and “soulmate,” Graham told her from the stage:
“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.”
He also thanked his late father for inspiring his love of film, as well as his children, Grace (20) and Alfie (18).
Graham has previously opened up about how Hannah saved him during some of his darkest moments. On Desert Island Discs, he recalled a breakdown in his early 20s while trying to make it as an actor in London. After returning home to Liverpool, he attempted suicide but survived — and soon after, Hannah came into his life.
The pair met at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance and married in 2008. Graham credits her unwavering support for helping him through mental health struggles and building the career that led to his Emmy win.