Stephen Graham Celebrates Mobo Awards Win with Family Support
It was a heart-warming family affair for acclaimed actor Stephen Graham at the recent Mobo Awards, where he was joined by his stepfather and brother to celebrate a significant win. This year marked a special occasion as Manchester hosted the Mobo Awards (Music of Black Origin) for the very first time, following in the footsteps of the Brit Awards, which also relocated to the city’s Co-op Live Arena not long before.
The 52-year-old Liverpudlian star was honoured with the prestigious Best Performance in a TV Show/Film award. His success was part of a triumphant night, which also saw Olivia Dean continue her impressive winning streak, clinching three gongs, including the coveted Album of the Year.
Graham’s award recognised his powerful portrayal of Eddie Miller in the critically acclaimed drama Adolescence. In his acceptance speech, the actor expressed the profound meaning of the recognition, stating that it “means the world.” He graciously acknowledged his fellow nominees, including his Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters, Cynthia Erivo from Wicked, Lennie James of Mr Loverman, and Damson Idris from F1, among others. “This is just as much theirs as it is mine,” he stated, urging the audience to give them a “massive round of applause.”
On a more personal note, Graham extended his gratitude to his friends and family, acknowledging their unwavering support. “Thank you for helping me do something I can’t do on my own,” he shared, with his loved ones watching proudly from the audience.
In a rare public appearance alongside the actor were his stepfather, Mike Fazakerley, and half-brother, Nathan Fazakerley. Graham’s 19-year-old son, Alfie, whom he shares with his wife and fellow actress Hannah Walters – whom he affectionately calls his “rock” – was also present. The couple also have a 21-year-old daughter, Grace.
The bond between Stephen Graham and his stepfather, Mike Fazakerley, is a significant one. Mike began dating Stephen’s mother, Mary, in 1989. Their relationship remained strong until Mary’s passing in 2022, a devastating loss that occurred just days before Stephen was due to receive his OBE. At the time, Stephen dedicated the honour to both himself and his mother.
Stephen’s biological father, Stephen Kelly, and his mother, Mary, separated when Stephen was young. While he maintains a positive relationship with his father, Mike Fazakerley has consistently spoken with immense pride about his stepson’s achievements. Having moved into the family home, Mike grew particularly close to Stephen and has openly expressed his admiration.
Speaking to the Daily Mail earlier this year, the former mechanic shared his deep pride in Stephen’s career accomplishments and his current work on Adolescence. “I watch all his work, and I’ve watched Adolescence,” Mike said. “Stephen is brilliant; he is a true talent. Unquestionably one of this country’s finest.” He lamented that the “only downside” was that Stephen’s mother “isn’t here to wallow in [his] glory.”
The This Is England star has been open about his mixed-race heritage, with his mother being Swedish and his father Jamaican. He has previously spoken about feeling “slightly unsure where [he] fitted in” during his youth. However, he credits Mike, who is also mixed-race, for helping him understand and embrace his cultural background.
During an appearance on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs in 2019, Graham, who affectionately refers to Mike as ‘Pops’, revealed how his stepfather unknowingly fostered his passion for films. Mike would regularly take him to the Quarry Green video shop in Kirkby, sparking a lifelong love for cinema.
Recalling his childhood experiences, Graham shared, “There were times growing up where I would be slightly unsure of where I fitted in. Sometimes I’d be accepted by my white cousins, and then my Black cousins wouldn’t really, you know what I mean. So it was kind of like, ‘Where do I belong?'”
He continued, “[Mike] helped me see who I am and what I am is good enough. He helped me find my own way, and I got that sense of self in many respects from my mother, finding your own way.”
During Adolescence‘s highly successful awards season run last year, Stephen Graham used the platform to highlight his background. Upon receiving his Emmy award, he described himself as “just a mixed-race kid from Kirkby,” adding, “This kind of thing doesn’t happen to a kid like me.”
Adolescence, co-created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham himself, delves into the story of Jamie, a 13-year-old British schoolboy accused of murdering a female classmate. The psychological crime drama gained overnight fame, with each episode filmed in a single continuous take. It captivated audiences, amassing over 96 million views on Netflix within its initial three weeks and even prompting discussions in Parliament.
The series has also propelled child actor Owen Cooper to global stardom. He became the youngest male recipient of a Primetime Emmy and has also secured an Actor Award and a Golden Globe. The success of Adolescence shows no signs of slowing down, with the show having recently earned an impressive 11 nominations for the upcoming TV Bafta Awards, including nods for its leading cast members. The Bafta ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 10th.
