Stephen Graham Celebrates MOBO Win with Stepfather Who Shaped His Identity
In a heartfelt family moment at the MOBO Awards, acclaimed actor Stephen Graham was accompanied by his stepfather and brother as he accepted the trophy for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film. The ceremony, which honors Music of Black Origin, was held in Manchester for the first time this year, following the Brit Awards' recent move to the Co-op Live Arena.
A Triumphant Night for Graham and Fellow Artists
The 52-year-old Liverpudlian star received the award for his powerful portrayal of Eddie Miller in the critically acclaimed drama Adolescence. During his emotional acceptance speech, Graham expressed that the recognition "means the world" to him. He generously acknowledged his fellow nominees, including co-star Ashley Walters, Cynthia Erivo, Lennie James, and Damson Idris, urging the audience to give them a "massive round of applause."
Graham also thanked his friends and family, stating they helped him achieve what he "can't do on alone." The actor's support system was visibly present, with his stepfather Mike Fazakerley, half-brother Nathan Fazakerley, and 19-year-old son Alfie cheering him on from the audience. Graham shares Alfie and daughter Grace, 21, with his wife, actress Hannah Walters, whom he describes as his "rock."
The Stepfather's Enduring Influence
Mike Fazakerley began dating Graham's mother, Mary, in 1989, and they remained together until her passing in 2022—tragically, just days before Graham's OBE announcement. Graham has previously stated that the honor was "for both of them," highlighting his mother's significance. Although Graham maintains a good relationship with his biological father, Stephen Kelly, it is Mike who has played a pivotal role in his life, especially after moving into the family home.
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Mike, a former mechanic, expressed immense pride in his stepson's career achievements, particularly his work on Adolescence. "Stephen is brilliant; he is a true talent. Unquestionably one of this country's finest," he remarked. Mike noted that the "only downside" is that Graham's mother isn't present to "wallow in his glory."
Embracing Mixed-Race Heritage
Graham has openly discussed his mixed-race background—his mother was Swedish, and his father is Jamaican—and the challenges he faced growing up. On BBC's Desert Island Discs in 2019, he recalled feeling "slightly unsure where I fitted in" as a youth, sometimes accepted by white cousins but not by Black cousins. He credited Mike, who is also mixed-race, for teaching him about his cultural heritage and helping him find his identity.
Affectionately calling Mike "Pops," Graham shared that his stepfather unknowingly sparked his interest in films by regularly taking him to the Quarry Green video shop in Kirkby. "He helped me see who I am and what I am is good enough," Graham said. "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 successful awards season last year, Graham emphasized his roots while accepting an Emmy, describing himself as "just a mixed-race kid from Kirkby" and noting that "this kind of thing doesn't happen to a kid like me."
The Phenomenon of Adolescence
Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, Adolescence follows 13-year-old British schoolboy Jamie, who is arrested on suspicion of murdering a female classmate. The psychological crime drama, shot in continuous takes per episode, became an overnight sensation, amassing over 96 million views on Netflix within its first three weeks and even sparking parliamentary debates.
Child actor Owen Cooper has risen to global fame through the series, becoming the youngest male to win a Primetime Emmy, along with an Actor Award and a Golden Globe. The show's success continues, with an impressive 11 TV BAFTA nominations, including nods for its leading cast members. The BAFTA ceremony is scheduled for May 10, promising further accolades for the groundbreaking drama.
