Stephen Graham has revealed the racist abuse he endured growing up because of his mixed-race heritage.
The Boiling Point star, whose grandfather was Jamaican, spoke to The Sun about his painful childhood experiences.
“I’m mixed race,” he said. “As a kid, I was called horrible words that I don’t even want to say, and ‘little monkey boy’.”
🎬 Nearly Quitting Acting After This Is England
Graham shot to fame in 2006’s This Is England. But despite the success, he struggled to find work afterwards—so much so that he almost gave up acting.
“For about eight months, I couldn’t even get an audition,” he admitted. “I almost packed it all in. I was going to be a youth worker.”
💡 The Emotional Toll of This Is England
His role as Combo—a violent racist—hit particularly hard.
“It was life-changing,” he said. “I lost myself quite a bit in that character. I’d come home, phone Hannah [Walters, his wife], and just cry my eyes out. And I drank.”
That experience taught him how to fully immerse himself in a role—but it came at a cost.
🗣️ The Importance of Social Commentary
Graham has always been drawn to projects that make people think.
“I love to go into people’s living rooms and create conversation and debate,” he explained. “It’s important for me, as an actor, to be part of something that’s a social commentary.”
🚨 Mental Health Struggles and Survival
In 2019, Graham revealed that he once attempted to take his own life.
“Thankfully, the rope snapped, and I’m here today,” he told The Sunday Times.
His openness about mental health has resonated with fans, with many praising his honesty.
💬 ‘They Treat the Working Class Like an Art Project’
Graham is proud of his working-class roots—but he’s not happy with how they’re often portrayed on screen.
“Things can be hard, but there’s also a lot of laughter,” he said. “Too often, I’ll watch stuff and think they’re treating the working class like an art project. It’s very condescending. ‘Ooh, look at the poor!’”
Despite the challenges, Graham remains fiercely proud of where he comes from.
“I’m proud to be this mixed-race, working-class kid from a block of flats,” he said. And that’s something no one can take away from him.
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