The Emmys had plenty of glamour — but nothing prepared viewers for Stephen Graham’s raw, gut-punch confession. Accepting his award for Adolescence, he broke from the script, turned to wife Hannah, and declared: “I love you with every ounce of my being… without you, I’d be dead.” The room fell silent. Stars looked horrified. Social media exploded. Was this just a powerful tribute — or was Graham hinting at private battles that nearly consumed him? Fans are desperate to know what lies behind his words, and why Hollywood’s toughest actor just let his most vulnerable truth slip on live TV.
dolescence was one of the stand-out winners at the Emmy last night (14 September), and the show’s star and writer Stephen Graham was honoured with the prize for outstanding writing, as well as for best actor in a limited series. Taking to the stage to accept his award, he made an emotional tribute to his children, as we as to his wife and ‘soulmate’, Hannah Walters.
In a moving speech, Stephen thanked, his ‘kids Grace and Alfie’ and his ‘adorable wife,’ Hannah. He said he loved her ‘with every ounce of my being,’ and described her as his ‘rock’, ‘world’ and ‘soulmate’. He added, ‘I know, without you, I would be dead.’
VALERIE MACON
From left: Alfie Graham, Stephen Graham, Hannah Walters and Grace Graham.
The star also spoke about his own upbringing saying, ‘this kind of thing doesn’t happen to a kid like me. I’m just a mixed race kid from a block of flats in a place called Kirkby,’ which is in Liverpool. ‘So for me, to be here today, in front of my peers and to be acknowledged by you is the utmost humbling thing I could ever imagine in my life, and it shows you that any dream is possible.’
Adolescence scooped up four wins at this year’s Emmy Awards. Also honoured last night was Stephen’s co-star Owen Cooper, who played the lead role of Jamie Miller. Owen made history as the youngest ever male winner at the awards, at age just 15.
Roger Kisby
Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty at the Emmys.
‘I think tonight proves if you listen, and you focus and you step out your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life,’ Owen said in his acceptance speech. ‘Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything can be possible. I was nothing about three years ago, I’m here now.’
Erin Doherty, who played Jamie’s child psychologist in the series, took home the best supporting actress award.
