Stephen Graham Overcome with Emotion During Radio Reunion

Actor Stephen Graham, 53, became visibly emotional during an appearance on the Capital Breakfast radio show when he received a surprise video message from his first director, Jerry Pantomime. Graham described Pantomime as an "inspiration" to his acting career.

Radio host Jordan North introduced the segment, telling Graham that a "special letter from someone who has been there since day one" was coming. Pantomime recalled directing Graham as a child in a Liverpool production of "Easy" at the Everyman theatre.

"Realising I wasn't just directing a younger person who wanted to act, I was directing an actor, an actual actor," Pantomime said in the message. He praised Graham's success, calling his work "a work of genius."

Graham, fighting back tears, told the radio hosts, "you've really got me there." He added, "You don't have to be a father to be an inspiration to someone, it's being present, it's being there and Jerry is a beautiful man and a wonderful man." He reflected on the play "Easy," which addressed the stigma surrounding AIDS at the time of its production.

Graham shared that he often thinks of Pantomime, stating, "I was a kid with a dream, and now I'm fortunate and blessed to be living that dream." He emphasized that success is a collective effort, saying, "there's no such thing as 'I' it's a 'we' thing, there's a lot of people involved."

The radio appearance followed Graham's candid reflection on a suicide attempt in his early twenties, which occurred after he moved to London for drama school amidst family tragedies. He described sinking into deep depression and attempting to take his own life. He believes a "higher power" saved him when the rope snapped during the attempt.

Graham recounted the build-up to the incident, including his mother's miscarriage and his grandmother's passing. He initially tried to hide the suicide attempt from his family but eventually confided in his parents after his mother noticed marks on his neck. He credits his family, counseling, daily meditation, reiki, and exercise for helping him through the difficult period. He stated, "I have solid foundations and a strong sense of self now."

He also acknowledged the support of his wife, Hannah Walters, whom he met at drama school. Walters was aware of his struggles and remained a close contact with his mother. Graham realized the depth of his feelings for Walters when she considered moving to Spain. They eventually went on a date and have been together ever since, marrying in 2008 and sharing two children.