Stephen Graham makes an emotional FaceTime call home to his beloved stepfather after Adolescence cleans up at the Emmys

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Stephen Graham was eager to share the news of his Emmy win with his stepdad back home in Liverpool.

Stephen’s Netflix series, Adolescence, was a big winner at the Emmy Awards on Sunday, taking home eight awards. The show won the prize for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, and also earned Stephen his third Emmy wins for his work as an actor, writer, and producer.

Stephen was overjoyed and video-called his stepfather, Mike Fazakerley, while celebrating their success with his fellow cast members after the Netflix party.

You know, witnessing genuine joy is one of the best feelings. I was backstage recently, and after a performance, an actor – completely overcome with emotion – yelled ‘I did alright, Dad!’ It was incredible! His friends and wife, Hannah Walters, were going wild cheering him on. It just reminded me how powerful those personal victories are, and how wonderful it is to share them with the people you love.

In a recent interview with Daily Mail, Mike shared how close he is to Stephen, especially after the successful streaming of Adolescence in March.

In 1989, Mike married Mary, Stephen’s mother, when he was only ten years old. They remained married until her passing in 2022.

“Pops!” Stephen Graham FaceTimes his stepdad after cleaning up at the #Emmys for Adolescence.

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) September 15, 2025

Mary and Stephen Kelly, the actor’s father, split up when he was a child. Though he maintains a good relationship with his dad, he grew very close to Mike after Mike became part of the family.

I was absolutely floored when I read Mike’s interview! He was talking from their home in Liverpool, the one he shared with Mary, and he just *gushed* about how incredibly proud he is of everything his son has done. Not just his past successes, but everything he’s doing *right now* with Adolescence! It just warmed my heart to hear him say it.

I’m a big fan of Stephen’s work, including his piece, Adolescence. He’s incredibly talented and truly one of the best artists in the country.

Oh, it just *kills* me thinking about it! Mike, he’s such a sweetheart, you know? He used to be a mechanic, can you believe it, and now he’s a paediatric nurse! Anyway, he was talking about Stephen, and how amazing everything is going for him, and he just said the saddest thing. He was like, ‘If only his mum could be here to enjoy all this with him,’ and it just broke my heart. It’s just… perfect Stephen, and it’s so awful his mum isn’t here to see it. It’s the only thing that isn’t perfect, honestly.

Although Stephen’s stepfather, Mike, was born in Africa and his paternal grandfather came from Jamaica, Stephen credits Mike with helping him understand and appreciate his heritage.

In a 2019 interview on BBC’s Desert Island Discs, he talked about feeling like he didn’t quite fit in while growing up. He explained that he’d sometimes be accepted by his white relatives, but then not by his Black relatives, leaving him wondering where he truly belonged.

He showed me my true self and helped me realize I was already good enough. I discovered my own path, and I owe much of that self-discovery to my mother and her encouragement to forge my own way.

Stephen explained to Lauren Lavern that he learned about his cultural background and identity from his father, who is mixed race.

During an interview earlier this year, Stephen became emotional while speaking about Mike, explaining that achieving a dream often requires one supportive person. He credited his stepfather and mother with being those people for him.

The series ‘Adolescence’ consistently attracts around 45 million viewers each month, making it a popular choice for both parents and teens globally.

The show revolves around Jamie Miller, a schoolboy played by Owen Cooper, and the fallout after he’s accused of murder. The accusation comes after he views disturbing, hateful content online, and a female classmate is found dead.

The show was a big winner at last night’s Emmys, receiving a total of eight awards. Among those, 15-year-old Owen won Best Supporting Actor for his remarkable portrayal of Jamie Miller.

Owen has now made Emmys history after becoming the youngest ever male winner. 

Erin Doherty was named Best Supporting Actress, and Philip Barantini won the award for Best Director. The show had already secured two wins before the ceremony for its cinematography and casting.

Owen mingled with prominent figures in Hollywood at the streaming service’s Emmys after-party, before heading back to school in Warrington on Wednesday.

Stephen celebrated his special night with his whole family: his wife and collaborator Hannah Walters, and their children, Grace, 20, and Alfie, 18.

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/html_modules/2025/09_SEP/250915_emmys_full_list_of_winners/index.html

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2025-09-15 15:06