Stephen Graham: the ‘working-class, mixed-race kid’ who cares deeply about the work

Stephen Graham in Adolescence. As well as starring in the Netflix hit, he is also its co-writer and producer. Photograph: AP

His latest show has managed to set viewing records in the UK, caught the attention of the prime minister, and been the catalyst for a difficult conversation about modern masculinity – all in the space of a couple of weeks.

But Stephen Graham isn’t an overnight success story.