Stephen Graham dedicated his latest MOBO Award to his stepfather, Mike Fazakerley, as he accepted the Best Performance in a TV/Film award for Adolescence on Thursday night.
The actor was joined by his family at Manchester’s Co-op Live, including his half-brother Nathan Fazakerley, who rarely appear in public, and his stepfather, who watched proudly from the crowd.
Stephen, whose children Alfie, 19, and Gracie, 21, were also in attendance, described the win as deeply meaningful.
“This recognition for me means the world. I’d like to give love and respect to my fellow nominees. This is just as much theirs as it is mine. Can we give them all a massive round of applause?” he said.
“On a personal level, my friends and family, you know who you are, thank you for helping me do something I can’t do on my own.”
The actor’s bond with Mike dates back to 1989, when Mike married Stephen’s mother, Mary, and became a father figure during Stephen’s formative years after his parents separated.
Speaking earlier this year to the Daily Mail from his Liverpool home, Mike said, “I am highly proud of what he’s achieved in his career and highly proud of what he’s doing now with Adolescence. Stephen is brilliant, he is a true talent, unquestionably one of this country’s finest.”
Reflecting on Mary’s absence, Mike added, “It’s just sad that his mum isn’t here to wallow in Stephen’s glory, that’s the only downside.”
Stephen has often credited his stepfather’s guidance with helping him navigate his own identity, especially growing up between cultures.
On BBC Desert Island Discs in 2019, he said, “There were times growing up where I would be slightly unsure of where I fitted in.
"Sometimes I’d be accepted by my white cousins, and then my black cousins wouldn’t really… so it was kind of like, where do I belong?”
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