Stephen Graham's life off-screen including racism, mental health and marriage to college sweetheart

ok.co.uk:

Stephen Graham is up for two prestigious TV Bafta's at Sunday night's glamorous awards show.The veteran star has been nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Tony in the Channel 4 drama Help and Best Supporting Actor for his role as prison officer Eric McNally in the BBC’s hard-hitting drama Time.The honour is just the latest triumph in his colourful career for the Merseyside-born dad of two, who has appeared on the screen alongside some of Hollywood's household names ever since he began his career in 90s.

But despite his many years of success, the 47-year-old has endured his fair share of personal struggles, including battles with depression and even a tragic suicide attempt.

Stephen was born to a half Jamaican and half Swedish dad, he suffered a lot of racist abuse while spending his time on the streets of Liverpool - thankfully, his mother quickly squashed it out.

Stephen once told the Liverpool Echo: "I'm mixed race and that was kind of frowned on in those days.There were times growing up when I was slightly unsure where I fitted in. "That n-word popped up when I was younger." He was encouraged to pursue acting at the age of eight after Blood Brothers star Andrew Schofield witnessed his performance of Treasure Island during a visit to his primary school - Overdalein in the Lancashire town of Kirkby.