Ibstock-based actor Stephen Graham has paid tribute to his late mother after being given a OBE for his services to drama in the New Year Honours list.
On Saturday (December 31), the star revealed on his Instagram that his mother passed away just days before the honour was announced.
“A few days ago, this incredible, inspirational, warrior woman with the purest heart, my mum passed away.
“Her words as a child ‘no one is above you and no one is below you, all are equal,’ have remained with me throughout my life,” he said in the touching tribute.
“I feel so honoured and proud to share this with her. An OBE for both of us mum.”
A string of fellow actors clamoured to offer their condolences to Mr Graham online, including Vicky McClure, who starred with him in ‘This is England.’
“Oh Ste, I’m so so sorry. You made her incredibly proud,” she said.
“She would be so proud of you, not only for your achievements but mostly the lovely human you’ve become,” added Chanel Cresswell, who played Kelly Jenkins in the popular show.
“God bless you Stephen, your mom sounds like a proper warrior,” added TV hairdresser Aidan Phelan. “Amazing words for a wonderful mom. All that support and love she invested in you paid off. She must have been so proud brother.”
Stephen Graham, 49, has won plaudits playing Irish, English and American criminals and police officers in various blockbuster Hollywood films and hit TV dramas across his three-decade career.
He starred in the 2000 crime comedy film ‘Snatch’ alongside Brad Pitt and Jason Statham, and also ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ with Johnny Depp.
He lives in Ibstock with his actor wife Hannah Walters, and their two children Alfie and Grace.
To find out more, visit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChK-OWONYGR/?hl=en
