Fans of the hit Netflix series Adolescence have been racking their brains trying to figure out where they've seen one of the show's leading actors before. The actor in question, Stephen Graham, has become a hot topic for his role as the father in the much-talked-about series. His face might be familiar to many; after all, he's been gracing our television screens for quite some time, with his acting journey beginning in the late 90s.

Stephen grabbed a spot on Coronation Street back in 1999, depicting the character of Lee Sankey, a notorious drug pusher. However, it was the year 2000 film Snatch that served as a turning point for Graham, where he played Tommy - a fake heavy whose envelope-pushing role led to widespread recognition and opened doors to significant acting opportunities.

In 2002, Graham shared the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio in Gangs of New York, taking on the role of Shang from the infamous Dead Rabbits gang, reports The Mirror.

It wasn't just his acting that made waves on set; a close shave involving DiCaprio on a golf cart earned him the moniker "Animal" after a hazardous escapade featuring DiCaprio and Alec McCowen.

For British fans, Stephen Graham's most memorable performance may well be in This Is England as Combo, where his complex depiction of a troubled and aggressive individual garnered acclaim for its emotional resonance and intricacy, even landing him several nominations.

Stephen's career trajectory has continued on an upward path, with his take on Al Capone in Boardwalk Empire further cementing his status and earning him global acclaim.

Another highlight of his career was his role in The Irishman, where he rubbed shoulders with Hollywood's biggest stars, including film legends like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

In addition to his work in film and TV, Stephen has also made a name for himself in the music video industry, most notably appearing in Arctic Monkeys' hit 'When the Sun Goes Down.' His role in the Sheffield-born indie band's video added another string to his bow.

While his career has largely been focused on dramas, he often blurs the lines between his personal and professional lives by frequently collaborating with his wife, actress Hannah Walters. The couple first crossed paths during their early acting days in This is England and have since tied the knot and welcomed two children.

The pair have shared the screen 13 times in film and TV, with Hannah playing a teacher in the popular show Adolescence. Stephen recently shed light on their relationship, revealing that his wife assists him with his work off-camera.

"I'm dyslexic, so I struggle," he confessed. "My missus actually reads the script and says whether or not I'm doing it. She's made some good choices."

Their solid partnership, both on and off the screen, mirrors the commitment that has been a constant throughout Stephen's career.

However, before his career took off, a teacher was pivotal in encouraging him to pursue acting. He was inspired by his drama teacher, who spotted his talent early on.

The actor credits his teacher's unwavering support for instilling the confidence that has defined his career, as he revealed to Shortlist. "We were mostly kids from council estates, and many of us had never done theatre before. In a similar way to my parents, he made us believe we could do whatever we wanted. We thought we were changing the world, but we weren't - we were just making pieces about society, the rainforest, that kind of thing," he said.

From humble beginnings, he has gone on to forge an impressive career, starring in blockbuster films like Pirates of the Caribbean and appearing in acclaimed TV dramas. His dedication to his craft has earned him widespread recognition and admiration.

Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his range and willingness to take on complex roles, cementing his status as one of the most respected talents in the industry today.