Stephen Graham has stormed to the top of the Netflix chart with his new show Adolescence, which introduces viewers to unknown actor Owen Cooper, who plays his son
Stephen Graham’s new Netflix show Adolescence has been a hit with fans.
The harrowing story follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by unknown actor Owen Cooper, after he is accused of murder. It deals with difficult themes, such as incel behaviour, and the way youngsters communicate in private, with secret emoji meanings.
The series, filmed in one-shot style for some incredible scenes, isn’t the first time the show’s production company, Warp Films, has taken a chance on a fledgling actor. Back in 2006, they produced cult classic This Is England, starring Stephen Graham as skinhead Combo.
The focus of the film was a young lad called Shaun, played by Thomas Turgoose who was just 13 at the time. After working together on the film, Stephen and Thomas grew so close that Stephen offered to adopt his young co-star.
Tragically, Thomas’ mother died of cancer not long after This Is England had finished filming. He had to go and live with his dad, although he barely knew him.
He said on the Private Parts podcast in 2021: “I remember. I sat in my bedroom for days and weeks, and I was so confused. This isn’t the lifestyle that I’m used to.
“I spent a lot of time with Shane Meadows and Stephen Graham. They agreed between them that if they didn’t get on with my dad, or if they didn’t see my dad fit to bring me up, they was gonna adopt me.”
However it wasn’t needed in the end. Thomas went on: “But they met my dad. And my dad is a proper bloke.
“He’s worked his a*** off his whole life, and he’s respectable. Me and my dad are best friends now, whereas, when I moved in with him, I didn’t know him.”
That wasn’t the only bond Thomas made on the set of This Is England, though. It also stars Line Of Duty legend Vicky McClure, and she told young Thomas that he wouldn’t be rid of his new co-stars when cameras stopped rolling.
He told The Independent previously: “I was made a promise by Stephen Graham and Vicky that when This Is England was released, it wasn’t just gonna be ‘That’s it.’ They promised to stick by me and support me.”
It seems Stephen has a knack for spotting talent. Owen’s performance in Adolescence has left people raving, and he’s being tipped for success at the BAFTAs.
Not only that, he’s already been cast in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, as a young Heathcliff. He will star alongside Barbie icon Margot Robbie and Saltburn’s Jacob Elordi.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
