Stephen Graham: A Decade of Outstanding Performances in Peaky Blinders, Band of Brothers, and More

Stephen Graham: A Prolific and Talented Actor

Stephen Graham, the versatile actor hailing from Merseyside, has been capturing the hearts of television audiences with his outstanding performances in a multitude of high-quality dramas. From gritty gangster series like “Peaky Blinders” to award-winning productions such as “Line of Duty” and “This Is England,” Graham has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with on the small screen.

Impeccable Taste in Projects

Graham’s success is not solely due to his acting prowess. The actor‘s near-impeccable taste in projects has also played a significant role in his rise to fame. With the guidance of his wife and frequent co-star, Hannah Walters, Graham meticulously selects scripts that resonate with him. This process is even more remarkable considering his struggles with dyslexia. While he has a thriving film career, including roles in iconic movies such as “Snatch” and collaborations with esteemed director Martin Scorsese, it is on television where Graham truly shines brightest.

A Range of Memorable Roles

As Graham celebrates his 50th birthday and the release of the new Netflix crime thriller “Bodies,” we take a closer look at his 20 biggest TV roles. Even his ‘worst’ performances are still of a high standard, a testament to his talent and dedication. Let’s explore some of the standout roles that have defined Graham’s career.

20. DCI Thomas ‘Taff’ Jones – White House Farm (2020)

In this retelling of Jeremy Bamber’s murders, Graham garnered praise for his portrayal of DCI ‘Taff’ Jones. However, his Welsh accent received criticism for its inconsistency, with some humorous comparisons to other accents.

19. Ch Insp Heat – The Secret Agent (2016)

Graham donned a bowler hat and luxuriant sideburns to play the role of Ch Insp Heat in this adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s novel. While the series didn’t leave a lasting impression, Graham’s performance was solid.

18. Hayden Stagg – Peaky Blinders (2022)

Despite appearing in only two episodes of the final series, Graham made a big impact as Hayden Stagg, the Liverpool dockyard union convener. His fearless confrontation with the enforcer Arthur Shelby and kingpin Tommy Shelby delighted fans.

17. DI Roy Carver – Code 404 (2020-22)

In a rare comedic role, Graham portrayed the longsuffering sidekick to Daniel Mays’ Met officer in this AI-meets-RoboCop tech-infused series. The knockabout fun of the show came to an end, unfortunately, due to the busy schedules of its stars.

16. Elias Mannix – Bodies (2023)

Graham brings gravitas to the role of Elias Mannix, the enigmatic political leader, in the Netflix crime thriller based on Si Spencer’s graphic novel. Described as the “beating heart” of the series by writer Paul Tomalin, Graham’s performance is sure to captivate audiences.

15. Sgt Myron ‘Mike’ Ranney – Band of Brothers (2001)

In this war epic produced by Steven Spielberg, Graham portrayed Sgt Myron ‘Mike’ Ranney, a plucky NCO who led a mutiny in support of Lieutenant Winter. His memorable performance led to a lasting friendship with castmate Philip Barantini, who later directed Graham in “Boiling Point.”

14. Captain Brownlee – The North Water (2021)

Graham embraced the role of Captain Brownlee, the corrupt skipper of an 1850s whaling ship, in this brooding and blood-drenched thriller. Caught in the crossfire of a deadly game on the Arctic ice floes, Graham’s performance is chilling and captivating.

13. Matthew Collins – The Walk-In (2022)

In this timely true-crime drama, Graham convincingly portrays Matthew Collins, an impassioned activist working to foil a far-right terrorist plot. The series highlights Graham’s versatility as an actor and showcases his chemistry with fellow “This Is England” alumnus Andrew Ellis.

12. Vincent Macmaster – Parade’s End (2012)

Graham shines as Vincent Macmaster, a working-class civil servant and budding writer, in this underrated adaptation of Ford Madox Ford’s novel. While Benedict Cumberbatch’s toff character takes center stage, Graham’s portrayal stands out as a testament to his acting skills.

11. Atticus – Taboo (2017)

In this moody period melodrama, Graham is almost unrecognizable as the eccentric former sailor Atticus. With a bald head, beard, and tattoos covering his body, Graham’s performance as the underworld informant is captivating and memorable.

Graham’s Top 10

As we enter the top 10 of Stephen Graham’s TV roles, the depth and range of his performances become even more evident. Stay tuned for the next installment of our ranking, where we delve into the standout roles that have solidified Graham’s status as one of the finest actors on the small screen.