Stephen Graham is the internet's favourite actor, and here's why

British actor Stephen Graham, known for his gritty performances in This Is EnglandLine of Duty, and Boiling Point, has once again proven that his impact goes far beyond the screen. In the wake of the devastating plane crash in India that claimed the lives of 55 British nationals, Graham has raised more than £500,000 to support the grieving families left behind

But it wasn’t just the staggering sum that captured the nation’s attention — it was a simple, five-word message from the actor that brought millions to tears.

“Your grief is ours too.”

Those words, written in a personal letter and shared across social media and fundraising pages, resonated deeply with a public still reeling from the tragedy. Graham’s message was a quiet but powerful gesture of solidarity, compassion, and shared humanity — and it struck a chord.

Stephen Graham's incredible body of work! Actor, 51, has bulked up to play  a boxer by working out with weights chained to him after transforming his  dad bod for Marvel film in

The fundraising campaign began just days after news broke that a commercial flight from Delhi to London, carrying hundreds of passengers, had gone down shortly after takeoff due to a reported engine failure. Among the victims were 55 British nationals, many of them families returning home from holidays or work trips. The crash sent shockwaves through the UK, with vigils held across cities and communities mourning together.

Graham, who has often spoken about his working-class roots and the importance of empathy in times of loss, moved quickly to act. He launched an online fundraiser with an initial goal of £50,000. Within 24 hours, it had surpassed that mark tenfold.

Film degree student works on a short film 'POP' starring Stephen Graham

The actor also personally contributed a significant sum and reached out to fellow actors, filmmakers, and industry professionals, urging them to join him in supporting the victims’ families. “No one should have to navigate grief and financial hardship at the same time,” he wrote on the campaign page. “Let’s show them they are not alone.”

Graham’s involvement didn’t end with donations. He made personal phone calls to several of the families affected and arranged for trauma counselors and legal assistance through his team. He also ensured that funds were distributed directly to the next of kin — not through intermediaries — in order to provide urgent relief for funeral costs, housing, and counseling support.

Family members of the victims have spoken out, expressing their gratitude and disbelief at the actor’s compassion.

“I didn’t expect someone like Stephen Graham to even know what we were going through, let alone reach out to help us,” said Nazia Patel, who lost her brother and sister-in-law in the crash. “When I read his message — ‘Your grief is ours too’ — I just cried. It felt like the whole country was crying with me.”

Social media was quickly flooded with tributes to Graham’s generosity and heart. The hashtag #StephenGrahamHeals began trending, with thousands of users sharing the now-viral five-word message as a banner of collective mourning.

“What Stephen Graham has done isn’t just charity — it’s leadership, empathy, and real humanity,” tweeted broadcaster and author Caitlin Moran. “This is what it means to stand with people.”

Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the gesture during a Commons session, calling it “a moving example of how figures in public life can make a difference when it matters most.”

Graham, ever modest, downplayed his role when reached for comment. “I’m just one person,” he said. “The truth is, people wanted to help. I just gave them a way to do it.”

While the investigation into the crash continues, the families left behind are now facing a long and painful road to healing. But thanks to Graham’s efforts, they won’t have to walk it alone.

As donations continue to pour in, and as the message “Your grief is ours too” spreads across news outlets and social media feeds, one thing has become clear: Stephen Graham has given these families more than just financial support. He’s given them the comfort of being seen, the strength of a nation’s compassion, and the reassurance that their pain is shared — and not forgotten.