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Written by Paul Jameson
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Thursday, 22 September 2005 |
Born in Stockton-On-Tees on 15th October 1965. At the age of three Stephen and his family moved to Scarborough, then two years later to St. Anne's on Sea in Lancashire.
Stephen is a practising catholic and at the age of 10, even considered a move into the priesthood. However, after discovering sport and women, he dismissed this idea.
It was while at school that he got interested in acting and upon leaving, was convinced to try for a place at drama school by his parents and won a place at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. After leaving drama school, Stephen won a competition that gave him a contract with BBC Radio Drama Company and an Equity card. In effect, this proved to be the start of his excellent career.
He featured in a number of Radio Drama's, Theatre plays and TV shows, including Chancer, Casualty, All Quiet on the Preston Front and Drop the Dead Donkey. In 1995, he landed his biggest role so far. As Father Peter Clifford in Ballykissangel, he was instantly catapulted into the front rooms of the nation and was suddenly hot property.
Role after Role followed, with Stephen featuring in a number of major parts including the excellent 'Grafters' and the film role in 'Brassed Off', which I, personally, regard as one of the best films I've seen.
Despite all his fame, Stephen has stuck to his roots and is a keen supporter of 'The Boro'. They even got a mention a couple of times in Ballykissangel! Stephen is, without doubt, one of this countries best actors and the fact that he still keeps ties to his hometown is a credit to him.
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