Stephen Graham Moved to Tears by Bruce Springsteen’s Praise for Upcoming Biographical Film: ‘The Most Magnificent Words I’ve Ever Received’

Teenager Stephen Graham’s Emotional Response

Teenager Stephen Graham shared that he was moved to tears after receiving a message from Bruce Springsteen, who praised his performance in the upcoming biographical film Deliver Me from Nowhere.

About the Film and Its Stars

The film features Bear Jeremy Allen White as a young Springsteen and follows the Heartland rocker during the creation of the 1982 album, Nebraska, where Graham portrays his late father, Douglas “Dutch” Springsteen.

Following the screening, the singer, known for his hit “Radio,” reached out to Graham, expressing how his portrayal resonated deeply with him, considering his own complex relationship with his father.

In an interview on Soundtrack with Edith Bowman, the actor revealed that Springsteen’s texts were “the most magnificent [he] had in [his] life.” He explained the challenges he faced while portraying his father in the eighties, which included wearing prosthetics that had to be removed quickly before catching a flight.

“I was racing to the airport when I received this text, and it was so beautiful. He simply said: ‘Better than any reward that I received in my life.’ He is an icon. He is a hero,” Graham shared.

Graham continued, “He is the hero of the working class, an icon to thousands, maybe millions. His text simply said: ‘Thank you very much. My father passed away some time ago, and I felt like I saw him today, thanks to you for giving me this memory.’”

“I cried reading the text, you know what I mean?” he added.

In another segment of the podcast, Graham mentioned that Springsteen is also a fan of This Is England and that they had discussions about his book, Born to Run, in which he details his complex relationship with his father.

In his memoir, “Dancing in the Dark,” the singer reflected: “He loved me, but could not stand me. He felt that we competed for my mother’s feelings.”

Meanwhile, White spoke with GQ last year about his preparation for embodying the rock icon. “I was very lucky that I had a team of people to help young actors portray rock stars. I have a really talented group assisting me in vocal and musical training to prepare for this role.”

The actor, who had previously expressed his hope to meet the Boss in London, also mentioned that Springsteen “really supports the project,” adding, “I had some access to him, and he was just the greatest guy.”

Others associated with the film have also expressed their excitement about the project. Jeremy Strong, who plays Springsteen’s manager John Landau, called it “one of the greatest works that I have had the privilege to be a part of.”

The singer himself praised White’s performance, saying he “sings very well” and that the film is being shot “beautifully.”