5 Shocking Behind-The-Scenes Secrets Stephen Graham Revealed About 'Gangs Of New York'

Despite being a relatively small role in a massive historical epic, Stephen Graham's turn as the character Shang in Martin Scorsese's 2002 film Gangs of New York remains a pivotal moment in his career. This early exposure to Hollywood heavyweights—Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and the legendary director himself—was a masterclass in acting and a wild ride of on-set antics. As of late 2025, Graham has frequently reflected on this experience, sharing candid, often hilarious, and sometimes shocking stories that reveal the intense atmosphere and camaraderie behind the scenes of the sprawling Five Points saga. It was a role that, for a young actor from Liverpool, felt like being "a made man" in the industry.

The film, which is set in the mid-19th-century Five Points district of Manhattan, was a critical stepping stone that connected his early work in British cinema, like Snatch, with the prestige projects that would follow, such as This Is England and The Irishman. The stories he tells today offer a fresh, unique look into the making of a modern classic, confirming the film's reputation for having a cast and crew as intense and colorful as the characters they portrayed.

Stephen Graham: A Biography and Professional Profile

Stephen Joseph Graham OBE is one of Britain's most respected and versatile actors, known for his ability to completely inhabit a wide range of intense, working-class, and often troubled characters.

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• Full Name: Stephen Joseph Graham
• Born: August 3, 1973
• Birthplace: Kirkby, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, United Kingdom
• Notable Honors: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama.
• Early Career Highlights: Began his career in 1990; early notable roles include Tommy in Guy Ritchie's Snatch (2000) and Shang in Gangs of New York (2002).
• Breakthrough Role: Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne in Shane Meadows' This Is England (2006), a BAFTA-nominated performance.
• Major Collaborations: Martin Scorsese (Gangs of New York, The Irishman), Shane Meadows (This Is England series, The Virtues), Michael Mann (Public Enemies).
• Other Iconic Roles: Al Capone in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire, Scrum in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and Anthony "Tony Pro" Provenzano in The Irishman.

The Untold Stories of Shang: Graham's Time on the Five Points Set

Graham's role as Shang, an Irish gang member and a key lieutenant in the Dead Rabbits gang led by Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio), was his first major foray into a Hollywood epic. The experience was formative, not just because of the scale of the production, but because of the legendary figures he was suddenly sharing scenes with. His recollections from the set are a goldmine of behind-the-scenes drama and humor.

1. The Near-Fatal Golf Cart Accident with Leonardo DiCaprio

Perhaps the most shocking anecdote Graham has shared is the time he nearly ended Leonardo DiCaprio's career—and possibly his life—with a golf cart. During filming in Italy, the cast and crew used golf carts to travel around the massive, meticulously detailed set. Graham, not used to driving the cart, accidentally floored the accelerator while DiCaprio was in the back.

The cart slammed into a wall, sending DiCaprio flying off the back. Graham recalls seeing the star of the film falling in slow motion, convinced he was about to break his leg. Thankfully, DiCaprio was unhurt, but the incident was so dramatic it earned Graham a lifelong nickname from the crew.

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2. Earning the Nickname "Little Joe Pesci"

Following the golf cart incident, and due to his energetic, intense, and often volatile on-screen presence, the crew on the *Gangs of New York* set gave Stephen Graham a memorable nickname: "Little Joe Pesci." The comparison was a massive compliment, linking the young English actor to one of Martin Scorsese's most iconic and intense collaborators, known for his explosive performances in films like *Goodfellas* and *Raging Bull*. This nickname solidified his status as a powerful new character actor on the scene.

Method Acting and the Master of the Craft

One of the most profound aspects of Graham's experience was witnessing the extreme dedication of his co-star, Daniel Day-Lewis, who played the villainous Bill the Butcher. Day-Lewis is famous for his immersive method acting, and his time on the *Gangs of New York* set was no exception.

3. The Intense Reality of Daniel Day-Lewis’s Method

Graham has spoken in recent interviews about the sheer intensity of Day-Lewis's commitment to the role. Day-Lewis remained in character as Bill the Butcher, a brutal, 19th-century gang leader, for the entire duration of the shoot. Graham recalls an encounter where he was introduced to Day-Lewis, who was dressed in his full costume, speaking in his character's distinct New York accent, and carrying the menacing aura of the real-life Bill. This profound experience of watching a true craftsman at work was a masterclass in acting for the younger Graham, who compared the entire filming process to "an amazing experience."

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4. Martin Scorsese’s Humble Casting Process

The story of how Graham got the role of Shang is a testament to Martin Scorsese's eye for talent. Graham was relatively unknown in Hollywood at the time, but the director was impressed by his earlier work. Graham has recounted his first meeting with Scorsese, where he was so nervous he brought his father along for moral support. Scorsese, known for his deep respect for actors, took a personal interest in Graham's background, a move that immediately put the young actor at ease and established a working relationship that would last for decades, culminating in their reunion for 2019’s *The Irishman* where Graham played mobster Anthony "Tony Pro" Provenzano.

5. The True Significance of the 'Gangs' Ensemble

While Shang was a supporting role, the ensemble cast of *Gangs of New York* was a powerhouse of talent that served as a launchpad and validation for Graham. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio (Amsterdam Vallon), Cameron Diaz (Jenny Everdeane), Jim Broadbent (Boss Tweed), and John C. Reilly (Happy Jack Mulraney) meant that Graham was immediately positioned in the upper echelon of Hollywood productions. The film, set against the backdrop of the New York Draft Riots of 1863, was a brutal, historical epic that demanded a high level of performance from every actor, a challenge Graham met with the raw, authentic energy he has become famous for. His performance in the film, though brief, showcased the "real" quality in his acting that Scorsese had sought, paving the way for his future success as one of the UK's most reliably excellent and in-demand actors.