Graham 'honoured' by Pesci comparison

Stephen Graham has said that he was honoured to be compared to fellow actor Joe Pesci by director Martin Scorsese.

Graham is currently starring in Scorsese's Boardwalk Empire, which is being shown on HBO. Scorsese previously directed Pesci in Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Casino.

Asked if the director had really called him the 'British Joe Pesci', Graham told ShortList: "He did say that, yeah. It was an honour. Do I think it's true? If he says it, it's true.

"Whatever Martin says is the gospel to me. I remember exactly when he said it, as well. We were on the way to lunch during filming for Gangs Of New York.

"I'd just done a scene with Leo [DiCaprio] and we were all walking down the corridor and Martin put his arm round me and said, 'You're like my British Joe Pesci'."