Owen Cooper: The 15-Year-Old Prodigy Who Made Emmy History with ‘Adolescence’

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Owen Cooper (born 5 December 2009) is an English actor. He gained recognition for his debut role portraying teenaged murder suspect Jamie Miller in the Netflix miniseries Adolescence (2025), winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor, making him the youngest male actor to win a Primetime Emmy Award. He is scheduled to appear as young Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights (2026) and as Callum in the upcoming BBC series Film Club.

Early life

Cooper was born in Warrington, England.[2][3] His mother is a carer and his father works in IT.[4] He has two brothers.[5] A member of the Warrington Rylands U15 squad, he originally wanted to be a footballer before taking weekly acting lessons with The Drama Mob, a drama school co-created by Coronation Street actress Tina O’Brien and Esther Morgan, in Manchester.[6][7] He stated that he had been inspired to pursue acting after seeing Tom Holland‘s performance in The Impossible (2012), and that his family was supportive yet “not pushy” during his early interest in drama and acting.[2][8]

Career

In March 2025, Cooper made his screen debut as Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old accused of murder, in the Netflix miniseries Adolescence.[9][10] Series co-creator Stephen Graham had sought to cast an unknown actor from northern England for the role.[6][11] The production team for Adolescence approached Cooper’s drama school and asked to view tapes of their strongest northern actors; teachers at the school later stated that they believed that Cooper “just had something” and that the series’ production team revisited the school on numerous occasions until he was eventually offered the role.[8] He had been selected from a pool of over 500 auditions.[12][13] He filmed the series from July to October 2024.[14][15]

The role earned him widespread critical acclaim, with the Evening Standard writing that “his is a performance that may be the best debut ever seen by a child actor”.[16][17][18] He subsequently won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, making him the youngest male actor to win an Emmy and the youngest actor to ever be nominated in the category.[19][20][21] He also won the Gotham TV Award for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series.[22][23]

In May 2025, he was featured in the music video for “Little Bit Closer” by English musician Sam Fender.[24] He will appear in the upcoming BBC Three series Film Club.[12] He has also been selected to play young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell‘s Wuthering Heights, set to be released in 2026.[25][26]

Personal life

As of April 2025, Cooper resides in Orford, Cheshire, a suburb of Warrington.[27] He is a fan of Liverpool F.C., and delivered the match ball at a Super League rugby match between Warrington Wolves and Hull F.C. on 12 April 2025.[4][28] In his spare time, he enjoys playing the PlayStation, particularly Grand Theft Auto.[2]

Upcoming Projects and Future Prospects

Owen Cooper shows no signs of slowing down. He’s set to star in Wuthering Heights (2026), a adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic, where he’ll tackle a young Heathcliff—another brooding, intense role suiting his strengths. Additionally, Film Club, an indie project, is in post-production, promising more dramatic depth. Oscar buzz swirls around his work, with insiders predicting awards contention for future films.

At 15, Owen Cooper is selective, focusing on roles that challenge him. He aims to avoid typecasting, expressing interest in lighter fare alongside dramas. His drama school roots keep him humble; teachers and peers celebrate his success without envy.

Personal Life, Interests, and Public Persona

Off-screen, Owen Cooper is a typical teen: school-focused, with a 4.0 GPA equivalent in the UK system, and sports-obsessed. His Liverpool F.C. fandom is legendary; he’s attended matches and dreams of walking out at Anfield. Rugby and local sports fill his downtime, alongside video games and hanging with brothers.

He’s private about relationships, prioritizing family and friends. As a rising star, Owen Cooper navigates fame cautiously, with parents managing his schedule to ensure education comes first. His Emmy speech’s emphasis on stepping out of comfort zones reflects his philosophy: “Who cares if it’s a bit embarrassing?”

Publicly, Owen Cooper is gracious and witty. The Gyllenhaal surprise melted hearts, showing his fanboy side. On X, reactions range from awe—”Imagina vencer um #Emmys com 15 anos…”—to pride from UK fans. A high school friend tweeted, “Owen Cooper just broke the record! That’s amazing,” highlighting his relatable roots.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Owen Cooper‘s story is one of inspiration: from Warrington obscurity to Emmy glory in under a year. His win shatters age barriers, proving talent transcends experience. Adolescence amplifies voices on youth mental health and online dangers, with Owen Cooper as its empathetic core.

As the youngest male Emmy winner, he joins legends like Jacoby but surpasses them, inspiring global youth. With Wuthering Heights on the horizon, Owen Cooper‘s future is luminous. In a post-win reflection, he said, “This is crazy… it’ll be the best role of my life.” At 15, he’s just getting started, redefining what a child star can achieve

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2026Wuthering HeightsYoung HeathcliffPost-production[26]

Television

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2025AdolescenceJamie MillerMain role[29]
Film ClubCallumUpcoming series[30]

Music videos

YearTitleArtistRef.
2025“Little Bit Closer”Sam Fender[31]

Awards and nominations

AwardYearCategoryNominated workResultRef.
Astra TV Awards2025Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV MovieAdolescenceWon[32]
Edinburgh International Television Festival2025Best TV Actor – DramaNominated[33]
Breakthrough PerformanceWon
Gold Derby TV Awards2025Breakthrough Performer of the YearWon[34]
Limited/Movie Supporting ActorWon
Gotham TV Awards2025Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited SeriesWon[35]
IndieWire Honors2025Breakthrough AwardWon[36]
National Television Awards2025Drama PerformanceWon[37]
Primetime Emmy Awards2025Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or MovieWon[38]
Seoul International Drama Awards2025Best ActorPending[39]
TCA Awards2025Individual Achievement in DramaNominated[40]

References

  1.  Walters, Meg (2 April 2025). “Adolescencia: quién es Owen Cooper y cuántos años tiene” [Adolescence: Who is Owen Cooper and how old is he?] (in Spanish). Glamour. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  2.  Greenwood, Douglas (17 March 2025). “Playing a Teenage Murderer Made Him a Star”. i-D. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
  3.  Wilcox, Ella (16 March 2025). “Talented Warrington teen is breakout star of new smash hit Netflix series”. Warrington Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  4.  Palmer, Katie (13 March 2025). “Adolescence star Owen Cooper’s life off-screen as he opens up on family”. Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  5.  Ritman, Alex (13 August 2025). “‘Adolescence’ Stars Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty on Overnight Fame, ‘Spider-Man’ Rumors and Getting Accolades From Adele and Steven Spielberg”. Variety. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  6.  Ritman, Alex (11 March 2025). “‘Adolescence’ Breakout Owen Cooper on Leading Netflix’s One-Shot Drama With No Acting Experience and Nabbing a Role in Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights'”. Variety. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  7.  Wilcox, Ella (19 March 2025). “‘Destined for greatness’ – world raves about Warrington actor after Netflix debut”. Warrington Guardian. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
  8.  Black, Kaya; Gawne, Ewan (10 April 2025). “Adolescence star’s drama school ‘were just drawn to him'”. BBC News. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  9.  Whittock, Jesse (28 November 2024). “‘Adolescence’: First Look At Netflix’s Stephen Graham Crime Drama”. Deadline. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  10.  Nannar, Nina (13 March 2025). “‘Holding a mirror to society’: Stephen Graham on his new series”. ITV News. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  11.  Butt, Maira (18 March 2025). “Stephen Graham names Adolescence’s ‘biggest achievement’ as show becomes Netflix hit”. The Independent. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  12.  Frizzell, Nell (22 March 2025). “Owen Cooper on What’s Next After His Star-Making Turn in ‘Adolescence'”. Vogue. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  13.  Pond, Steve (4 June 2025). “Meet ‘Adolescence’ Star Owen Cooper, the First-Time Actor Who Gives the Year’s Most Haunting Performance”. TheWrap. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  14.  Turner, Laura Jane (22 July 2024). “Stephen Graham in first look at new UK-set Netflix crime drama”. Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  15.  Calnan, Ellie (20 December 2024). “2024 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK and Ireland: latest updates”. Screen Daily. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  16.  Robinson, Martin (18 March 2025). “Owen Cooper in Adolescence: is this the best child acting debut ever?”. Evening Standard. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
  17.  Mangan, Lucy (13 March 2025). “Adolescence review – the closest thing to TV perfection in decades”. The Guardian. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  18.  Balial, Nandini (13 March 2025). “Adolescence movie review & film summary (2025)”. RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
  19.  Kanter, Jake (15 July 2025). “‘Adolescence’ Star Owen Cooper Makes Emmy History By Becoming Youngest Nominee In Limited Series Supporting Actor Category”. Deadline. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  20.  White, Peter (14 September 2025). “‘Adolescence’s Owen Cooper Becomes Youngest Ever Emmy-Winning Male Actor: “Who Cares If You Get Embarrassed?””. Deadline. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  21.  Ford, Lily (14 September 2025). “‘Adolescence’ Star Owen Cooper Makes Emmys History as Youngest-Ever Male Winner in Any Acting Category”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  22.  Spencer-Elliott, Lydia (3 June 2025). “Adolescence star reacts to winning first big award for hit show”. The Independent. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  23.  Shanfeld, Ethan; Otterson, Joe (3 June 2025). “‘Adolescence’ Leads Gotham TV Awards as Parker Posey Thanks Mike White for ‘Believing in a Middle-Aged Woman and Believing in a Legend'”. Variety. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  24.  De Brun, Liam De (4 May 2025). “Adolescence star Owen Cooper to star in major UK musician’s music video”. Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  25.  Ritman, Alex (7 March 2025). “Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Find Its Young Heathcliff and Cathy in ‘Adolescence’ Breakout Owen Cooper and ‘Matilda’ Stage Star Charlotte Mellington (EXCLUSIVE)”. Variety. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  26.  Campbell, Tina (14 April 2025). “Jacob Elordi: Working with Adolescence’s Owen Cooper was ‘intimidating'”. Evening Standard. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  27.  Wilcox, Ella (30 April 2025). “Warrington’s Owen Cooper nominated for first award following breakthrough performance”. Warrington Guardian. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  28.  Parsons, Mike; Wilcox, Ella (13 April 2025). “The role Adolescence teen actor Owen Cooper played in Wire v Hull Super League match”. Warrington Guardian. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  29.  Heritage, Stuart (28 February 2025). “Is this the most terrifying TV show of our times? Adolescence, the drama that will horrify all parents”. The Guardian. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  30.  “Film Club first look pictures show Aimee Lou Wood, Nabhaan Rizwan and Suranne Jones in new romantic comedy-drama” (Press release). BBC. 18 February 2025. Archived from the original on 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
  31.  Cormack, Morgan (4 May 2025). “Adolescence star makes surprise appearance in Sam Fender music video”. Radio Times. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  32.  Davidson, Denton (15 May 2025). “‘The Studio’ leads 2025 Astra TV Awards nominations with 14, followed by ‘Severance’ and ‘The Last of Us’ with 13 each”. GoldDerby. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  33.  Knight, Lewis (21 August 2025). “Edinburgh TV Awards 2025 winners list in full as Adolescence and Bridgerton win major awards”. Radio Times. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  34.  Beachum, Chris (18 August 2025). “2025 Gold Derby TV Awards: ‘Squid Game,’ ‘Agatha All Along,’ ‘Adolescence’ dominate winners’ list”. Gold Derby. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  35.  Lewis, Hilary (3 June 2025). “Gotham TV Awards: ‘Adolescence’ Sweeps Limited Series Categories”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  36.  Jones, Marcus (7 May 2025). “Kathy Bates, Mara Brock Akil, Natasha Lyonne, and More to Receive Awards at IndieWire Honors”. IndieWire. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  37.  Clarke, Holly (10 September 2025). “Adolescence’s Owen Cooper triumphs against Stephen Graham at NTA’s”. Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  38.  Welk, Brian (15 September 2025). “Owen Cooper Wins Emmy for 2025 Best Supporting Actor — Limited Series”. IndieWire. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  39.  Merican, Sara (6 August 2025). “Hirokazu Kore-eda, Cate Blanchett, Minha Kim & Owen Cooper Among Seoul International Drama Awards Nominees”. Deadline. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  40.  Porter, Rick (9 July 2025). “‘Severance’ Leads TCA Awards Nominations”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
Awards for Owen Cooper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYOWuV3l7yI
Authority control databases: People Deutsche Synchronkartei

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