The rise of Owen Cooper, a 15-year-old actor from Warrington, is nothing short of extraordinary.
As the star of Netflix’s Adolescence, the young talent has captured the attention of both fans and industry experts, quickly becoming the favorite to win a record-breaking Emmy Award.
What’s even more remarkable is that he could achieve this feat for his very first acting role.
A Groundbreaking Achievement in Television
Cooper’s performance as Jamie Miller, a murder suspect in Adolescence, has earned widespread acclaim.
If he wins, he would become the youngest-ever male recipient of an Emmy, surpassing previous records.
His first scenes ever filmed, in his first acting job, could lead to the prestigious recognition.
The show has already become one of Netflix’s most-watched series, and Cooper’s performance is widely regarded as a key factor in its success.
Industry experts at Gold Derby have already listed him as a “lock-in” for the Best Supporting Actor category, even though official nominations have yet to be announced.
Despite the attention and praise, the humble teen seems to be handling the recognition with a grounded perspective.
He has shared that, if he wins, he will simply “take it and move on.”
Praise and Recognition from Co-Stars and Experts
Cooper’s co-stars, particularly Stephen Graham, who also plays a prominent role in Adolescence, have been vocal in their support for the young actor.
Graham, who helped create the show, expressed immense pride in Cooper’s potential, emphasizing that the actor’s success is a result of his raw talent and dedication.
He described Cooper as “a generational talent” and praised his intelligence, work ethic, and willingness to learn the craft of acting.
“It’s all rooted from Stephen, Hannah [Walters], Phil [Barantini], Jo Johnson—without them, I couldn’t have done it,” Cooper shared, always deflecting praise back to the team that supported him on set.
The Strategic Move to Supporting Actor Category
One of the reasons for Cooper’s growing odds to win the Emmy is the decision to enter him in the Supporting Actor category rather than Best Actor.
This move is being hailed as a “genius” decision by industry experts, as it significantly increases his chances of winning.
Cooper’s chances were further solidified after the Gold Derby website updated his odds to 9/2, making him a joint favorite alongside Javier Bardem from Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
A Career on the Rise
If Cooper were to win, it would mark just the beginning of his career in Hollywood.
He’s already been tapped for a major role as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, one of the most iconic roles in British literature.
His rapid ascent mirrors the career trajectories of legendary actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Daniel Day-Lewis.
Cooper’s lack of formal training only adds to the awe surrounding his success, further proving his raw, untapped potential.
From Humble Beginnings to International Stardom
Cooper’s journey to fame is even more inspiring when you consider his background.
Raised in a working-class estate in Warrington, Cooper had no formal connections to the entertainment industry.
His family, with his father working in IT and his mother as a carer, has supported him through this meteoric rise. Despite his newfound fame, Cooper’s modesty remains unwavering.
Experts have compared Cooper’s journey to that of other young stars who rose from humble beginnings to achieve international stardom, like Millie Bobby Brown and Timothée Chalamet.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede predicts that Cooper is poised to become “Hollywood’s hottest property,” with film scripts and brand deals already in the pipeline.
The Impact of Adolescence on Society
Aside from his growing fame, Adolescence itself has sparked critical conversations about the impact of online culture on youth, particularly the influence of misogyny and violence.
The drama has garnered attention from public figures, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who called for the series to be shown in schools.
The show’s exploration of these themes has led to discussions about safeguarding and social responsibility.
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has spoken out about the series, calling it a “disturbing glimpse into the minds of young boys” shaped by online content.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Owen Cooper
As the Emmy nominations approach in July, all eyes will be on Owen Cooper.
His incredible journey from a council estate to the top of the entertainment world is an inspiration to many.
Whether or not he secures the Emmy, it’s clear that Cooper’s career is just beginning, and he is already poised for greatness in the industry.
With his next steps in Hollywood, including major upcoming projects, Cooper’s future is undeniably bright.