Owen Cooper, the breakout star of the Netflix hit Adolescence, is navigating a whirlwind year that combines A-list recognition with the pressures of school exams.
At just 16 years old, the young actor is juggling his GCSE mock exams with his burgeoning Hollywood career, all while preparing for the upcoming Golden Globe Awards.
A Star on the Rise
Cooper, who gained fame for his powerful portrayal of Jamie Miller in Adolescence, has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes this Sunday.
The actor, who just celebrated his 16th birthday in December, is set to walk the red carpet alongside Hollywood heavyweights like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Dwayne Johnson.
However, before he joins the stars at the prestigious event, Cooper is prioritizing his studies, taking his mock GCSE exams remotely while filming in Europe.
Sources close to the rising star reveal that Owen is determined to stay on track with his academic commitments.
Despite working on location, he’ll sit his Religious Studies, Biology, and English Literature exams at the same time as his classmates back home.
“Owen is as focused on his schoolwork as he is on his acting career,” a close source shared.
“He’s made it clear that he wants to excel in both areas.”
A Serious Commitment to Education
The teen actor is reportedly sitting his exams under controlled conditions, with a moderator present to ensure the integrity of the process.
This commitment to education, even with his growing success, shows a rare level of maturity for someone so young.
“Owen wants to get good grades,” the source added.
“His acting career is definitely taking off, but he remains dedicated to his studies.”
Even as his acting career continues to soar, Owen isn’t letting his fame distract him from his education.
“Obviously, his acting career is looking particularly promising,” the insider continued.
“But that won’t stop him from working hard at school.”
A Glowing Year for Owen Cooper
The past year has been a remarkable one for Owen, with several career milestones that have cemented his place in Hollywood.
Just last Sunday, he picked up a Best Supporting Actor award at the Critics’ Choice Awards for his role in Adolescence, a psychological crime drama where he plays a 13-year-old boy accused of murder.
His heartfelt acceptance speech resonated with both fans and colleagues, as he expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he and his family have received since his rise to stardom.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” he said, reflecting on how his life has changed in the past year.
“Honestly, it’s changed our lives forever, and we’re forever grateful.”
Owen’s co-stars, Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, also took home awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a limited series, respectively.
Keeping It Real: School Friends Keep Him Grounded
Despite being hailed by critics and rubbing shoulders with A-list stars, Owen has managed to stay grounded, thanks to his friends at school.
On a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Owen admitted that his schoolmates haven’t treated him any differently since his rise to fame.
“My friends aren’t really bothered by all the attention,” Owen said with a laugh.
“They messaged me to say ‘well done’, but they don’t make a big deal out of it.”
This sense of normalcy helps keep Owen humble, even as stars like Margot Robbie heap praise on his acting abilities.
“I was worried that my friends would change,” he confided in a recent interview. “But I’m glad they haven’t.
They still shout at me in class, still take the mick out of me. It’s all good.”
From Football Dreams to Hollywood Fame
Before finding his passion for acting, Owen had dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
Growing up in Warrington, he never imagined a career in entertainment, especially with both his older brothers working in trades.
It wasn’t until watching Tom Holland’s performance in The Impossible that Owen realized his true calling.
The 2012 film, which recounts the true story of a family caught in the 2004 tsunami, inspired Owen to pursue acting.
His journey to stardom was far from conventional.
Owen, who had no prior acting experience, enrolled in acting classes at The Drama MOB, a drama school co-founded by former Coronation Street actress Tina O’Brien.
There, he honed his skills before submitting a tape for the role of Jamie Miller in Adolescence.
It was through his demo that casting director Shaheen Baig saw potential, and Owen quickly became the frontrunner for the role.
Hollywood’s Newest Heartthrob?
As Owen’s star continues to rise, industry experts predict that he could soon become the next big thing in Hollywood.
Nick Ede, a brand and culture expert, believes that Owen’s success could mirror the careers of stars like Timothée Chalamet, who transitioned from a rising talent to one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.
“Critics are raving about Owen’s performance in Adolescence,” Ede commented.
“He’s a rags-to-riches story that Hollywood loves, and at just 16, he has the potential to become a household name.”
Owen has already landed multiple film roles, including a part in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights and Tom Ford’s upcoming Cry to Heaven, set in the world of 18th-century Italian opera.
A Bright Future Ahead
With his talent, humility, and dedication, Owen Cooper is poised to become a lasting figure in the entertainment industry.
As he balances his school exams with a career that’s only just beginning to take off, there’s little doubt that this young actor will continue to make waves in both Hollywood and beyond.
For now, though, Owen remains focused on the present—finishing his GCSEs and preparing for the Golden Globes.
No matter where his career takes him, it’s clear that he’s determined to stay grounded and keep working hard.
And, with so much success already under his belt, the future looks incredibly bright for this rising star.
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