Owen Cooper’s name lit up screens around the world after his stunning win at the Emmys, but life for the 15-year-old star is still very much grounded in his hometown of Warrington, Cheshire.
Returning from Los Angeles with his parents, Owen is preparing to head back to school, though he plans to leave his Emmy safely at home.
“I’m definitely not taking it to school. This will get robbed, no chance,” he joked when asked if he would show off the award to his classmates.
Despite his rising fame, Owen’s family life remains modest.
The teen and his parents, mother Noreen, 52, and father Andy, 45, still live in their £135,000 terraced home, and his brothers, Ollie, 21, and Connor, 31, work as electricians.
Neighbours Celebrate Local Hero
The community has been thrilled by Owen’s success.
Neighbours tuned in to watch the Emmy ceremony, some staying up late to see him win.
June Shingler, 77, said, “We watched it on TV and I thought, ‘Oh my God, he only lives next door but one!’”
Madeline, 79, echoed the sentiment, recalling, “I’ve known him since he was born.
He used to call me ‘Nan Mad.’ They are a beautiful family, really grounded, and he is so well-mannered. I’m delighted for him.”
Owen’s mum, Noreen, has been equally praised for her supportive role in raising a talented and humble young actor.
Balancing Schoolwork and Stardom
Even while filming in Los Angeles, Owen kept up with his studies.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live, he explained, “When I get off set, I have a five-minute break, play swingball, and then I go straight to tutoring. I take this bag full of homework everywhere.”
Although his earnings from Adolescence are thought to be under £40,000 for the mini-series, the role has opened doors to bigger projects.
He is set to play young Heathcliff in a major film adaptation of Wuthering Heights alongside stars like Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
From Drama Lessons to Emmy Gold
Owen’s acting journey began with two years of training at Drama MOB school in Manchester.
Even before professional roles, he displayed a natural flair for performance, often “faking sick” to skip school—though all in good fun, he insists.
Esther Morgan, co-founder of Drama MOB, praised his dedication: “He’s worked so hard, and never did we imagine one of our young people would end up collecting an Emmy.
It’s incredible. Owen is talented, grounded, and absolutely lovely.”
A Record-Breaking Achievement
With his win, Owen became the youngest male actor to take home an Emmy, surpassing the previous record set in 1973.
He gave credit to his acting school and highlighted the importance of focus, courage, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
“Standing up here is just… wow. A couple of years ago I didn’t even think I’d be in the United States, let alone at the Emmys.
This proves if you listen, focus, and step out of your comfort zone, anything is possible,” he said.
Perseverance and Future Prospects
Despite rejections in earlier auditions, Owen’s persistence paid off.
He initially approached acting as a hobby to build confidence, not as a career dream. “I just wanted to do it as a hobby,” he said.
“Then maybe in six months I’d stop. But I enjoyed it, and then Adolescence came along.”
His story, from a local northern teen attending evening drama classes to an internationally recognized actor, stands as an inspiring example for aspiring young talents across the UK and beyond.