Teenage Actor Owen Cooper Gains Recognition for Role in Netflix Series Adolescence

Owen Cooper, the young actor who has become a sensation for his role in the hit series Adolescence, recently spoke about his experience returning to school after achieving fame. The 15-year-old, who plays Jaime in the show, described his first day back as “a bit mad” in an interview with The New York Times.

Sudden Rise to Stardom

Cooper’s portrayal of a teenager convicted of murder in Adolescence has garnered widespread praise. Despite the dark nature of the role, Cooper’s performance has been lauded as a breakout moment, with some even questioning if it’s the best child acting debut ever, according to The Standard. The series, filmed in a unique one-shot style, premiered on Netflix last month and quickly gained a large following.

First Day Back to Normal

Before landing his role in Adolescence, Cooper had different aspirations. He revealed that he “grew up wanting to be a footballer” and that acting was not initially a career he considered. He started taking acting classes as a hobby at The Drama MOB in Manchester, where he and other students would read scripts. It was after receiving a self-tape request for the Netflix show that he began to take acting more seriously.

The young actor’s life has changed significantly since the release of Adolescence. Returning to school meant facing a new reality where he was no longer just another student. In his interview, Cooper mentioned that the attention he received from his schoolmates was overwhelming. He recounted how kids would approach him, shout his character’s name, and then quickly run off.

Support from Co-Star

During the interview with The New York Times, Stephen Graham, who played Cooper’s father in Adolescence, was also present. Upon hearing about the attention Cooper was receiving, Graham seemed concerned and asked for more details about what made it a “bother.” Cooper reassured him that it was nothing serious, just the excited reactions of his peers. Graham responded with relief, saying, “Ah, just some silly bollocks.”

Director Praises Young Talent

Philip Barantini, the director of Adolescence, has also spoken highly of Cooper’s talent. In an interview with The Standard, Barantini called Cooper a “natural born talent,” especially considering it was his first professional acting job. The director praised Cooper’s ability to take direction and his natural instincts on set, even during the challenging one-take filming process.

Future Projects

The success of Adolescence has already opened doors for Cooper to other significant projects. He is reportedly set to play a young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which will also star Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. This indicates a promising future for the young actor in the entertainment industry.

Despite the whirlwind of fame, Cooper seems to be taking it all in stride. He admitted that watching himself on screen was a “weird” yet amazing experience. His grounded reaction to his newfound celebrity, as seen in his school return and his interactions with his co-star, suggests a maturity beyond his years.

Also Read: Netflix’s “Adolescence”: Behind-the-Scene Secrets from Episode 4 Revealed by Stephen Graham and Crew

For more updates on Owen Cooper, tune in to Vviptimes.

SOURCE: The New York Times

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