Owen Cooper, a 15-year-old actor from Warrington, England, has become the youngest male performer ever to win a Primetime Emmy Award. He earned the Outstanding Supporting Actor prize for his role in the Netflix limited series “Adolescence.” Cooper broke a record that had stood for over fifty years, previously held by Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when he won in 1973. The young actor received the award on September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Cooper played Jamie Miller, a teenager accused of murdering a female classmate. His performance captivated audiences and critics alike. The series explores tough issues like online radicalization and social media’s impact on young people. Cooper was only 14 years old when the show was filmed. This was his first ever professional acting job.
Record-Breaking Emmy Win
The Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie was a historic moment. Cooper surpassed Scott Jacoby, who won at age 16 for “That Certain Summer” in 1973. The overall youngest Emmy winner remains Roxana Zal, who was 14 when she won in 1984 for “Something About Amelia.” Cooper’s win was a highlight of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, hosted by Nate Bargatze.
Cooper beat out several experienced actors, including his “Adolescence” co-star Ashley Walters. Other nominees were Javier Bardem (“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”), Bill Camp and Peter Sarsgaard (“Presumed Innocent”), and Rob Delaney (“Dying for Sex”).
Owen Cooper’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
During his acceptance speech, Cooper appeared stunned and grateful. He shared a powerful message about taking chances and believing in yourself.
“Standing up here… wow this is so surreal. When I started these drama classes a couple of years back, I didn’t expect to even be in the United States, never mind here. Tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out of your comfort you can achieve anything in life. Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything can be possible. I was nothing about three years ago, I’m here now.”
He was quick to credit the many people who helped him succeed, stating:
“It may have my name on this award but it really belongs to the people behind the camera and all the cast.”
The Groundbreaking Series “Adolescence”
“Adolescence” is a four-part Netflix drama that became a global sensation. It tells the story of a young boy’s involvement in a terrible crime and the community affected by it. The series is famous for its unique filming style. Each episode was shot in one continuous take, which required immense precision from the cast and crew.
The show was a massive hit for Netflix. It became the second most-watched show in the platform’s history, with over 540 million hours viewed. It is also the most-watched UK title ever on Netflix. The series sparked important conversations about the dangers of the online “manosphere” and how internet culture can influence vulnerable young men.
Stephen Graham, who co-created the series and plays Jamie’s father, said the story was inspired by real-life events. He explained:
“It really hurt my heart, I just thought, ‘what’s going on in society where this kind of thing is becoming a regular occurrence?’”
The show’s impact was so significant that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested it should be shown in schools.
From Football Dreams to Acting Accolades
Owen Cooper was born on December 5, 2009, in Warrington, England. He lives there with his family. His mother works as a carer and his father works in IT. He has two brothers. Cooper originally dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and played for the Warrington Rylands U15 squad.
His passion changed after he saw Tom Holland’s performance in the film “The Impossible.” He began taking weekly acting classes at The Drama Mob, a drama school in Manchester co-founded by “Coronation Street” actress Tina O’Brien. Esther Morgan, from the drama school, noted that the production team for “Adolescence” asked to see tapes of their “strongest northern boys.” She said, “They kept coming back for Owen.”
Casting director Shaheen Baig saw something special in Cooper’s audition tape. She said, “He looks great on camera, but also his improv was really smart. It felt very natural.” Cooper was chosen from a pool of over 500 young actors who auditioned for the role.
A Night of Major Wins for “Adolescence”
Cooper’s win was part of a huge night for “Adolescence” at the Emmys. The show won a total of six awards, including the top prize for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Stephen Graham won for Outstanding Lead Actor, and Erin Doherty won for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as a child psychologist. The series also won awards for its writing and directing.
Stephen Graham also gave a moving speech when accepting his award. He shared:
“This kind of thing normally doesn’t happen to a kid like me, I’m just a mixed-race kid from a block of flats in a place called Kirkby. So for me to be here today in front of my peers and be acknowledged by you is the most humbling thing I could ever imagine in my life, and it shows you that any dream is possible.”
Erin Doherty, in her acceptance speech, joked that she would be “banging on about Owen Cooper and Adolescence for the rest of my life.”
A Star-Studded Night and a Lucky Duck
Before the ceremony, Cooper had mentioned in an interview that he hoped to meet actor Jake Gyllenhaal. His wish came true on the red carpet. In a moment that spread quickly on social media, Gyllenhaal gave Cooper a small “lucky duck” toy. Gyllenhaal explained that a friend had given it to him for good luck when he was nominated for an Oscar for “Brokeback Mountain.”
“It’s just a ‘lucky duck’ to keep in your pocket. To give you a little bit of luck.”
Cooper later posted on Instagram, calling it an “Honour and a privilege to meet an icon of the game like Jake.” Gyllenhaal responded, “The honor was mine man. Good luck tonight!!!!”
What’s Next for the Young Star
Despite his sudden fame, Cooper remains grounded. He still lives in Orford, Cheshire, and enjoys playing PlayStation games like Grand Theft Auto. He is also a devoted fan of Liverpool Football Club.
His career is moving quickly. He has already filmed a music video for Sam Fender’s song “Little Bit Closer.” He is also set to appear in the upcoming BBC Three series “Film Club.” Furthermore, he has been cast as young Heathcliff in director Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” scheduled for release in 2026.
Jacob Elordi, who plays the adult Heathcliff, has already praised Cooper. He called the experience of working with the young actor “intimidating” because of his raw talent.
Also Read: Owen Wilson’s Golf Comedy “Stick” Season 1: Episodes, Where to Watch, and Full Details
Credits: The Hollywood Reporter, BBC News, Wikipedia
