Owen Cooper is no ordinary teen—he is the new British acting sensation whose gripping performance in Netflix’s Adolescence has earned him an Emmy nomination, turning heads across the entertainment world. From soccer fields to starring roles, Cooper’s journey is as compelling as the characters he embodies, promising a bright career ahead.

Owen Cooper, aged 15, is the breakout star of Netflix’s acclaimed miniseries Adolescence, portraying Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy entangled in a harrowing murder accusation. Filmed when he was just 14, Cooper stunned audiences and critics alike with a maturity and depth unexpected from such a fresh face. His portrayal earned him a historic Primetime Emmy nomination, making him the youngest ever contender in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series category.

Despite the glitz, Cooper stays grounded with a teenager-like demeanor. Off-screen, Owen’s passions are rooted in very grounded teenage pursuits—he is an avid Liverpool F.C. fan and enjoys unwinding with PlayStation games like Grand Theft Auto, balancing his rising star status with classic teenage pastimes.

Born on December 5, 2009, in Warrington, England, Owen Cooper grew up in a lively city nestled between Liverpool and Manchester. Originally a keen soccer player, he played in the Warrington Rylands U15 squad. Cooper’s life took a pivot when he started to take weekly acting classes at The Drama Mob in Manchester, a school co-founded by actress Tina O’Brien. Inspired by Tom Holland’s performance in The Impossible, Owen’s interest in acting blossomed, fueled by supportive yet non-pushy family encouragement. He has two older brothers, and his parents work, respectively, in IT and as a caregiver.

A shocker for many, Adolescence was not only Owen Cooper’s first on-screen role but also his very first professional acting job. Despite little prior experience—just a few drama classes—his audition captured the attention of director Phillip Barantini and co-star Stephen Graham, who sought a northern British actor for authenticity. The role demanded intense emotional depth and stamina, with each episode filmed in a single continuous take, like walking a tightrope without a safety net. Awards have followed, including the Gotham TV Award for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series. His portrayal of Jamie Miller was heart-wrenching, complex, and remarkably nuanced for a teenager so new to the craft.

A crucial ingredient to this success story is casting director Shaheen Baig, known for her work on Black Mirror and Peaky Blinders. Baig sifted through over 500 candidates across northern England, searching for authentic regional talent. What made Cooper stand out was his natural ease in front of the camera and genuine intelligence—qualities that made the grueling one-shot filming style look effortless. Baig has recalled on the Deadline that Cooper “simply listened” and “tuned in” to the energy on set, creating a performance that felt instinctual and rare for such a young newcomer. 

The future looks dazzling for Owen Cooper. He is set to play young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights (2026), a major Hollywood adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. This role pairs him alongside Jacob Elordi, who will portray the older Heathcliff, promising a fresh but faithful retelling of the tempestuous tale. Additionally, Cooper will star as Callum in the upcoming BBC Three series Film Club, expanding his footprint in television drama. Rumors buzz that Owen Cooper’s collaboration with Oscar-nominated actresses hints at more big-ticket Hollywood projects on the horizon, signaling that this star is just beginning to shine on the global stage.

Owen Cooper’s rise from an aspiring actor with a penchant for football to an Emmy-nominated star is a compelling story of talent meeting opportunity at just the right moment. His powerful debut in Adolescence and promising upcoming roles showcase a remarkable young actor ready to leave an indelible mark on screen. Cooper has already established himself as a name bound to become synonymous with gripping, heartfelt performances for years to come.