| Written by Faith Mwende |
British actor Owen Cooper has become the youngest ever male Emmy winner at just 15 years old, thanks to his standout role in Netflix’s powerful drama Adolescence.
The Warrington-born star was only 14 during filming of the four-part series, which examines the aftermath of a schoolgirl’s fatal stabbing and the arrest of a 13-year-old boy accused of her murder.
Praised for its unflinching portrayal of social media-driven misogyny among teenage boys, the series has been lauded as one of Netflix’s boldest British productions in recent years.
Cooper’s portrayal of the accused, Jamie, has been hailed by critics as “astonishing” and “truly remarkable,” cementing him as one of the most exciting young talents in television.
Casting director Shaheen Baig recalled being immediately impressed by Cooper’s audition tape: “He looked great on camera, but what really stood out was how natural and smart his improv was.”
The young actor’s journey into the spotlight began unexpectedly at age 10, when he asked his parents if he could join a local drama class in Didsbury, Manchester.
Until Adolescence, he had no screen credits, despite initially aspiring to become a footballer.
By securing the Emmy, Cooper surpasses the record held for more than five decades by Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when he won in 1973 for That Certain Summer.
