Meet Owen Cooper: The 15-Year-Old Netflix Prodigy Who's Never Acted Before!

In Netflix’s fresh four-part series titled Adolescence, you’ll encounter many familiar actors, as it was penned by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne (known for Toxic Town, Help, and His Dark Materials).

But it is Owen Cooper, who you won’t have heard of, who is set to be the talk of the town.

In this role, the fresh actor portrays a kid under suspicion for the killing of a young woman, an already difficult task. However, it’s not just the complexity of the character that stands out – it’s Cooper’s debut in acting and the fact that the entire series is filmed in one continuous take, making his performance even more impressive.

According to director Philip Barantini, he was utterly astonished by the actor’s performance. He explained that actors spend countless hours honing their skills, yet they struggle to achieve what Owen has perfected – living authentically in each moment and genuinely responding.

I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous actors throughout my career as both an actor and a director, but none compare to his unique talent. It’s almost as if he takes his abilities for granted, such is his nonchalance towards them.

Each day, we’d carry out the taping session, lasting an hour, during which everyone at the monitors would be visibly emotional. A psychologist was present to check on Owen’s well-being, but she couldn’t seem to find him. She’d ask, “Where’s Owen?” and he’d often be found playing swing ball elsewhere. I’d inquire, “Mate, are you alright?”, to which he’d reply, “Yeah, just a moment, I’m doing well here because I’m winning!

Read on for everything you need know about Owen Cooper.

Who is Owen Cooper?

Cooper is a rising star in the acting world, best known for his role in the Netflix drama “Adolescence.” In this series, he portrays Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old character who finds himself accused of murdering a fellow student at his school.

His father Eddie is played by Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco plays his mum Manda.

How old is Owen Cooper?

Cooper is 15 years old, but he filmed the series when he was just 14.

What has Owen Cooper previously been in?

Adolescence marks not just Cooper’s debut as an on-screen actor, but also his initial stint in acting, a fact that might surprise many considering his impressive performance.

He shared with Variety that his passion for acting emerged only a couple of years back. It’s still relatively new for him. Growing up, he aspired to become a footballer, and the desire just sort of took hold of him without any specific reason; he simply felt compelled to pursue it.

After attending my lessons, I found great pleasure in them. Later on, I became involved in a small agency matter and received an invitation for a self-tape audition for the show Adolescence. From there, things just took off!

He will portray the role of a younger Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, sharing the screen with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

What has Owen Cooper said about starring in Adolescence?

While discussing his experience with Variety, Cooper expressed that it was quite peculiar yet incredibly awe-inspiring to see himself on the show.

As the critic gazes upon the silver screen, he humbly acknowledges the praise bestowed upon his portrayal, “Many have lauded my acting,” I remark modestly. “Truthfully, when I watch the film, it feels unlike a typical viewing experience. I’m not just an audience member; I am a part of the production. Therefore, I can’t fully assess its merits objectively. However, those who have shared their thoughts with me have raved about its brilliance. Consequently, I find myself basking in the glow of favorable reviews.

He also spoke about what it was like working with Graham.

Cooper mentioned that Stephen had been frequently checking in on him, but there was a specific moment during episode 1 when it was only the two of them, without any cameras present, inside a police cell. In this instance, Stephen roughed him up and asserted, “You’ll never see your mother again, you’ll never see your father again.” He went on and on with his words, according to Cooper.

Previously, I felt exasperated as I wasn’t experiencing emotions. However, following that instance, I became emotionally expressive in each scene which was incredibly beneficial for me. Working with him was simply fantastic.

Is Owen Cooper on Instagram?

Yes, the actor can be found at the handle @owencooper.

He has 902 followers at the time of writing, but that number is undoubtedly set to grow.

Is Owen Cooper on X?

He doesn’t appear to have an X account.

2025-03-13 11:39

Meet Owen Cooper: The 15-Year-Old Netflix Prodigy Who’s Never Acted Before!