Young, untested and with a background far removed from Hollywood glamor, Owen Cooper stepped into the spotlight almost by chance and stayed by force of raw talent.
When he landed his first role as Jamie Miller in the 2025 Netflix miniseries Adolescence, no one could predict that the shy teenager on screen would soon rewrite industry records.
At just 15, he became the youngest male actor ever to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series — a stunning achievement for someone whose entire career had begun mere months earlier.
Jamie Miller in Adolescence |2025
This was Cooper’s screen debut and the role that instantly turned him into a global sensation. His portrayal of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old accused of murder, was noted for its disturbing mercurial nature, shifting from innocent fear to calculated defiance. The performance, which earned him a historic Primetime Emmy Award—making him the youngest male winner in the category’s history—demonstrated a profound and immediate understanding of complex character psychology.
Young Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights | 2026
Selecting a role in Emerald Fennell’s ambitious, highly anticipated film adaptation of the classic novel cemented Cooper’s desire for serious, literary-rooted drama. Playing the challenging younger version of the volatile, passionate Heathcliff, alongside veteran stars, is a powerful statement about his career ambitions and his readiness to tackle iconic characters that demand emotional intensity.
Callum in Film Club | 2025
Following his dramatic breakthrough, Cooper moved into the comedy-drama space for this BBC production. The role of Callum, a recurring part in a series written by and co-starring Aimee Lou Wood, demonstrated his versatility and willingness to work within an ensemble. It showed a calculated pivot to display range beyond the intense drama of his debut, proving he can ground a contemporary narrative.
Lead in Cry to Heaven | 2026
Currently in pre-production, this role—set for a 2026 release—marks his commitment to major cinematic projects. While details remain limited, the project’s reported director and serious dramatic tone suggest that Cooper is continuing his trajectory of prioritizing artistically challenging work over fleeting blockbusters, further solidifying his status as a long-term investment for the industry.
Sam Fender: Little Bit Closer
Although a music video is a minor credit, his appearance highlights Cooper’s rising cultural relevance and his connection to other emerging British artistic talents. For a young actor, aligning himself with a respected, contemporary artist like Sam Fender shows a thoughtful approach to brand association and a desire to be part of the broader, current creative landscape.