Key Points:
- Adolescence star Owen Cooper, a 15-year-old British actor, made his debut in the Netflix crime drama, earning widespread acclaim.
- His audition tape, shared by director Philip Barantini, went viral, showcasing his raw talent.
- The series’ success has catapulted Cooper into the spotlight, with upcoming roles in major projects.
Netflix’s Adolescence has turned Owen Cooper into an overnight sensation. The British crime drama, known for its gripping storytelling and single-take cinematography, has captivated audiences worldwide. Cooper, a 15-year-old actor with no prior professional experience, delivers a compelling performance as Jamie Miller, a schoolboy accused of murder. His audition tape, which recently surfaced online, has further cemented his rising stardom.
How Did Owen Cooper Land His Role in Adolescence?
Born in December 2009 in Warrington, England, Owen Cooper had no formal acting training before landing the lead role in Adolescence. Growing up in a working-class family, he initially aspired to become a footballer, supporting Liverpool FC. His interest in acting was sparked when he joined The Drama Mob, a Manchester-based theater group co-founded by Coronation Street’s Tina O’Brien.
In 2024, at just 14, Cooper submitted a self-tape audition for Adolescence after encouragement from his drama teacher, Alex Edge. Casting director Shaheen Baig was tasked with finding the perfect Jamie Miller among thousands of submissions. Cooper’s audition stood out, as he flawlessly performed two versions of his character—one as an innocent boy, the other as a guilty child trying to conceal the truth. Following a chemistry read with Stephen Graham, the show’s co-creator and his on-screen father, Cooper was cast for the role.
READ MORE: Where Was Netflix’s Adolescence Filmed? Locations and Drone Shot Secrets
What Made His Audition Tape Go Viral?
Director Philip Barantini recently shared Cooper’s audition tape on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into the actor’s raw talent. The clip featured Cooper performing a high-intensity scene where Jamie is being interrogated by the police. Another clip showed an emotional outburst, mirroring a pivotal moment from Episode 3 of the series.
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Fans quickly flooded the comment section, with one viewer stating, “When he swipes the hot chocolate away and loses it, it gives me goosebumps. He is a little star.” The audition’s release on March 24, 2025, further fueled the show’s growing popularity, with social media buzzing about Cooper’s undeniable talent. Stephen Graham even compared Cooper’s abilities to legendary actors, telling Vanity Fair, “I saw the same kind of presence and talent that you’d expect from a young De Niro.”
READ MORE: Adolescence Ending Explained: Jamie’s Plea Change and What It Means
How Did Adolescence Showcase Owen Cooper’s Acting Skills?
In Adolescence, Cooper portrays Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. The series, created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne and directed by Philip Barantini, is unique for its single-take episodes, requiring immense focus and skill from its actors.
Cooper’s first-ever scene on set was a tense confrontation with psychologist Briony Ariston, played by Erin Doherty. The sequence required 11 takes, and Cooper’s ability to transition from innocence to rage was so compelling that Doherty later described his performance as “genuinely terrifying.” His ability to stay in character was evident when a spontaneous yawn during a take led to Doherty’s improvised line, “Am I boring you?”, which was kept in the final cut.
READ MORE: Netflix’s Adolescence Plot Explained: Full Show Breakdown and Spoilers
Since its release on March 13, 2025, Adolescence has shattered records on Netflix. According to Variety, the series garnered 24.3 million views in its first four days. By its second weekend, it became Netflix’s most-watched title, accumulating 66.3 million views in just 11 days—the highest ever for a limited series within a two-week period.
The show has received widespread acclaim for its writing, direction, and performances. Critics have particularly praised Cooper’s gripping portrayal of Jamie, with some comparing his performance to Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver and Leonardo DiCaprio in This Boy’s Life.
What’s Next for Owen Cooper?
The success of Adolescence has opened new doors for Cooper. Mid-production, Stephen Graham introduced him to his agent, Maddi Bonura, who secured him a role as young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film, which stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is set to release in late 2026.
Additionally, Cooper has been cast in Film Club, a BBC comedy-drama co-written by The White Lotus’s Aimee Lou Wood. The series follows two film enthusiasts navigating their unspoken love for each other.
READ MORE: The Truth About Incels in Netflix’s Adolescence: Real or Fiction?
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Cooper remains grounded. He continues to live in Warrington, attending school and playing football in his free time. His Instagram (@owencoooper) has gained over 21,000 followers, where he frequently shares behind-the-scenes moments and his love for Liverpool FC. Neighbors describe him as “the sweetest boy”, and his mother, Noreen, remains his biggest supporter, having driven him to every drama class before his breakout role.
Cooper has also expressed his dream of playing Spider-Man, telling Indy100, “I’d love to do that one day.” Given his trajectory, many believe he could be the next British actor to don the iconic suit.
Source: NDTV
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