A 13-year-old actor has everyone talking—and Netflix can’t stop celebrating. His riveting turn in the gripping drama “Adolescence” just helped the series shatter Emmy records.
A Breakout Performance
In March, Netflix unveiled “Adolescence,” a taut four-episode drama that follows the Miller family’s nightmare when 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) is accused of a classmate’s murder. Shot in continuous takes, the series leans on raw, emotional performances—especially from Cooper, whose portrayal of a bewildered teen on the brink of despair anchors the entire story. Viewers around the globe have praised his ability to convey vulnerability and fear with each haunting glance, proving that sometimes the smallest actors make the biggest impact.
Record-Breaking Emmy Nod
When the 2025 Emmy nominations were announced, “Adolescence” racked up an impressive 13 nods, including Best Limited Series and Outstanding Writing. Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty earned supporting acting mentions, but it was Owen Cooper’s nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series that stole headlines. At just 15, he’s now the youngest performer ever up for that award—beating out Hollywood heavyweights like Javier Bardem and Peter Sarsgaard. His historic nomination underscores both his remarkable talent and the show’s runaway success.
Next stop: the 77th Emmy Awards on September 14, where Cooper will find out if he takes home the gold. Either way, his place in TV history is already secure.
