Key Points

Fifteen-year-old Owen Cooper just made Emmy history. He became the youngest male actor to ever win an acting award, breaking a decades-old record. His victory for Netflix's 'Adolescence' is even more impressive considering he beat out Oscar-winner Javier Bardem. What's truly amazing is that Cooper had never acted before landing this life-changing role.

Key Points: Owen Cooper Becomes Youngest Male Emmy Winner at 15

  • Won Emmy for Supporting Actor in Netflix's hit series Adolescence
  • Broke Michael A. Goorjian's 1994 record as youngest male winner
  • Defeated Oscar-winner Javier Bardem and other seasoned actors
  • Had never acted before landing his breakthrough role
2 min read

15-year-old Owen Cooper becomes youngest male actor to win Emmy, breaks decades-old record

15-year-old Owen Cooper makes Emmy history as youngest male acting winner for Netflix's 'Adolescence', breaking a record held since 1994.

"I was nothing three years ago, and I'm here now. Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything is possible. - Owen Cooper"

Los Angeles, September 15

The Emmy Awards made history this year as 15-year-old Owen Cooper became the youngest male actor ever to win an Acting Award.

The teenager, who stars in the Netflix drama 'Adolescence', won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie.

The audience gave Cooper a huge round of applause as he took the stage to thank the cast, crew and his parents.

"Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple of years ago, I didn't expect to be in the United States, never mind here, but I think tonight proves that if you listen, focus, and step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. I was nothing three years ago, and I'm here now. Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything is possible," Cooper said.

With his win, Cooper broke Michael A. Goorjian's record, who was 23 when he became the youngest winner in the category in 1994. According to Deadline, the actor has also surpassed Scott Jacoby's record as the youngest male actor to ever win an Emmy in any acting category. Jacoby was 16 when he won in 1973 for 'The Certain Summer'.

Cooper's victory is remarkable given the competition. He prevailed over Oscar-winner Javier Bardem (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), Bill Camp, and Peter Sarsgaard (Presumed Innocent), as well as Rob Delaney (Dying for Sex), along with his own Adolescence co-star, Ashley Walters.

What makes his journey even more extraordinary is that Cooper had never acted before auditioning for Adolescence. In the four-episode series follows series, he plays 13-year-old Jamie Miller, a schoolboy arrested on suspicion of murder. The series is not a whodunit but instead asks the question "Why?" -- why did Jamie's life take such a turn? The series also stars Stephen Graham as Jamie's father, Christine Tremarco as his mother, and Amelie Pease as his sister.

Within its first three months, Adolescence drew more than 141 million views on Netflix, making it the platform's second-biggest hit after Wednesday, reported Deadline.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Amazing! But I hope he doesn't get overwhelmed by fame at such a young age. Hollywood can be tough on child actors. Hope he has good guidance and continues his education alongside acting.
A
Anjali F
Just watched Adolescence last week! Owen's performance was mind-blowing. The way he portrayed that complex character at 15 is unbelievable. Definitely deserved the Emmy! 👏
S
Sarah B
His speech was so humble and inspiring. "Who cares if you get embarrassed?" - words to live by! This young man has a bright future ahead.
V
Vikram M
️ 141 million views in 3 months! That's incredible reach. Hollywood is recognizing raw talent regardless of age. Hope Indian entertainment industry also gives more opportunities to young actors beyond typical child roles.
K
Karthik V
Beating Javier Bardem is no small feat! This kid must be extraordinary. Going to watch Adolescence this weekend just to see his performance.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50