What's Inside?
- Owen Cooper, just 15, wins Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor, becoming youngest male acting winner in Primetime Emmy history.
- His breakout role in Netflix’s Adolescence showcased emotional depth, filmed in a single-shot style, earning him record-breaking recognition.
- Cooper’s career accelerates with upcoming roles in BBC’s Film Club and Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights alongside Jacob Elordi.
At only 15 years old, Owen Cooper has made television history by becoming the youngest male actor ever to win a Primetime Emmy. The teenager, who stunned audiences with his role in Netflix’s gripping limited series Adolescence, won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. His triumph has not only put him in the record books but also marked the beginning of what looks like a remarkable career.
Owen Cooper Breaks Records with Historic Emmy Win
When Owen Cooper’s name was called on Sunday night, the room erupted in applause. The young English actor, who grew up outside Manchester and had no professional experience before Adolescence, beat seasoned talents including Javier Bardem, Bill Camp, Peter Sarsgaard, Rob Delaney, and even his own co-star Ashley Walters. “It says my name on the statue, but it really belongs to all of the people who worked on the show,” Cooper humbly said during his acceptance speech.
Youngest Emmy winner ever in any male acting category.
Congratulations to Adolescence’s OWEN COOPER. pic.twitter.com/nU63DGPg1R
— Netflix (@netflix) September 15, 2025
The award is especially significant because Cooper had already made history in July as the youngest nominee ever in his category. His portrayal of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old accused of murdering a classmate, was praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. Filmed when Cooper was just 14, the drama’s unique approach — each of its four episodes shot as one continuous take — further showcased his natural ability in front of the camera.
With this win, Cooper surpasses Jharrel Jerome, who previously held the record as the youngest actor to win in the supporting limited series category at age 21 for When They See Us in 2019. Although Roxana Zal remains the youngest acting Emmy winner overall — she was just 14 when she won in 1984 for Something About Amelia — Cooper now stands as the youngest male winner in Emmy history.
His name also joins a very short list of teenage Emmy winners, including Kristy McNichol, who won twice before turning 18, Scott Jacoby at 16, and Anthony Murphy at 17. For decades, these records seemed untouchable until Cooper’s breakthrough performance redefined what young actors could achieve on the industry’s biggest stage.
What’s Next for Owen Cooper after His Emmy Milestone
Beyond the award, Owen Cooper’s rise signals a shift in how television embraces fresh talent. His win shows that compelling performances are not limited to veterans but can come from newcomers with extraordinary potential. Industry watchers are already calling him one of the brightest young stars of his generation.
What makes his story even more remarkable is how quickly it has unfolded. Just a year ago, Cooper was stepping onto a professional set for the first time. Today, he holds an Emmy and is poised for bigger opportunities. His next projects include the BBC drama Film Club, where he will play Callum, and a role as Young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights alongside Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
For many young actors, the transition from breakout role to lasting career is daunting, but Cooper seems ready for the challenge. His humility, combined with raw talent, sets him apart in a competitive field. If his Emmy-winning performance in Adolescence is any indication, audiences can expect even more powerful work from him in the years ahead.
In just one unforgettable night, Owen Cooper transformed from a promising newcomer to an Emmy-winning trailblazer. By making history at such a young age, he has become both an inspiration for aspiring performers and a reminder that the future of television lies in bold, fresh voices unafraid to take the spotlight.
