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Owen Cooper, the breakout star of Netflix’s Adolescence, is receiving widespread acclaim for his role as Jamie Miller, a troubled teenager accused of stabbing a classmate. The UK series has been praised for its gritty storytelling and ambitious one-take format, and Cooper’s powerful performance has quickly made him a standout, even at just 15 years old. His portrayal of Jamie, who grapples with toxic masculinity and the influences of incel culture, is being lauded for its emotional depth and complexity.
Cooper, who hails from Warrington near Manchester, originally dreamed of becoming a footballer. However, after watching Tom Holland’s performance in The Impossible (2012), he was inspired to pursue acting, joining a drama club and ultimately finding his passion on screen. He now aspires to follow in Holland’s footsteps, even joking about wanting to play Spider-Man in future Marvel movies.
In a recent interview with Variety, Cooper expressed his surprise at the positive feedback he’s received, admitting that he doesn’t watch his own performances the way others do. “I don’t really watch it like I’m watching a normal show,” he said. Despite his modesty, praise from industry figures has been overwhelming, with director Phillip Baranti calling Cooper’s acting skills “extraordinary” and noting his natural ability to stay “in the moment” and be authentic on screen.
The show’s focus on toxic masculinity and the influence of provocative figures like Andrew Tate has resonated with viewers, and Cooper’s nuanced performance has contributed to the show’s success. Director Baranti was especially impressed by Cooper’s innate talent, saying that many trained actors still struggle to achieve the authenticity Cooper brings effortlessly.
Looking ahead, Cooper will star alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in an adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell. The film, in which Cooper will portray a younger version of Heathcliff, is set to be released on February 13, 2026. With his career on the rise, it seems Cooper’s star is only getting brighter.