Who Is Owen Cooper? Meet the English Actor and 'Adolescence' Star

In Netflix’s latest limited series Adolescence, 15-year-old Owen Cooper has completely enamored audiences with his raw and emotional performance. Each episode is filmed in a single take, placing immense pressure on its actors—yet Cooper rises to the challenge, showcasing a level of talent far beyond his years. It’s no wonder viewers are asking: who is this young breakout star, and where did he come from?

In Adolescence, Cooper portrays 13-year-old Jamie Miller, a boy from England, accused of murdering a classmate. Though the character is young, the themes are anything but. With each scene, Cooper blurs the line between guilt and innocence, delivering a performance so nuanced and intense that you’re never quite sure whether Jamie is telling the truth. His unfiltered emotion—captured without a single cut—has earned him widespread acclaim. But for Cooper, this meteoric rise was anything but expected.

Who is Owen Cooper?

Owen Patrick Cooper is a 15-year-old English actor who rose to prominence for his breakout role as Jamie Miller in the 2025 Netflix miniseries Adolescence. Born in Warrington, England, Cooper is the youngest of three brothers. His mother works as a carer and his father is in IT, so it came as a shock to the family of Cooper's immediate success.

Before acting, he aspired to become a professional footballer and was a member of the Warrington Rylands U15 squad. His path shifted when he began taking weekly acting lessons with The Drama Mob in Manchester, setting the stage for his unexpected rise in acting. 

What Shows/Movies is Owen Cooper in? 

Owen Cooper may be new to the acting world, but his impact has already been undeniable. With only one project under his belt, the 15-year-old has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning praise for his emotionally charged and unflinching performance. His breakout role has firmly placed him on the radar as one of the most promising young actors to watch. 

Fans eager to see what's next for Cooper won't have to wait long. He's set to star as young Heathcliff in the upcoming 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, appearing alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. The project marks a major milestone for the young actor, promising to showcase his range in a classic literary role that's as intense and complex as his debut.