Netflix’s 'Adolescence' Star Owen Cooper Makes History As Youngest Actor To Win Emmy 2025
The 76th Emmy Awards turned historic this year as 15-year-old Owen Cooper made headlines worldwide by becoming the youngest male actor ever to win an Emmy in any acting category.
Cooper, who stars in Netflix’s critically acclaimed drama Adolescence, took home the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie, breaking a decades-old record and inspiring millions with his heartfelt acceptance speech.
Before Cooper’s win, the youngest male actor to receive an Emmy was Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when he won in 1973 for The Certain Summer. Cooper has now surpassed him by a full year.
He also beat the record set by Michael A. Goorjian, who was 23 when he became the youngest Supporting Actor winner back in 1994.
What makes Cooper’s achievement even more extraordinary is the competition he faced. He prevailed over some of Hollywood’s finest, including Oscar-winner Javier Bardem (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), Bill Camp, Peter Sarsgaard (Presumed Innocent), Rob Delaney (Dying for Sex), and even his Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters.
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His triumph proves that talent and raw authenticity can shine through, regardless of age or experience.
In his emotional speech, Owen Cooper shared how his journey began only a few years ago: “Honestly, when I started drama classes a couple of years ago, I didn’t expect to be in the United States, never mind here. Tonight proves that if you listen, focus, and step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything. I was nothing three years ago, and I’m here now. Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything is possible.”
The audience gave him a standing ovation, recognising not just his talent but also his humility and courage.
Cooper plays Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old schoolboy arrested on suspicion of murder, in Adolescence, Netflix’s four-part series. Unlike a traditional whodunit, the show doesn’t ask who committed the crime but rather why — examining the deeper social and psychological forces that led Jamie’s life down a dark path.
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The series also stars Stephen Graham as Jamie’s father, Christine Tremarco as his mother, and Amelie Pease as his sister.
Since its release, Adolescence has become a global sensation, racking up 141 million views within three months and becoming Netflix’s second-biggest hit after Wednesday.
Adolescence also emerged as one of the biggest winners at the Emmys 2025, bagging eight awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
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Adolescence wins 8 Emmy awards including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
Starring Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, and Christine Tremarco. Created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne. Directed by Philip Barantini. pic.twitter.com/ps5kBiyq1m
— Netflix (@netflix) September 15, 2025
The series, starring Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, and Christine Tremarco, was created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne and directed by Philip Barantini.
