Imagine a 16-year-old schoolboy, catapulted onto the global stage, accepting a Golden Globe amidst Hollywood's elite. That was Owen Cooper's reality, and it's a story that's reshaping perceptions of acting for a generation.
Cooper's reaction? Utter disbelief. He described the experience as simply "not real," a sentiment understandable for a teenager suddenly thrust into the spotlight. This young actor from Warrington, England, clinched the Best Supporting Male Actor award for his role in Netflix's 'Adolescence,' a drama that sparked intense conversations about male toxicity throughout 2025.
'Adolescence' didn't just stop at the Golden Globes; it dominated the awards season, also scooping up six Emmys, with Cooper adding another trophy to his collection. But here's where it gets interesting: those who knew Cooper from the start weren't surprised by his meteoric rise.
Esther Morgan, co-founder of the Drama Mob, where Cooper honed his skills, recognized his talent immediately. She recalls his dedication, his eagerness to listen, take direction, and master his lines. While she admits his school couldn't fully prepare him for such immense success, she firmly rejects the narrative that Cooper emerged from nowhere. He had spent two years with the Drama Mob before 'Adolescence' casting, which involved several rounds. Cooper's audition clearly left a lasting impression on casting director Shaheen Baig.
Co-writer Jack Thorne remembers Cooper's initial rehearsals. He says Cooper was word-perfect and ready to work, but the pressure was high. Slowly, with guidance from the director and co-stars, he transformed, fully embodying his character.
Cooper's former teacher is a passionate advocate for northern actors, who are competing on an increasingly uneven playing field. An exodus from Hollywood has made London a more attractive hub for studios, which is further centralising an industry where more than half of all productions happen in the capital. Morgan fears northern actors, including the next Cooper, are being overlooked. She emphasizes the need for more productions and casting directors in the north, as many young talents lack the funds to travel to London for auditions.
And this is the part most people miss: The challenges don't end there. Cooper himself admitted that being the only boy in his drama class was "embarrassing." Morgan observes a significant drop-off in boys attending her classes as they enter high school, with sports often taking precedence. Acting can be perceived as "cringe," a term Gen Z uses to describe something embarrassing. This is backed by statistics: in 2025, 17,000 boys took GCSE drama in the UK, compared to 35,700 girls. But Cooper's success is already shifting this dynamic. Morgan notes an increase in boys joining drama classes, inspired by Cooper's role model effect, showing them it's okay to pursue their passion.
'Adolescence' found a massive audience on Netflix, with its initial episode drawing in 6.45 million viewers, breaking UK records. But at its core, the show is a gritty, distinctly northern drama. Thorne is cautiously optimistic that it could pave the way for more working-class British dramas.
What do you think? Does Cooper's story inspire you? Do you agree that more opportunities should be created outside of London for aspiring actors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
