How Owen Cooper had a secret creative input in Adolescence: Actor, 15, gave screenwriters notes on realistic teen slang – and was praised by Stephen Graham for making historic Emmy-winning role ‘his own’

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Owen Cooper secretly contributed to the development of his character in ‘Adolescence,’ earning praise from Stephen Graham for his unique take on the role, and later went on to make Emmy Award history.

At a glamorous awards show in Los Angeles on Sunday, a 15-year-old boy made history by becoming the youngest male to ever win an Emmy Award.

The teenager from Warrington, who is returning to the UK on Monday to prepare for his GCSE exams, received the Best Supporting Actor award for his impressive role as Jamie Miller in the four-episode Netflix series. He filmed the show when he was only 14 years old.

Stephen Graham, an actor and co-writer on the four-part series, said casting Owen as the biggest success of the entire project, especially considering he also played Jamie’s father.

Owen reviewed the script, which was written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, and helped them refine the way the teenage characters spoke, offering feedback on their slang.

Owen spiced up the script with slang terms like ‘minging’ and ‘unreal,’ and Stephen commented that he really put his own personal touch on it.

Owen recently chatted with Jimmy Fallon and, as he often does, used British slang to talk about American snacks.

Jimmy tasted Maltesers and thought they were similar to Whoppers, the chocolate-covered malted milk balls popular in the United States.

Owen agreed, saying: ‘I tried Whoppers today. They’re minging. I hated them.’

To which Jimmy replied: ‘You’re totally wrong. You are so wrong.’

Owen received a standing ovation when he accepted his award from Sydney Sweeney. She hugged him after he won, beating out other acclaimed actors like Javier Bardem.

The online series ‘Adolescence,’ which tells the story of a teen accused of murder after getting involved with ‘incel’ communities, has been hugely popular, averaging 45 million views each month. It’s become essential viewing for both parents and teenagers globally.

The show won five more Emmys at the 2025 ceremony, including the award for Best Limited Series, bringing its total to eight.

Star Stephen won in the acting and writing categories, the latter alongside Jack Thorne. 

Oh my gosh, Erin Doherty *totally* deserved that Best Supporting Actress award, I knew she would! And Philip Barantini winning as director? Amazing! But honestly, they already had two awards locked down before the show even *started* – one for the incredible cinematography and another for the perfect casting. It was clear this film was going to sweep the night, and I was living for it!

When Owen accepted his award, he shared how surprised he was. He explained that just a couple of years ago, when he began taking drama classes, he never imagined he’d even be in the United States, let alone receiving an award.

Although this award has my name on it, the real credit goes to the entire crew, Stephen, and all of the actors.

He explained that tonight’s success shows us that with focus, willingness to learn, and a bit of courage, anything is possible.

Owen’s parents, Noreen, 51, who cares for him, and Andy, 44, an IT worker, watched proudly and held their son tightly as he got ready to accept the award. He’d only tried out for the role because his drama teacher encouraged him to.

Owen’s headteacher allowed him a week off school, but only if he continued to do his homework, particularly maths, while in Los Angeles. He was joined there by his parents, Andy and Noreen, and his two brothers.

Three years ago, I wasn’t where I am today. But if you pay attention, stay focused, and challenge yourself to try new things, a little embarrassment is a small price to pay.

He beat out Javier Bardem (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), Rob Delaney (Dying for Sex), Peter Sarsgaard and Bill Camp (both from Presumed Innocent), and his Adolescence co-star, Ashley Walters, to win the award.

Erin Doherty credited her first victory to her sister, Grace, saying she wouldn’t have achieved it without her support.

‘I love you with all my heart,’ she concluded.

The series received a total of eight wins and 13 nominations.

Philip Barantini won the award for directing a limited series, anthology series, or movie.

Owen discovered the audition for the part of Jamie through drama school. He submitted a video of his performance with The Drama MOB, encouraged by the producers.

Okay, so the casting director, Shaheen, told me she looked at *five hundred* boys for the role! Five hundred! But then she saw Owen’s audition tape and instantly knew he was perfect for Jamie. Seriously, she said it was like everything clicked into place the moment she watched him. I knew he was amazing, but to hear it was that obvious even to her… it just proves he *is* Jamie!

Stephen, the creator of the play, immediately knew the young actor was right for the lead role. He recalled turning to his team and saying, ‘I think we’ve found him.’

Stephen’s instincts were proven correct as soon as they began shooting.

Director Philip Barantini was incredibly impressed with fourteen-year-old Owen’s performance, especially considering the show was filmed in a single, continuous take and Owen had no prior acting experience.

Barantini shared with Variety that Owen’s performance was incredible. He explained that Owen has a rare talent – the ability to truly live in the moment, listen intently, and deliver authentic performances – something many actors train for years to achieve.

I was so excited when filming for the drama started last July! They shot on location in both Liverpool and Sheffield, and it took about three months – they wrapped things up in October. It was amazing to see it all come together!

He shared powerful scenes with veteran actors Stephen, who played his father in the show, and Ashley, who portrayed a detective.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was reading this interview with Owen, and he said the cutest thing! He basically said he started acting just for fun, like a hobby, and didn’t even *think* it would go anywhere. But then ‘Adolescence’ happened, and everything changed! He said he really started taking it seriously then, and just…went for it, you know? Like, he just took whatever came his way and *did* the work. It’s just…so Owen! I’m obsessed.

For months, people in the film industry had been quietly buzzing about Owen’s incredible performance. But it wasn’t until the movie *Adolescence* premiered on Netflix on March 13th that he became widely recognized as a star by the general public.

He plays Jamie who has been accused of stabbing to death his female classmate.

Since its release earlier this year, the series Adolescence has been a critical and popular success. Its gripping story and the unique filming style – each of the four episodes is shot in a single, unbroken take – create a powerfully tense viewing experience.

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2025-09-15 14:38