On July 15, Owen Cooper made history as the youngest Emmy nominee for outstanding supporting actor in a limited series or movie. For the star of Adolescence, it was just another school day. He waited nervously for the nominations to be announced.
“I was in my living room when everyone called me. It’s a bit annoying that I found out that way,” the 15-year-old British actor told The Hollywood Reporter.
Cooper was nominated for his role as Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy whose struggles with rejection and online influences lead to dark consequences. As viewers learn, Jamie’s aggression toward women is influenced by toxic online culture. The series brings attention to serious issues impacting today’s youth.
Cooper shared insights about his experience in school after the series premiered. “The first day back was wild. My friends are still the same, but some younger kids can be annoying,” he said.
He also reflected on what his peers think about the show’s deeper messages. “I’ve heard of the knife crime issue in the U.K., but the bullying online surprised me. Luckily, I haven’t experienced it myself,” he mentioned.
Preparing for such a demanding role was challenging. Cooper highlighted how the entire series was filmed in one continuous shot, which added to his nerves. “I spent hours rehearsing the script, afraid I’d mess it up,” he confessed. “At times, it felt overwhelming, but I grew into the role as filming progressed.”
After wrapping up the shoot, he felt relieved that the character didn’t linger with him. “I left Jamie behind as soon as ‘Cut’ was called. I could switch back to being myself right away,” he explained.
The show’s emotional ending struck a chord with him. “Episode four is my favorite. The last scene with Jamie’s dad is heartbreaking. It shows parents need to connect with their kids and not let them feel alone,” he stated.
As the Emmy campaign kicks off, Cooper is eager to meet fellow actors. “I just want to enjoy the experience and meet everyone,” he said, mentioning his admiration for stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Pedro Pascal.
Looking ahead, he’s open to various roles but aims to work with talented actors and directors, like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Holland.
In today’s digital age, stories like Adolescence are crucial. They encourage discussions about mental health, online culture, and the importance of open communication between parents and children. As of recent studies, youth violence related to online influences has been on the rise, highlighting the relevance of such narratives in educating the audience.
Owen Cooper’s journey is just beginning, but it shines a light on the complexities facing today’s youth, making it all the more significant.
For more on the impact of digital culture on young people, check out research from the Pew Research Center.
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Adolescence,Awards,Emmy Awards,international,Netflix,Owen Cooper
