A young actor's triumph: Owen Cooper's journey to the Golden Globes and beyond.
A Rising Star's Golden Moment
Imagine standing amidst Hollywood's elite, feeling like you're in a dream. That's exactly how 16-year-old Owen Cooper described his experience at the Golden Globes. This young man from Warrington, England, won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Netflix's controversial drama, "Adolescence." But here's where it gets controversial...
"Adolescence" sparked intense conversations about male toxicity and dominated cultural discourse in 2025. Its success at the Golden Globes and Emmys has sparked debates about the representation of working-class British stories on an international stage.
A Talent Discovered
Esther Morgan, co-founder of Drama Mob and a former teacher of Cooper, believes his talent was evident from the start. "You could see the determination in his eyes. He listened intently, took direction, and learned his lines with precision," she says. Morgan challenges the narrative that Cooper 'came from nowhere,' highlighting his two years of training with Drama Mob before landing the role in "Adolescence."
The casting director, Shaheen Baig, couldn't help but notice Cooper's talent, and his name kept coming up throughout the casting process.
A Transformative Performance
Co-writer Jack Thorne worked closely with Cooper during rehearsals for episode three, an intense scene between Cooper's character and a psychologist, played by Erin Doherty. Thorne recalls, "He came prepared, but it was a high-pressure situation. With guidance from the director and Doherty, Cooper immersed himself in the role, and by the end of the week, he embodied Jamie."
Advocating for Northern Actors
Cooper's former teacher, Morgan, is a passionate advocate for northern actors, who face an increasingly uneven playing field. With Hollywood's shift towards London, the industry is becoming more centralized, leaving northern actors at a disadvantage. Morgan believes more shows should be produced in the north to give local talent a fair chance.
Breaking Stereotypes
Cooper's success is also challenging gender stereotypes in the performing arts. Morgan notes a "huge drop-off" in boys attending drama classes once they reach high school, as pursuits like football and rugby are often prioritized. Acting is sometimes seen as 'cringe' or soft. However, Cooper's achievement is inspiring more boys to give drama a chance, breaking free from societal expectations.
A Northern Drama with Global Reach
While "Adolescence" is on Netflix, reaching a vast audience, it remains a gritty, distinctly northern drama. Most of the principal cast, including Cooper and Stephen Graham, are from the north-west of England. It was filmed on location in Pontefract and Sheffield. Co-writer Thorne is optimistic that this could lead to more working-class British dramas gaining international recognition.
And this is the part most people miss... Thorne acknowledges the industry's conservatism, suggesting that accents and British issues might still be seen as niche abroad. But he remains hopeful, believing that the success of "Adolescence" could challenge these perceptions.
So, what do you think? Will we see a new wave of working-class British dramas on our screens? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
