Owen Cooper’s compelling portrayal of Jamie Miller in Netflix’s groundbreaking new series “Adolescence” has quickly brought the emerging actor into the spotlight. Here’s everything you should know about him.

New Netflix show
Adolescence
Since its launch earlier this month, it has garnered enthusiastic praise. Boasting a perfect 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the single-take crime thriller unfolds across four episodes and centers around a couple whose lives fall apart after their teenaged son is accused of murdering a classmate at his school.

Some recognizable actors are featured in the cast lineup.
Boiling Point
Stephen Graham — who portrays Eddie Miller, the father of the 13-year-old boy — to
The Crown
‘s
Erin Doherty plays the role of psychologist Briony Ariston. However, the cast includes several newcomers as well, with one notable addition being the show’s lead actor, Owen Cooper, who is rapidly gaining international acclaim.

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This is what we understand about Owen Cooper, who portrays the lead role of Jamie Miller in the series.

What can you tell me about Owen Cooper’s history?

Cooper, who is 15 years old, hails from Northern England—this aspect linked him closely with his character since the filming took place in Yorkshire. He mentioned to the Liverpool Echo, “What resonated with me the most about the storyline was that it’s based in the north and tells a northern tale, which mirrored my own background.” Cooper comes from a family of three siblings and is the youngest among them.

During the same interview, he confessed that he has no idea about the origin of his acting abilities. He stated, “My two brothers work as electricians, my mother is a caregiver, and my father is in IT. Therefore, I have absolutely no notion of where this talent originates.”

He’s new to acting – basically

It might be difficult to accept, considering his innate talents, but
Adolescence
Cooper’s initial foray into acting came relatively recently. He shared with Variety, “I genuinely developed an interest in acting only about a few years back.” He continues, “The time has been brief. During my youth, becoming a footballer was my aspiration. I can’t pinpoint exactly what drew me to this, but the desire was strong within me.”

He mentioned that he ultimately attended the classes and had a great time. Following his involvement with an agency known as The Drama Mob, he received a self-tape audition request.
Adolescence
“I mailed off the tape without any expectations of getting something back, but about a month later, I received an invitation to go to Manchester. Honestly, it all happened so fast,” he shared with The Mail on Sunday.

He has received significant acclaim for his first acting performance.

Since
Adolescence
Aired, critics have continuously praised the young performer’s acting abilities. He shared with Variety, “People have been saying very positive things.” His agent has also witnessed this acclaim.
Adolescence
And she mentioned that it was really great.”

Not only his agent and the critics have been highly complimentary; even the director was deeply impressed with his performance. “What he achieved left me astounded. Many actors spend decades training yet fail to truly grasp what Owen has mastered—essentially living in the moment, listening attentively, and delivering an authentic portrayal,” said the series’ director Philip Barantini to Variety.

He will be starring in “Wuthering Heights,” appearing alongside Margot Robbie.

Cooper’s forthcoming project is also significant. He will portray a younger version of Jacob Elordi’s character, Heathcliff, in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel.
Wuthering Heights
.
Margot Robbie
will also appear in the star-filled production set to premiere in February 2026.

He supports Liverpool FC.

Cooper, who aspired to be a football player, is a supporter of Liverpool FC, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. He mentioned that he differs significantly from his character in the show.
Adolescence
“I don’t consider Jamie athletic in the least; actually, that’s just how I’m not. I represent our school as part of the football team and also participate externally,” he mentioned.

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