Record-Breaking Win: Youngest Male Actor Ever to Take Home an Emmy

Owen Cooper has made Emmy history. At just 15 years old, the British actor won the award for outstanding supporting actor in a limited series or movie for his role as Jamie Miller in Netflix’s hit crime drama “Adolescence.”

His performance as a 13-year-old boy accused of killing a classmate has been widely praised for its depth and emotional intensity.

Cooper’s win not only marks his first Emmy nomination but also makes him the youngest male actor ever to receive the award, surpassing Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when he won in 1973 for “That Certain Summer.”

According to Variety, the youngest female winner is Roxana Zal, who won at 14 in 1984 for “Something About Amelia.”

Speaking to TODAY.com before the ceremony, Cooper shared his excitement about the potential of winning. “I know there’s a lot of pressure on me, but it’s just, obviously, it’s a bonus. And it just shows how well the show is done. So, yeah, it’s just a good way to end,” he said.

During his acceptance speech, Cooper reflected on his journey and the importance of taking risks. “A couple years back I didn’t expect to be in the United States, let alone here. Tonight proves if you listen, you focus and you step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. I was nothing three years ago. I’m here now,” he said.

He added, “If you step out of your comfort zone, who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything can be possible.” Cooper also thanked his parents, the show’s creators, and the team behind the camera. “It may be my name on the wall but it really belongs to the people behind the camera,” he said.

“Adolescence” was co-created by Stephen Graham, who also stars as Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller. The series is inspired by real-life incidents involving young men committing violent crimes. Graham told Tudum that the series was meant to explore the pressures faced by young men today.

“There was an incident where a young boy (allegedly) stabbed a girl. It shocked me. I was thinking, ‘What’s going on? What’s happening in society where a boy stabs a girl to death? What’s the inciting incident here?’ And then it happened again, and it happened again. I really just wanted to shine a light on it, and ask, ‘Why is this happening today? What’s going on? How have we come to this?’”

Graham added that the show aims to highlight the impact of peer pressure, social media, and other challenges on young men. Since its release on March 13, “Adolescence” quickly became the number one English-language series on Netflix in the U.S. It has received critical acclaim, holding a 98% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 109 reviews.

Cooper’s Emmy win is a milestone for young actors and highlights the growing impact of streaming dramas in international awards.

What do you think about Owen Cooper’s record-breaking Emmy win? Share your thoughts in the comments.