At just 15 years old, Owen Cooper made history as the youngest male actor ever to win an Emmy Award. This milestone was achieved at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025, where Cooper won for Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. His award-winning role was as Jamie Miller in the gripping and timely drama “Adolescence,” which tackles difficult themes like youth isolation and online radicalization.
Cooper’s win broke a long-standing record held for over 50 years by Scott Jacoby, who won his Emmy at age 16 in 1973. Owen’s acceptance speech was heartfelt and humble, where he thanked his family, friends, and the entire creative team behind the series. His genuine gratitude and emotional words earned him a standing ovation.
Despite facing competition from well-known actors like Javier Bardem and Peter Sarsgaard, Cooper’s raw talent and powerful performance stood out. His acting journey began just four years earlier in a Manchester after-school drama group, after initially not wanting to participate in school plays. What started as a way to step out of his comfort zone soon turned into a passion and a rapidly rising career.
“Adolescence” has not only received critical acclaim but has also sparked national conversations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer even supported streaming the series for free in schools, highlighting its cultural impact.
While Owen Cooper now holds the record for the youngest male Emmy winner, the youngest Emmy winner overall remains Roxana Zal, who won at age 14 in 1984.
Cooper’s achievement marks the beginning of an impressive career and proves that with courage and dedication, age is no barrier to greatness.
