Standing before Hollywood's elite at the Golden Globes ceremony, 16-year-old Owen Cooper from Warrington described the moment as something that simply "did not feel real". The young actor's surreal night culminated in him winning the award for Best Supporting Male Actor for his powerful role in the Netflix drama Adolescence.
From Drama Mob to Global Recognition
Owen Cooper's journey began at the Drama Mob, a school co-founded by former Coronation Street actor Tina O'Brien. His former teacher, Esther Morgan, recalls a dedicated talent from the outset. "You could tell he definitely wanted it," Morgan says, emphasising that Cooper was serious about learning lines, taking direction, and honing his craft.
Morgan pushes back against suggestions that Cooper was an overnight success, noting he had two years of training before the gruelling Adolescence casting process. His name persistently stood out to casting director Shaheen Baig. The show itself became a cultural phenomenon in 2025, sparking widespread conversation about male toxicity and winning four Golden Globes and six Emmy Awards, with Cooper securing one of each.
Breaking Down Barriers for Northern and Young Male Actors
Cooper's triumph highlights two significant challenges within the UK acting industry. Firstly, Morgan is a fierce advocate for northern actors, who face an uneven playing field as production continues to centralise in London. "More shows need to be made and produced up here," she argues, pointing out that many young performers lack the funds for constant travel to London for auditions.
Secondly, and perhaps more personally for Cooper, is the lack of boys in drama. Cooper was the only boy in his class at drama school, something he found "embarrassing". Morgan notes a "huge drop-off" in boys attending classes once they reach high school, as sports like football and rugby take priority and acting is sometimes perceived as "cringe".
This trend is reflected in national statistics: in 2025, only 17,000 boys took GCSE drama in the UK, compared to 35,700 girls. However, Cooper's very public success is already shifting perceptions. "Since Owen going on to be so successful, we have had more boys coming to drama," Morgan confirms, highlighting his vital role model status.
The Impact of a 'Gritty, Northern' Hit
While Adolescence broke UK viewing records on Netflix, with its first episode attracting 6.45 million viewers, its creators stress its roots as a working-class, northern story. Shot in Pontefract and Sheffield and featuring a principal cast largely from the north-west, including Stephen Graham, the show's authenticity is key to its power.
Co-writer Jack Thorne, who worked closely with Cooper on the show's intense third episode, hopes its international success might pave the way for more regionally authentic British dramas. He cautions that television remains a conservative industry, but Cooper's award-winning performance is a compelling argument for change, both on-screen and in drama schools across the country.
