Teenager's Rise to Golden Globes Glory Sparks Hope for Northern Acting Talent
Owen Cooper, the 16-year-old from Warrington who stunned audiences with his portrayal of Jamie, in Netflix's "incel" drama Adolescence, stood on stage at the Golden Globes, struggling to comprehend the moment. "It did not feel real," he candidly admitted.
Cooper's rapid ascent to stardom is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His passion for acting was evident from an early age, as his former teacher, Esther Morgan, who co-founded the Drama Mob with Coronation Street actor Tina O'Brien, recalled: "You could tell he definitely wanted it... He wasn't messing around when it came to listening, taking direction, and learning his lines."
The school Cooper attended couldn't have prepared him for this level of success. However, his talent and perseverance eventually caught the attention of casting directors and industry professionals. Morgan countered the narrative that Cooper "came from nowhere," pointing out that he had spent two years with the Drama Mob before being cast in Adolescence.
Cooper's journey to stardom has been marked by his distinctive northern accent and the show's gritty, working-class themes. The Netflix drama's massive success – breaking UK records with 6.45 million viewers for its initial episode – has sparked hope that it could usher in a new wave of British dramas that cater to a diverse audience.
According to Co-writer Jack Thorne, Cooper's performance was "word perfect" and he quickly immersed himself in the role. His former teacher, Morgan, also highlighted the importance of northern actors being given opportunities to shine. She emphasized the need for more casting directors based in the north to reduce the financial burden of traveling to London for auditions.
Morgan noted that there is a significant drop-off in boys attending drama classes after high school, with football and rugby taking precedence over acting. However, Cooper's success has helped change this narrative, inspiring more young men to pursue their passion for acting.
As Adolescence continues to resonate with audiences, it remains to be seen whether the show will pave the way for a new wave of working-class British dramas that transcend international borders. While there is still skepticism about the industry's openness to diverse voices and perspectives, Cooper's remarkable story serves as a beacon of hope for talented actors from northern England who are eager to break into the spotlight.
Owen Cooper, the 16-year-old from Warrington who stunned audiences with his portrayal of Jamie, in Netflix's "incel" drama Adolescence, stood on stage at the Golden Globes, struggling to comprehend the moment. "It did not feel real," he candidly admitted.
Cooper's rapid ascent to stardom is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His passion for acting was evident from an early age, as his former teacher, Esther Morgan, who co-founded the Drama Mob with Coronation Street actor Tina O'Brien, recalled: "You could tell he definitely wanted it... He wasn't messing around when it came to listening, taking direction, and learning his lines."
The school Cooper attended couldn't have prepared him for this level of success. However, his talent and perseverance eventually caught the attention of casting directors and industry professionals. Morgan countered the narrative that Cooper "came from nowhere," pointing out that he had spent two years with the Drama Mob before being cast in Adolescence.
Cooper's journey to stardom has been marked by his distinctive northern accent and the show's gritty, working-class themes. The Netflix drama's massive success – breaking UK records with 6.45 million viewers for its initial episode – has sparked hope that it could usher in a new wave of British dramas that cater to a diverse audience.
According to Co-writer Jack Thorne, Cooper's performance was "word perfect" and he quickly immersed himself in the role. His former teacher, Morgan, also highlighted the importance of northern actors being given opportunities to shine. She emphasized the need for more casting directors based in the north to reduce the financial burden of traveling to London for auditions.
Morgan noted that there is a significant drop-off in boys attending drama classes after high school, with football and rugby taking precedence over acting. However, Cooper's success has helped change this narrative, inspiring more young men to pursue their passion for acting.
As Adolescence continues to resonate with audiences, it remains to be seen whether the show will pave the way for a new wave of working-class British dramas that transcend international borders. While there is still skepticism about the industry's openness to diverse voices and perspectives, Cooper's remarkable story serves as a beacon of hope for talented actors from northern England who are eager to break into the spotlight.
He's literally proof that talent comes in all shapes and sizes, you know? The fact that he had to travel all the way to London just to audition is wild, but he worked hard and nailed it. I love how his teacher, Esther Morgan, is speaking out about giving more opportunities to northern actors - we need more diversity in our dramas! 
It's so inspiring for young guys to see Owen breaking down barriers and showing them that acting is a valid career path too. Fingers crossed that this show will pave the way for more working-class stories to get told - it's about time, right? 
I mean, I'm happy for Owen Cooper and all, but I think his former teacher is trying to spin a bit of a narrative here... like he "came from nowhere" 
. Newsflash: he had drama classes and stuff! But seriously, it's awesome that northern actors are finally getting some love on the big screen 
. Maybe this is the start of something new and exciting for British dramas? Fingers crossed 
I'm genuinely overjoyed for Owen Cooper! It's incredible to think that someone from Warrington made it to the Golden Globes at just 16. His story is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible 
. I love how his teacher Esther Morgan spoke up about needing more opportunities for northern actors - it's so true! We need more shows like Adolescence that showcase working-class life and give talented people from all backgrounds a chance to shine 
. Cooper's accent is part of what makes the show relatable, not something to be ashamed of 
.
. Like, we're supposed to be celebrating Owen Cooper's "rise" to stardom because he's a teenager from the north, but what about all the other talented northern actors who've been grinding for years without any recognition? I'm not buying that he just happened upon Adolescence through some drama class magic 
. There's gotta be more to the story than just his "passion" and "dedication". And let's not forget, this whole thing is just a marketing ploy to make us feel good about the industry being more open to diverse voices 
.