Adolescence star Owen Cooper was 'absolutely fantastic', drama teacher says

Granada Reports Correspondent Paul Crone has been speaking to drama teacher Esther Morgan

The drama teacher who taught Adolescence star Owen Cooper has said he was “absolutely fantastic” at acting even as a young boy.

Esther Morgan has spoken after the 16-year-old won best supporting actor at the Golden Globes for his role in the critically-acclaimed Netflix show.

The co-founder of the Drama MOB in Manchester said Owen always listened to instructions, focused and took directions really well.

"Sometimes when you teach it you see that certain kids are listening and some kids maybe aren't," Esther said.

"His eyes were always on your every word, he wanted to learn and he wanted to know and now just a fantastic actor."

Cooper made his screen debut in Adolescence, which was released on Netflix in 2025, and saw him play the role of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old accused of murdering a classmate.

Esther said it was “unbelievable” that Cooper has now won a Golden Globe as well as winning a Critic’s Choice Television Award, National Television Award and an Emmy for the role.

She said she noted that in his speech after being presented with his latest award in Los Angeles, Cooper said he "took a risk when he went to drama classes, and was the only boy there".

She said: “He mentions in his speech about coming to drama classes and almost feeling a bit embarrassed.

"It's fantastic now that we've had a lot more Northern boys coming to join our school now because I think they get to an age where they think 'is drama cool?'

"I think to see him go as far as he has, we have had some really great Northern talent come and join us"

At the end of his acceptance speech, Cooper referenced Liverpool Football Club by saying “You’ll never walk alone”.

On Monday, Linda Henry, wife of the club’s owner, John Henry, took to Instagram to respond.

Posting a video clip of his speech, she wrote: “Owen Cooper closed his Golden Globes acceptance speech with You’ll Never Walk Alone.

“YNWA Owen!! Congratulations on best supporting actor win for the remarkable show, Adolescence.”

The football club also congratulated the star, taking to X to post a photo of Cooper at its Anfield stadium, holding a Liverpool Football Club shirt.

It wrote: “Congratulations to Liverpool fan Owen Cooper on winning a Golden Globe last night. YNWA.”