Owen Cooper sparks meltdown with four-word speech sign-off as Adolescence actor makes Golden Globes history with award win

Mr Cooper's victory surpasses the previous record set by Glee star Chris Colfer, who took home the same award aged 20 back in 2010.

The teenage actor was up against stiff competition, including his Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters, Billy Crudup, Trammell Tillman, Jason Isaacs and Walton Goggins.

Accepting the award at the 83rd Golden Globes, Mr Cooper told the audience: "Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever. What an incredible journey me and my family have been put through."

The young star reflected on his humble beginnings, revealing he initially questioned whether acting was something he might excel at or fail miserably.

He recalled joining drama classes where he was the only male participant, describing the experience as "embarrassing" yet ultimately worthwhile.

"I'm still very much an apprentice, I'm still learning every day," Mr Cooper added, paying tribute to his co-stars, past, present, and future, who have inspired him.

Owen Cooper is taking home the #GoldenGlobes award for Best Supporting Male Actor – Television for his role in Adolescence! Well deserved 👏 pic.twitter.com/M2jH42O1Sc

— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 12, 2026

He concluded with a nod to Liverpool FC, declaring: "You'll never walk alone."

The sweet sign-off and win as a whole sparked a frenzy among TV fans at home. X was soon flooded with fans rushing to congratulate the actor on the feat.

Referring to his four-word sign-off, one fan penned: "Owen Cooper ending his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes with you’ll never walk alone, what a lad."

A second echoed: "Only Owen Cooper would say 'you’ll never walk alone' at the golden globes that boy lives and breaths liverpool." (sic)

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"Owen Cooper winning Best Supporting Male Actor for Adolescence? ABSOLUTE LEGEND at 16! This kid is carrying the future of TV on his back. Huge congrats! #GoldenGlobes," a third weighed in.

While a fourth said: "Haha he is growing fast! Amazing performance - but it sucks to have ALL supporting TV actors in one single category. But wow what a great speech from #OwenCooper - very real, and relatable #GoldenGlobes."

"So wholesome watching 16 year old Owen Cooper win his first #GoldenGlobes," another fan commented, before a suxth added to the discussion: "Amazing accomplishment for Owen Cooper who won best supporting actor for his role in #Adolescence.

"This is on the heels of becoming the youngest male actor in history to win an Emmy. Congrats! #GoldenGlobes." (sic)

Mr Cooper's triumph also positions him as the second-youngest male actor ever to win a Golden Globe.

Only Ricky Schroder, who was nine when he claimed the new star of the year award for The Champ in 1980, achieved the feat at a younger age.

The teenager has now accomplished something unprecedented in awards history, becoming the first actor to secure a Golden Globe, Emmy, and Critics' Choice award in consecutive fashion.

His Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie had already made him the youngest male acting winner in that ceremony's history.

Adolescence follows the gripping narrative of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old accused of killing a teenage classmate.

Mr Cooper's portrayal of the troubled youth marked his debut screen role and garnered widespread critical acclaim for its emotional complexity.

The Netflix limited series has proven a formidable force throughout awards season. At the Golden Globes, the show received five nominations, whilst its Emmy haul included best limited series alongside acting honours for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty.