'Adolescence' star Owen Cooper surprised by his hero ahead of Emmys

Ahead of the Emmy Awards, Adolescence star Owen Cooper received a lucky charm from his favourite actor, Jake Gyllenhaal.

Cooper previously told Jimmy Kimmel that his “number one” actor is Gyllenhaal and confirmed he would “chew his ear off” talking if he got seated anywhere near him at the ceremony.

However, the young actor, who had been waiting for TV Academy night to meet his idol, was stunned when Netflix gave him a wholesome surprise earlier than expected.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, Netflix shared a clip on X showing Owen being asked who he was “most excited to meet” at the ceremony.

“I think everyone knows that Jake Gyllenhaal’s my top number one,” he said.

Jake Gyllenhaal surprises Adolesence's Owen Cooper before the Emmys pic.twitter.com/qKEwi1iD80

— Netflix (@netflix) September 14, 2025

The shot then cut to the Brokeback Mountain star, who said, “Now, like, I’m nervous… Now I feel nervous. I am excited.”

Just as Owen was asked in the room what he would say when he met Gyllenhaal, the actor walked in, leaving Owen in disbelief, before the two shared a warm hug.

The Nightcrawler star then gave a present to the Netflix breakout actor, explaining that it was a similar gift a friend had once given him before his Academy Award nomination.

“It’s just a lucky duck,” Owen said as he discovered the tiny present inside the box.

“To keep in your pocket,” Gyllenhaal added. “To give you a bit of luck.”

How old is Owen Cooper and is he the youngest Emmy nominee? 

At just 15 years old, Owen Cooper made history as the youngest-ever nominee in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category for his breakout role in Adolescence.

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