Owen Cooper, the star of Adolescence, is an avid admirer of actor Jake Gyllenhaal, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Gyllenhaal himself. Just before the Emmy Awards ceremony on Sunday, the Donnie Darko actor surprised Cooper during an interview, turning a hypothetical moment into reality. This encounter marked a memorable start to the evening for the Netflix actor and highlighted a genuine fan-actor connection.
The Surprise Encounter and Meaningful Gift
During the interview, Cooper was asked how he might react if he met Gyllenhaal at the Emmys. While speaking sincerely, he said,
“I don’t know. I’ll just stare at him. I don’t really know,”
and shortly afterward, Gyllenhaal entered the room. To make the occasion even more special, Gyllenhaal presented Cooper with a small duck figurine, explaining its significance:
“I made this movie and I got nominated for Academy Award,”
he said,
“and a friend of mine sent me this before — something just like this. It’s just a lucky duck.”
Cooper’s Admiration for Gyllenhaal
Earlier this week on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Cooper expressed his enthusiasm about Gyllenhaal’s work. He revealed that if seated near the actor, he would likely overwhelm him with conversation, saying he would
“talk his ear off all night”
, possibly resulting in Gyllenhaal not having a good night. Cooper also listed some of his favorite Gyllenhaal movies, including Jarhead and Donnie Darko, underscoring his respect for the actor’s range and performances.
Significance of Their Meeting
This heartfelt interaction between Jake Gyllenhaal and Owen Cooper not only reflects the impact of Gyllenhaal’s work but also highlights the meaningful moments that can occur during high-profile events like the Emmys. Such genuine exchanges remind fans and artists alike of the personal connections behind the glamour, and fans of both actors will likely appreciate this unique encounter’s warmth and sincerity.
