Two performances in recent years have rocked the world as audiences tuned in to Baby Reindeer and Adolescence, British limited series that broke viewing records and swept awards shows. As Martha, the stalker who forms a warped relationship with victim Donny (Richard Gadd) in Baby Reindeer, actor Jessica Gunning crafted a complex character who transcended the black-and-white villain trope. In Adolescence, Owen Cooper was captivating as 13-year-old accused murderer Jamie. He portrayed the boy with both innocence and a quiet fury that ignited discussion about the consequences of unchecked adolescent rage. 

The British actors, both hailing from northern England (Gunning from Yorkshire and Cooper from Warrington, a town near Liverpool), recently met up in London. They discussed the intricate nature of their breakout characters, the people they’d love the opportunity to work with (Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino make Cooper’s wishlist), and the excitement of awards shows. 

Cooper is at the start of his awards run, having become the youngest male winner at the Primetime Emmy Awards. For her performance in Baby Reindeer, Gunning had a historic sweep, winning an Emmy, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, a Film Independent Spirit Award, and a SAG Award. “I keep them all on a shelf in my flat, in my front room,” says the actor. “I really remember when I got the phone call to say I got the part in Baby Reindeer. When I was sat on the same chair the other day, and I looked across, and they were all on the shelf, and I was like, ‘That’s so surreal.’ Probably about two years ago, when I first found out I got the part, and then here we are now.”

The performers share the experience of playing complicated characters that ask the audience for empathy while also inflicting acts of violence. “It takes a lot for an actor to be vulnerable, but I think it’s a risk, and it’s kind of exposing,” says Gunning. “And not many people can do it, so I do think it’s a strength. When you’re playing a part like that, I don’t think you ever see them as the villain. You see the human in every character you try and play.” Cooper credits the writers for creating a road map for his character that exposed the vulnerability in young men. “I think the script that was written for Jamie, like, he didn’t get abused by his dad,” says Cooper. “He didn’t have any problems in his life — he was a normal kid. He didn’t have many friends, and then that’s what social media can do to someone.” 

The celebrated actors bonded over their similarities during the conversation, which you can watch below.