At just 23, Michael Cooper Jr. is already a rising star in Hollywood. With soulful eyes, subtle charm, and a breakout role in Netflix‘s Forever, Cooper is generating buzz among critics and viewers alike. He embodies a new generation of talent—self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and focused on something deeper than mere fame.
Cooper, who is 22 years old, has become one of Hollywood’s most exciting young stars, with fans following his every move on social media (Instagram: @michaelcooperjr).
A Humble Beginning
Born to Kemba and Michael Cooper Sr.—a nurse and pharmacist—Cooper’s upbringing was grounded in discipline, education, and faith. While his parents weren’t involved in the arts, they instilled in him the values that would later help him focus on pursuing a career in acting. Despite their different careers, his family provided him with the structure that helped him navigate the entertainment industry.
Currently, Cooper is completing his Political Science degree at Texas Tech University, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing his acting career. When he’s not on set, he enjoys boxing, which he says helps him maintain clarity, and cooking, with his signature dish being his own spaghetti sauce.
Though he keeps his romantic life private, Cooper has teased that he’s in a supportive relationship that helps him stay grounded as his career continues to grow.
From Church Plays to Streaming Stardom
Cooper’s love for acting began at the age of nine, when he took part in a church play. This early experience ignited a passion that would eventually lead him to pursue acting professionally. In 2020, he signed with an agent and moved to Atlanta, marking the official start of his career. Since then, he’s steadily built a diverse body of work that highlights his emotional range and natural screen presence.
Here are some of the key roles that have defined his rise in the industry:
Film and TV Credits
- Forever (2025, Netflix)
Role: Justin Edwards
Cooper stars as Justin in Forever, a modern adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel. The series, set in 2019 Los Angeles, follows Justin and Keisha (played by Lovie Simone) as they navigate first love, mental health struggles, identity, and family pressures. Cooper’s portrayal of Justin, a character with ADHD and a speech impediment, stands out for its depth and authenticity, making him one of the most talked-about new talents in streaming. - On the Come Up (2022, Paramount+)
Role: Malik
In this adaptation of Angie Thomas’s novel, Cooper played Malik, a thoughtful and loyal friend to a young rap prodigy. This role earned him critical attention and helped solidify his place in Hollywood. - The Inhabitant (2022)
Role: Carl
In this supernatural thriller, Cooper played Carl, a high school student entangled in a legend surrounding the ghost of Lizzie Borden. His performance showcased his ability to delve into the horror genre and demonstrate his versatility as an actor. - Ashes (2020, Short Film)
Role: Lead
This poignant short film explored themes of grief and healing, offering one of Cooper’s most intimate and emotional performances early in his career. - You(th) (2020, Short Film)
Role: Lead
In this powerful short film about Black adolescence in America, Cooper’s quietly impactful performance marked a key step toward his more prominent roles. - Vindication (2021, TV Series)
Role: Guest Appearance
Cooper appeared in an episode of this faith-based crime drama, marking his first formal credit in episodic television. - The Pros of Cons (2021)
Role: Supporting
Cooper played a supporting role in this comedy-drama about deception and redemption, contributing to his growing filmography.
What’s Next for Cooper?
Despite being early in his career, Cooper has already made a name for himself. He has cited acting icons like Denzel Washington, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Timothée Chalamet as inspirations, admiring not just their talent but their ability to choose challenging roles with integrity.
If his performance in Forever is any indication, Cooper is on track to become a household name. His thoughtful approach to his craft and his commitment to portraying real human experiences make him a standout in Hollywood’s new wave of actors.
“Television often glamorizes situations, but rarely does it capture the truth of human experience,” Cooper shared in a recent interview. As Forever continues to garner attention, only time will tell how it resonates with audiences—but one thing is certain: Michael Cooper Jr. is just getting started.
