Meet the ‘Young Sheldon’ Cast: Little Genius, Big Laughs

If The Big Bang Theory made you holler at your screen after Sheldon (Jim Parsons) pulled a Sheldon-ism, then the Young Sheldon cast has probably inspired stronger emotions from you. It’s twice the drama and double the heart, with a more immature and set-in-his-way Sheldon. But this time around, we get to meet his family and get firsthand insight into what makes the genius tick.

Set in East Texas, the series brings to life Sheldon’s big personality, as well as the dramatic lives of the people he calls family. Being The Big Bang Theory‘s first spin-off, it was critical that the series really laid the groundwork. Everyone from Meemaw (Annie Potts), to Mary Cooper (Zoe Perry) and of course, George Cooper Snr. (Lance Barber) was obviously well-rounded and well-thought-out. Before we spill too many details, let’s meet the cast of the highly acclaimed masterpiece by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molarro.

Iain Armitage as Sheldon Cooper

Image Credit: CBS

Iain Armitage stars as Sheldon Cooper, the young genius navigating life in East Texas. With his exceptional intelligence and unique personality, Sheldon often finds himself out of sync with his family and peers. Armitage started his journey as young Sheldon at the tender age of 9 and we practically watched him grow before our eyes.

In the pilot episode, he was just starting high school and shouldering the challenges of having a ‘big brain’ in a small body. Just like Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory, Armitage nails the part of a vulnerable and socially awkward yet gifted individual who needs to learn how to deal with the world. He’s also been in Big Little Lies as Ziggy Chapman and The Glass Castle. Armitage equally scored roles as Chase in Paw Patrol: The Movie and Shaggy in Scoob! 

Zoe Perry as Mary Cooper

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We have phenomenal actress, Zoe Perry to thank for the down-to-the-tee interpretation we got of Mary Cooper. We’d already been introduced to her in The Big Bang Theory, however, she was played by Laurie Metcalfe who happens to be Perry’s mom in real life. Altogether, Perry played Sheldon’s loving and religiously devout mother who attempts to balance her son’s extraordinary needs with her family’s well-being. Even though her family is adamant about practicing her faith, trust Mary to do everything in her power to keep them from going to hell. Perry’s performance captures Mary’s warmth and determination to keep her faith alive.

Hailing from Chicago, Perry got in front of cameras when she moved to New York and has been in the industry since 1992. Some of her other appearances include playing Abby Whelan in Scandal, and young Jackie on Roseanne. She also makes guest appearances in shows like Private Practice, Law and Order, Grey’s Anatomy, and Criminal Intent.

Lance Barber as George Cooper Sr.

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Lance Barber takes on the role of George Cooper Sr., Sheldon’s father, and a high school football coach. Life isn’t perfect for Goerge Snr. even though he tries to be a devoted father and understanding husband. Plus, you can really see how he struggles to understand Sheldon while still being supportive in his own way.

Here’s the huge plus, even though he’s tagged as a chronic drinker — among other things — in The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon reveals how much George Snr. did for his family.  The Young Sheldon cast is incomplete without his big yet warm personality. Barber’s other notable roles include Bill Ponderosa in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Paulie G in The Comeback. He has also made guest appearances in Black-ish, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Gilmore Girls. 

Annie Potts as Meemaw (Connie Tucker)

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Sheldon has always loved his spunky Grandma who he fondly calls Meemaw. However, the calm and mild-mannered rhetoric in The Big Bang Theory is a bit different from who we meet in Young Sheldon. Annie Potts stars as Meemaw, and she’s more quirky, witty, and sharp-mouthed. Still, what’s totally undeniable is her love and support for Sheldon. She knows he is out-of-this-world smart and somewhat different, and shares a special bond with him that often make her understand him better than anyone.  Potts is well-known for her roles in Ghostbusters as Janine Melnitz, Designing Women as Mary Jo Shively, and Toy Story as the voice of Bo Peep.

Montana Jordan as Georgie Cooper

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Montana Jordan plays Georgie Cooper — or George Jr. — Sheldon’s older brother who often finds himself overshadowed by Sheldon’s brilliance. It’s not enough that his youngest brother is in his grade, but Sheldon isn’t the coolest either. Georgie’s struggle to find his own identity adds a lot of depth to the character. Before he becomes the successful businessman revealed in The Big Bang Theory, Georgie is simply a kid trying to be cool. Plus, there’s a reasonable age gap between Georgie and his siblings, which puts a little more responsibility on him. Before he joined the Young Sheldon cast, the talented actor wasn’t featured in a lot of movies or TV series.  He has however in a film called Legacy of Whitetail Dear Hunter as Josh Brolin’s son.

Raegan Revord as Missy Cooper

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Raegan Revord plays Missy Cooper, Sheldon’s twin sister who provides a down-to-earth counterbalance to his high intellect. Sheldon may be exceptionally book-smart, but Missy has the social and street smarts he obviously lacks. Even though the twins are usually at odds, she’s perhaps the most honest with Sheldon out of everyone. In true pre-pubescent fashion, Missy does have her rebellious moments where she refuses to listen to reason.

Revord obviously started Young Sheldon very young but she’s had some experience on screen. Still, being one of the major characters on such a successful show is still a very thrilling experience for her. The star initially didn’t think the show would get approved for so many seasons. In an interview with CBS, she shared how the entire cast was so excited about the show getting renewed for additional seasons. Surprisingly, before launching her acting career, Revord was a model. Additionally, she guest starred in the hit TV shows, Modern Family and Grace and Frankie. 

Emily Osment as Mandy McCallister

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Emily Osment stars as Mandy McCallister, a new addition to the cast in the fifth season, bringing fresh energy to the show. Mandy is a free-spirited and kind-hearted woman who forms an unexpected bond with the Cooper family. In her defence, she may have been blindsided a tad bit and not knowing how much older she is than Georgie, the two end up hooking up after a few dates. Despite Meemaw’s disapproval, their relationship manages to blossom in it’s own way. Their relationship dynamics obviously garner enough conversation to inspire yet another spin-off. The two are appearing as a couple again on Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.  Osment is well-known for her role as Lilly Truscott on Hannah Montana which aired for about five years. She also stars as Gabi Diamond on Young and Hungry.

Jim Parsons as Narrator (Adult Sheldon)

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Jim Parsons, who originally brought Sheldon Cooper to life in The Big Bang Theory, serves as the narrator in Young Sheldon. He’s obviously not part of the on screen Young Sheldon cast. Still, his familiar voice ties the prequel to the original series. Parsons’ portrayal of Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory earned him multiple Emmy Awards and quite the fan base.

To catch up with the prequel series, you can now watch Young Sheldon on Max.