“I’ve Got a Fart Machine and a Fake Mustache”: Lance Barber Planned to Ruin George Cooper Sr.’s Funeral Scene but a Heartbreaking Reason Stopped Him in Young Sheldon
Young Sheldon has been a heartwarming prequel to The Big Bang Theory, offering fans an intimate look into the early life of Sheldon Cooper. The show has masterfully balanced humor with deeply emotional moments, and one such moment was the funeral scene for George Cooper Sr., portrayed by Lance Barber.
What fans might not know is that Barber initially planned to inject humor into this pivotal scene, but a poignant realization made him change course. Here’s the full story of how Lance Barber navigated this unforgettable scene, blending his comedic instincts with the emotional gravity it demanded.
1. George Cooper Sr.: A Father’s Legacy
George Cooper Sr. played a significant role in shaping Sheldon Cooper’s personality and values. As the patriarch of the Cooper family, he was a loving father, albeit flawed, who left an indelible mark on his children.
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon often reflects on his father’s life and untimely death when he was just 14 years old. Fans knew this moment would eventually come in Young Sheldon, but it didn’t make it any easier to watch.
2. The Weight of a Canon Event
George Sr.’s death was not just a dramatic turning point for Young Sheldon; it was also a crucial part of the Big Bang Theory canon. Knowing its importance, the show’s creators approached the scene with care to honor the character and his impact on Sheldon’s life.
3. Lance Barber’s Initial Prank Plan
Before the cameras rolled on George Sr.’s funeral scene, Lance Barber had a mischievous plan to lighten the mood on set. “I’ve got a fart machine and a fake mustache,” he joked during an interview. Barber intended to use these props to create bloopers and inject humor into an otherwise somber moment.
4. A Change of Heart on Set
However, as the scene unfolded, Barber quickly realized its emotional weight. Actors approached the casket one by one, delivering heartfelt goodbyes to George Sr. Watching his co-stars pour their emotions into their performances, Barber abandoned his prank plans.
“I laid there and [had] tears in my ears the entire time,” Barber recalled. The gravity of the moment overwhelmed him, making it clear that humor would have been out of place.
5. The Challenge of Balancing Comedy and Drama
Young Sheldon is a sitcom, but moments like George Sr.’s death blur the lines between comedy and drama. Showrunner Steve Holland revealed that the original script included more jokes, but they were ultimately cut.
“When we were watching it back, we realized we had earned the right for this family to have their moment of grief,” Holland explained.
6. Honoring George Cooper Sr.’s Legacy
The decision to strip the scene of humor allowed the show to honor George Sr.’s memory and the emotional journey of the Cooper family. This raw, heartfelt approach resonated deeply with fans, making the scene one of the most memorable in the series.
7. A Farewell That Transcended Genres
Unlike most sitcoms, which shy away from heavy topics, Young Sheldon embraced the complexity of grief. The funeral scene became a poignant reminder of how laughter and sorrow often coexist in real life.
8. Barber’s Emotional Experience
For Barber, filming the scene was an emotional experience. “It hit me pretty hard in a way I didn’t anticipate,” he admitted. Playing a lifeless character in such a meaningful moment brought home the impact George Sr. had on the show’s narrative.
9. Behind-the-Scenes Details
Barber wasn’t the only one affected by the scene. The entire cast and crew approached the funeral episode with sensitivity, understanding its significance to both the story and the audience.
10. Fan Reactions to the Episode
The funeral episode elicited an outpouring of emotions from fans. Many praised the show’s ability to navigate such a delicate moment with respect and authenticity.
11. The Humor That Almost Was
Had Barber gone through with his prank, the tone of the episode would have been drastically different. While bloopers might have been entertaining behind the scenes, the final product benefited from the decision to focus on the characters’ grief.
12. George Sr.’s Impact on Sheldon
Sheldon’s reflections on his father in The Big Bang Theory add depth to the character, highlighting how his upbringing shaped his views on relationships and family.
13. Showrunner’s Insight
Steve Holland acknowledged the difficulty of finding the right balance for the funeral episode. “It’s challenging to mix comedy and drama in such a way that feels authentic,” he said.
14. A Scene That Defined the Series
George Sr.’s funeral wasn’t just a goodbye to a character; it was a defining moment for Young Sheldon. The episode marked a shift in tone, paving the way for more nuanced storytelling.
15. A Legacy of Laughter and Tears
In the end, Lance Barber’s portrayal of George Cooper Sr. left an enduring legacy. By respecting the gravity of the funeral scene, Barber and the team behind Young Sheldon created a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
Lance Barber’s journey as George Cooper Sr. in Young Sheldon showcased his versatility as an actor, blending humor and heartbreak seamlessly. While his initial plan to add humor to the funeral scene might have lightened the mood, his decision to honor the moment’s emotional gravity made it a truly unforgettable part of the series.
FAQs
1. Did Lance Barber actually use the fart machine during filming?
No, he ultimately decided against it, realizing the emotional weight of the scene.
2. Why was George Cooper Sr.’s funeral so important to the story?
It marked a pivotal moment in Sheldon’s life, shaping his personality and future relationships.
3. Were there originally jokes in the funeral script?
Yes, but they were removed during editing to honor the emotional tone of the episode.
4. How did fans react to the funeral scene?
Fans praised the heartfelt portrayal, calling it one of the most moving moments in the series.
5. Will there be more dramatic moments in Young Sheldon?
While the show remains a sitcom, it continues to explore emotional depth when the story demands it.
