Young Sheldon Complete Cast & Character Guide (Every Season) (PART 1)
The Young Sheldon cast helps to create the story of Sheldon Cooper’s childhood with his family in Texas as he began his journey as a young genius. In an effort to capitalize on the popularity of The Big Bang Theory, the sitcom’s first spin-off premiered in 2017. For two years, the shows aired back-to-back, but since its parent series wrapped up its run in 2019, Young Sheldon has been standing on its own. The events of Young Sheldon take place around two decades before the beginning of The Big Bang Theory.
While Sheldon Cooper might be the main focus of the show, the sitcom has proven its own strong ensemble with characters who appeared on The Big Bang Theory as older versions of themselves, those who were only mentioned, and some who are entirely new creations in this prequel show. Young Sheldon season 7 will mark its end and the last time to see this talented cast together. From the new take on Sheldon Cooper to the family and friends in his story, the Young Sheldon cast will certainly be missed.
Sheldon Cooper/ Adult Sheldon
Played By Iain Armitage / Jim Parsons
Playing the titular character in the Young Sheldon cast is Iain Armitage. He takes over the role from Jim Parsons who played its older version in The Big Bang Theory. Dubbed as a once-in-a-generation genius, Sheldon is clearly already into science, particularly theoretical physics explaining why he pursues it in CalTech. Things have really changed for Sheldon as the series wore on. With so many things that his adult version has said in TBBT about his childhood, the continuity in Young Sheldon has been a struggle though the original show planets seeds for exciting developments.
Despite his young age, Armitage has already appeared in a few other projects outside of Young Sheldon. He first gained prominence through his YouTube series, Iain Loves Theatre where he reviewed stage shows. From there, he appeared in Big Little Shots, played Ziggy Chapman in Big Little Lies, and was even a guest in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 18. On the big screen, he provided the voice for young Shaggy Rogers in Scoob! and Chase in PAW Patrol: The Movie.
Meanwhile, Parsons provides the adult narration in Young Sheldon. Aside from his career-defining role as the older Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory where he won four Primetime Emmy Awards, he also played Tommy Boatwright in both Broadway and TV versions of The Normal Heart. He was in Hidden Figures, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, and The Boys In The Band, as well.
Mary Cooper
Played By Zoe Perry
Sheldon’s mom, Mary Cooper is portrayed by Zoe Perry — a role that she inherited from her real-life mother. Laurie Metcalf played the character in The Big Bang Theory. Mary’s signature trait is that she’s devout Southern Baptist, and despite her family’s refusal to practice their faith, she insists that they do. Mary is extremely protective of her kids, but she has a soft spot for Sheldon knowing full well of his quirks and eccentricities. It is known George’s affair in Young Sheldon is coming as it is the reason the couple divorces, but the marriage troubles have already existed.
Perry is from Chicago, and she got her start when she moved to New York City to get jobs in television. She has been active in the entertainment industry since 1992. One of her earliest roles actually connects to Young Sheldon as Perry played young Jackie on Roseanne, once again playing the younger version of Laurie Metcalf’s character. She’s also been a guest in Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, and Scandal.
George Cooper Sr.
Played By Lance Barber
Sheldon’s controversial dad, George Cooper Sr., is played by Lance Barber in the Young Sheldon cast. Since George was already dead during the events of The Big Bang Theory, he is the only Cooper family member who didn’t have an older predecessor in the original series. Despite being originally described as a no-good father who didn’t do anything but drink, Young Sheldon’s version of the character is different. He’s a devoted family man who works tirelessly for his family. However, recently the Geroge cheating storyline on Young Sheldon has started to form.
Lance Barber is an actor from Michigan who got his start working at the Barn Theatre as a child alongside Jennifer Garner. His breakthrough came with the TV show The Comeback on HBO in 2005. He is also known for appearing in many shows throughout the years. He was in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Comeback, Black-ish, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Gilmore Girls. Interestingly, he also played Leonard’s bully, Jimmy Speckerman, in The Big Bang Theory.
George “Georgie” Cooper Jr.
Played By Montana Jordan
Sheldon’s older brother, George “Georgie” Cooper Jr. is played by Montana Jordan in the Young Sheldon cast. Not much was initially revealed about the character in The Big Bang Theory, until just before Sheldon’s wedding when he finally appeared. The spin-off reveals more of him before becoming the successful business owner of Mr. Tire dealership in Texas. While not academically gifted like Sheldon, Georgie clearly has great entrepreneurial skills. He has since become a father on the show which sets up the upcoming Young Sheldon spinoff about Georgie and Mandy’s life as young parents.
Montana Jordan is an actor from Texas who got his start when he was cast in the film The Legacy of Whitetail Deer Hunter as Josh Brolin’s son. That movie actually came out after his character first appeared in the Young Sheldon cast. He also reprised his role as young Georgie in the one-time crossover episode between The Big Bang Theory and its offshoot. This has been the only film and TV work so far in his career.
