Taking on the role of Sheldon Cooper—one of TV’s most beloved and quirkiest characters—is no small feat. Especially when you’re just 8 years old.
But that’s exactly what Iain Armitage did when he was cast as the lead in Young Sheldon, the prequel to The Big Bang Theory. And now, years later, he’s sharing what he truly believes got him the part—and spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with science or quantum mechanics.
The Big Reveal – Iain’s Theory on Landing the Role
In multiple interviews, Iain has hinted at the real reason he believes he stood out from the crowd:
“I think it’s because I was just being myself—curious, excited, and a little quirky.”
Yep, that’s it. According to Iain, what got him the job wasn’t acting like Sheldon, but rather being unapologetically Iain—a naturally curious kid who genuinely loves learning and storytelling.
He believes his passion for theater, books, and people mirrored the essence of Sheldon in a way that casting directors couldn’t ignore.
From Theater Reviewer to TV Star
Before becoming a TV icon, Iain was already known in certain circles as a child theater critic. That’s right—he reviewed Broadway shows on YouTube under the name “Iain Loves Theatre.”
His charm, intelligence, and expressive personality caught the internet’s attention—and eventually, Hollywood’s.
His YouTube Channel Played a Role
Casting agents reportedly saw his videos and were blown away by his vocabulary, poise, and enthusiasm.
“I was just doing what I loved,” Iain shared. “And somehow that led me to Sheldon.”
What Makes Iain the Perfect Sheldon?
Let’s break it down:
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Bright and articulate — Check
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Socially offbeat but deeply sincere — Double check
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Memorizes complex lines with ease — That’s a skill he’s praised for
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Admires order, routine, and structure — Sound familiar?
While Iain is not exactly like Sheldon IRL (he’s far more empathetic and outgoing), he naturally embodies the intellectual wonder that makes young Sheldon compelling—not just quirky.
First Audition Magic – What Really Happened
According to casting directors, Iain’s first audition was something special. He reportedly:
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Memorized every line
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Delivered each scene with authenticity, not mimicry
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Brought an “innocent gravitas” that felt just right
Instead of copying Jim Parsons, Iain brought his own version of Sheldon—one that still felt emotionally grounded.
Jim Parsons’ Seal of Approval
Jim Parsons, the original Sheldon Cooper and executive producer of Young Sheldon, had this to say:
“When we saw Iain’s tape, we just knew. He had this spark.”
Jim even met with Iain early in production, not to coach him—but to cheer him on. He’s repeatedly said that Iain brought something unique to the role that made Young Sheldon its own show, rather than a carbon copy.
A Strong Support System Behind the Scenes
Iain credits his mom and family for keeping him grounded through the journey. He often mentions how his mom travels with him, homeschools him, and helps him stay balanced despite his Hollywood life.
He also maintains a deep connection with the rest of the cast—especially Zoe Perry (Mary Cooper), who he says feels like “a real mom on set.”
Iain’s Quirks That Align With Sheldon’s
Here’s where things get spooky—in the best way.
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Iain loves routines
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He collects unique facts and trivia
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He’s fascinated by geography and science
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He finds comfort in logic
Sound familiar? Even off-camera, Iain naturally connects with the core essence of Sheldon: a young brainiac trying to make sense of a confusing world.
What Iain Wants to Do Next
While Young Sheldon is wrapping up, Iain’s career is just heating up. He’s interested in:
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Voice acting (he already voiced young Shaggy in Scoob!)
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More dramatic roles
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Maybe even directing one day
And yes, he still loves theater and might return to the stage eventually.
Why Fans Fell in Love With His Version of Sheldon
Let’s face it: following up Jim Parsons is no easy task.
But Iain made the role his own by focusing less on recreating Sheldon and more on exploring how Sheldon became Sheldon.
He gave fans:
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Vulnerability
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Humor
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Social awkwardness with a side of heart
And he did it all while growing up on camera.
📝 Conclusion – Talent + Authenticity = Iain Armitage
Iain Armitage didn’t book Young Sheldon because he was the most polished or the most rehearsed. He booked it because he showed up as himself: curious, joyful, and real.
Sometimes, the best casting choice isn’t the one who imitates perfectly—it’s the one who brings something authentic to the table.
And that’s exactly what Iain gave us. For seven seasons, he’s redefined Sheldon Cooper for a new generation.
❓ FAQs
1. How old was Iain Armitage when he was cast as Young Sheldon?
He was just 8 years old when he landed the role.
2. Did he watch The Big Bang Theory before filming Young Sheldon?
Not at first. Due to age-appropriate content, Iain didn’t watch the full series, but he did study clips with guidance.
3. Is Iain Armitage similar to Sheldon in real life?
In some ways, yes! He’s curious, smart, and organized—but he’s also very warm and outgoing, unlike Sheldon’s reserved personality.
4. Has Iain done voice acting?
Yes! He voiced young Shaggy in Scoob! and has shown interest in doing more animated work.
5. What’s next for Iain after Young Sheldon?
He’s exploring new roles in film, TV, and voice work—and with his talent, he’s bound to stick around for a long time.
💬 Custom Message: Loved Iain’s take on Sheldon? Share this article and celebrate the brilliance of being yourself! #IainArmitage #YoungSheldon #CastingMagic
