Introduction: A Glimpse into the Past
Filming Young Sheldon, set in the 1980s, presented unique challenges for the young cast, especially when it came to using period-specific technology. Iain Armitage, who portrayed Sheldon Cooper, had a particularly amusing experience with an iconic prop: the rotary dial phone.
The Rotary Phone Challenge
In a behind-the-scenes moment shared by co-star Zoe Perry, it was revealed that Armitage struggled to operate the rotary phone correctly. He would dial the number and then pick up the receiver, a sequence that is the reverse of how the phone should be used. Perry recalled, “He was dialing first, and then picking up the phone,” highlighting the generational gap between the ’80s technology and the young actor’s familiarity with modern devices.people.com+1thetab.com+1thetab.com
A Shared Experience
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Other child actors on set also found themselves perplexed by ’80s technology. Raegan Revord, who played Sheldon’s twin sister Missy, admitted that upon first encountering the rotary phone, she mistook it for a “storage unit” or “safe,” underscoring the unfamiliarity many had with such devices.people.com+2people.com+2sg.style.yahoo.com+2
Conclusion: Bridging the Generational Divide
Iain Armitage’s humorous encounter with the rotary phone serves as a lighthearted reminder of the technological advancements over the past few decades. Despite the initial confusion, the cast’s ability to adapt and bring authenticity to their roles contributed to the charm and success of Young Sheldon.
FAQs
1. What is a rotary dial phone?
A rotary dial phone is a type of telephone that requires the user to rotate a dial to select each digit of a phone number. This was the primary method of dialing before the advent of push-button phones.
2. Did other cast members have similar experiences?
Yes, other child actors on set, including Raegan Revord, also found themselves unfamiliar with ’80s technology, leading to amusing situations during filming.sg.style.yahoo.com+1people.com+1
3. How did the cast adapt to using period-specific props?
The cast received guidance from the production team to accurately portray life in the 1980s, including how to use period-specific props like rotary phones.thetab.com
4. Was Iain Armitage’s experience with the rotary phone a one-time event?
While the specific incident was a notable example, it’s common for actors to encounter challenges when using props from different time periods, especially when they haven’t had prior exposure to them.
5. How did this experience impact the show’s portrayal of the 1980s?
The cast’s genuine reactions to unfamiliar technology added authenticity to the show’s depiction of life in the 1980s, highlighting the differences between then and now.
