Whenever you start watching a new show, there comes a time when a familiar actor on-screen sparks that feeling of deja vu, and you involuntarily start combing through your memories, trying to figure out where the heck you have seen their face.
The “Young Sheldon” cast had their share of roles before that show came on air. From Iain Armitage’s breakout performance in HBO’s “Big Little Lies” to Zoe Perry’s appearances in shows like “Scandal” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” this talented ensemble brings their charm and talent to the prequel of “The Big Bang Theory.”
1. Emily Osment as Mandy
Mandy is the older woman who catches the attention of George Jr. on “Young Sheldon.” Osment had major roles in her career before joining the show, including portraying Gerti Giggles in “Spy Kids” and Lilly Truscott on Disney’s “Hannah Montana.” She has also appeared in shows like “Cleaners,” “Almost Family,” and had a recurring role in “The Kominsky Method.” Osment has also released a music album and shot music videos to accompany it.
2. Doc Farrow as Coach Wayne Wilkins
Doc’s role on “Young Sheldon” is his first recurring gig on television. Prior to this, Farrow appeared in single episodes of various shows like “Pretty Little Liars,” “Modern Family,” “Scorpion,” “The Goldbergs,” and “The Good Place.” He has also made appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Arrested Development,” and the revival of “Will & Grace.”
3. Ed Begley Jr. as Dr. Linkletter
With a prolific filmography spanning decades, Begley Jr. gained recognition for his leading role as Dr. Ehrlich in the ’80s medical drama “St. Elsewhere” and as Sgt. Greenbean in the original “Battlestar Galactica.” He also starred in “Parenthood,” “Meego.” and more recently, he appeared on shows like “7th Heaven,” “Kingdom Hospital,” and “Six Feet Under.”
4. Raegan Revord as Missy Cooper
Sheldon’s twin sister appeared in episodes of “Modern Family” and the Netflix series “W/Bob and David” before joining the cast of “Young Sheldon.” Revord also guest-starred on “Grace and Frankie” and “Alexa & Katie.”
5. Wallace Shawn as Dr. John Sturgis
Meemaw’s boyfriend is known for his distinctive voice as Rex in the “Toy Story” films and his role as Vizzini in “The Princess Bride.” Shawn also portrayed Mr. Hall in “Clueless” and its sitcom spin-off and had recurring roles in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Gossip Girl,” and “Murphy Brown.”
6. Annie Potts as Meemaw
You may have seen Sheldon’s grandmother in the 1984 film “Ghostbusters” and its 2021 sequel “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” Potts has had a hugely successful career with notable roles in movies like “Pretty in Pink” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” On TV, she starred in “Law & Order: SVU,” “Chicago Med,” and “GCB.”
7. Montana Jordan as George Cooper Jr.
Sheldon’s older brother George is not as recognizable, but he did appear in “The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter” as Jaden, the son of Josh Brolin’s character. It was this role that gave Jordan the opportunity to shine on “Young Sheldon.”
8. Zoe Perry as Mary Cooper
Zoe, who plays Sheldon’s mom, had a unique connection to the character, as she portrayed a young version of Jackie Harris in flashback sequences of “Roseanne,” a role later played by her real-life mother, Laurie Metcalf, who also portrays the older version of Mary Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory.” It’s complicated, but it makes sense, trust me! Perry’s TV career began with “Roseanne” and evolved into shows like “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Cold Case,” and “Scandal.”
9. Iain Armitage as Sheldon Cooper
Iain gained early fame through his YouTube channel, “Iain Loves Theatre,” where he reviewed musicals and stage plays. He made his TV debut on “Impractical Jokers” before landing roles in indie films like “The Last Castle” and “Our Souls at Night” alongside big-name actors. Armitage also has a recurring role in “Big Little Lies” and has lent his voice to animated movies “Scoob!” and “Paw Patrol.”
