Iain Armitage thanks The Big Bang Theory actor Jim Parsons for his guidance as he plays the titular character in Young Sheldon. In 2017, CBS launched the spin-off that centers on the backstory of Sheldon Cooper. By then, Parsons had been playing the adult iteration of the role for a decade and the actor had won multiple accolades for his performance. Because of this, there was a lot of interest in Armitage when he was cast to portray the younger version on Young Sheldon.
When Young Sheldon premiered, it aired back-to-back with The Big Bang Theory. Aside from sharing the role of the lead character, the two series couldn't be any more different. The Pasadena-set Big Bang Theory was raunchier and clearly targeting an older demographic. Meanwhile, Young Sheldon has been mostly a family show. Despite centering on its titular character, the spin-off also gives each member of the Cooper family their respective stories. But for it to work, it was imperative that Armitage was able to sell the idea that he's indeed playing the same character as Parsons from The Big Bang Theory — only younger.
Now, as Young Sheldon celebrates its 100th episode, Armitage looks back at his journey starring on the hit show thus far. In an Instagram Stories post, he thanks Parsons for his guidance both in front and behind the camera. Alongside the sweet message is a snap of them while doing press for the show years ago. Check out the Armitage's below:
Parsons' decision to leave The Big Bang Theory was actually the reason why the show was canceled. CBS was planning on renewing it for two more seasons because of how popular it was, but instead of moving forward with an incomplete cast, everyone involved decided that it was best to wrap up the show altogether. That being said, Parsons remains involved in the universe that it's set in. Aside from executive producing Young Sheldon, the actor also provides the adult voice-over in the show. This leads to countless theories that the spin-off is Sheldon's way of working on his autobiography — an idea that has been backed up by mounting evidence as of late. Both Simon Helberg's Howard and Mayim Bialik's Amy have appeared on the spin-off through voice cameos.
Armitage has done a great job playing the titular character in Young Sheldon. Over the years, the actor has mastered Parsons' established quirks from his role in The Big Bang Theory, which is very important as the prequel progresses in its timeline and inches nearer to the events of its parent series. Parsons has yet to respond to Armitage's sweet Instagram post, but if he doesn't publicly, chances are that he already reached out to his prodigy in private.
Source: Iain Armitage
