As Young Sheldon approaches its final episodes, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on what it has meant to play George Cooper Sr. over these past seven seasons. It’s never easy saying goodbye — not just to a role, but to a character who’s become part of you. George wasn’t perfect, but he was real. He was a father doing his best, often under difficult circumstances, and I’ve always felt honored to bring depth and humanity to a character who, for so long, existed only in Sheldon’s anecdotes.
When we first started the show, George was often portrayed through the lens of adult Sheldon’s memories in The Big Bang Theory, which painted him in a complicated light. But as Young Sheldon evolved, I appreciated how the writers allowed us to explore George in a more nuanced way. We got to see his vulnerabilities, his humor, his love for his family — and yes, his flaws too. That’s what made him feel authentic.
Filming George’s final moments was incredibly emotional, not just for me, but for the entire cast and crew. We’ve grown into a family over the years, so stepping into those scenes knowing what they meant — not just in the story, but for the fans who’ve followed us since day one — it was overwhelming. It’s never easy to play a death scene, especially when the character means so much to so many people. But I felt a responsibility to do it justice, to honor George’s journey and the impact he’s had on this family’s story.
One thing that’s stuck with me is how much support I’ve received from fans. People have come up to me over the years saying how much they relate to George — how he reminds them of their own fathers or how his efforts to be a better man resonated with them. That’s the kind of feedback that means everything to an actor.
As we get closer to the end, I hope viewers see George’s passing not just as a moment of sadness, but as a turning point — a way for the characters to grow, reflect, and carry his memory forward. Because that’s what happens in real life. We lose people, but we hold on to what they gave us.
To everyone who’s watched, laughed, and cried with us: thank you. Thank you for giving George Cooper Sr. a second chance to be seen in a fuller light. It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
With love and gratitude,
Lance Barber
