Before Raegan Revord ever stepped onto the Young Sheldon set, she already felt an undeniable connection to Missy Cooper. In the chaos of pilot season — when young actors juggle countless auditions and endless possibilities — one role stood out above the rest. Missy wasn’t just another character. She was the one.
“I kept asking my mom about the Missy role,” Raegan recalls. “I loved her character so much. I thought she was hilarious and would be so fun to play.” That instinct proved to be life-changing. Soon after, Raegan found herself immersed in the world of The Big Bang Theory — a universe she hadn’t even known existed before booking the role.
Thrown headfirst into a franchise with a passionate fanbase and rich history, Raegan quickly learned just how special the opportunity was. While The Big Bang Theory was still filming nearby, she’d sometimes visit the set, watch live tapings, and talk with the cast. Over time, writers and producers from the original series joined Young Sheldon, deepening her connection to the show’s legacy. Even without watching every episode, she absorbed the spirit of the series through its creators and through Jim Parsons’ narration as the older Sheldon.
“I will always be a fan of that show,” she says. “Because if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t exist.”
At the heart of Young Sheldon is Missy’s journey through adolescence — a phase Raegan portrays with striking honesty. Middle school awkwardness, shifting emotions, and social scrutiny all come into play, including moments that resonate deeply with viewers. One particularly memorable scene involves Missy being teased for wearing a skirt with unshaven legs — a moment inspired by real-life experiences from Raegan’s own mother and one of the show’s writers.
For Raegan, who is homeschooled, Missy’s storyline offers a window into experiences she hasn’t lived herself. “It’s just me and my studio teacher,” she explains. “So I experience a lot through Missy.” That includes pushing boundaries with parents, mood swings, and moments of frustration — especially toward George Cooper, Missy’s well-meaning but often overwhelmed dad.
Those scenes aren’t easy to film. “My heart goes out to George,” Raegan admits. “He’s trying so hard to be a good dad, and Missy’s just like, ‘Ugh, Dad! You’re ruining my life.’ But that’s a teenager for you.”
Interestingly, Raegan sees many parallels between her own life and Missy’s. When she received a script featuring George teaching Missy how to drive, she was stunned — the exact same thing was happening in her real life. Drawing from personal experience made the scene feel authentic, even if she jokes that she hopes she’s a better driver than Missy.
Despite these similarities, Raegan notes one key difference: personality. Missy is bold, confident, and highly social. Raegan, especially since Covid, has become more introverted and shy. She describes herself as nerdy, with a love for sci-fi, astrophotography, writing, and quiet time at home with her dogs — a sharp contrast to Missy’s outgoing nature.
What grounds Raegan through the challenges of growing up in the spotlight is the unwavering support of her castmates. “We truly are like a family,” she says — and this time, it’s not just a cliché. Whether it’s confiding in Lance Barber, sharing quiet moments with Zoe Perry, or receiving a comforting squeeze of the hand during emotional scenes, the bond among the cast is deeply real.
She also cherishes memories from pre-pandemic press tours, when the cast traveled together around the world. From holding a koala in Australia to sharing family-filled adventures, those moments remain some of her most treasured.
For Raegan Revord, Missy Cooper isn’t just a role — she’s a companion, a teacher, and a mirror. And as Young Sheldon continues to resonate with audiences, it’s clear that Raegan’s heartfelt connection to Missy is a big part of why the character feels so real, relatable, and unforgettable.
