TheBig Bang Theoryfranchiseused Lance Barber in two separate roles, and it was worth it. Barber is best known as George Sr, Sheldon’s well-meaning father, who didn’t understand his genius son and longed for a boy he could pass his love of football onto.George’s death in theYoung Sheldonpenultimateepisodewas the catalyst for the events of the series' wrap-up.
WhileLance Barber visited the set ofGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, there is no indication that he is playing a resurrected George or any other character in the newest show of the franchise. However,he appeared inThe Big Bang Theoryas a different character: Jimmy Speckerman, the grown-up version of the boy who had bullied Leonard mercilessly in high school. This role is very different from that of George Sr, and it is interesting to revisit Sheldon’s interaction with Jimmy after seeing Barber play Sheldon’s father for seven years in the prequel.
Why Did Lance Barber Play Different Characters In TBBT & Young Sheldon?
Young Sheldon Didn’t Exist At The TIme Jimmy Speckerman Appeared In TBBT
There were not yet plans forYoung Sheldon’s creation when Lance Barber appeared inThe Big Bang Theoryseason 5, episode 11, which aired in 2011 — six years beforeYoung Sheldonpremiered.Barber was chosen for the role of Jimmy Speckerman because the producers thought he was the best actor for the role,and they were not thinking about who else he might play in its universe, especially since work for Young Sheldon was still far on the horizon.
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Although the producers didn’t plan for Barber to play two different roles in the franchise, his guest appearance inThe Big Bang Theorylikely helped him to land the role of George Sr. Since he had already been involved inThe Big Bang Theoryfranchise to a small degree, the producers were familiar with him and his work, which gave him an edge over other actors who were not as well-known to the casting team.
Lance Barber’s George Sr. Made Any Confusion More Than Justified
George Sr. Was A Beloved Character Whose Death Was Heartbreaking
Lance Barber’s role inThe Big Bang Theorywas relatively minor. He only appeared in one episode over half a decade beforeYoung Sheldonpremiered. Thus, by the time he was cast as George Sr.,most of the audience was unlikely to remember that he had played Jimmy Speckerman in the nerd-centric sitcom. Furthermore, George Sr was an integral part ofYoung Sheldonand Barber made the role memorable.
Thus, even if Barber was recognizable as having once guest starred on the original show in theThe Big Bang Theoryfranchise,his portrayal of George Sr made it worth it. The series would not have been the same without Barber’s portrayal of him, and he made George Sr so lovable that his untimely death led to a heartbreakingseries finale forYoung Sheldon.
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is a media franchise that has expanded from the original titular TV show that follows a group of friends who live near and with one another as they attempt to bridge social gaps due to their geeky nature and further their scientific pursuits. The show eventually spun off with a TV special and a prequel series, Young Sheldon, which follows the origins of Sheldon Cooper and how he rose to become the brilliant physicist he is.
