Young Sheldon” Stars Montana Jordan and Emily Osment Embrace Real-Life Roles

LOS ANGELES — Actors Montana Jordan and Emily Osment are embracing experiences in their real lives that closely mirror the roles they play on screen. Both play significant roles in “Young Sheldon,” the second spin-off in the growing “Big Bang Theory” television universe, which follows the lives of characters from the iconic series.

Montana Jordan, 21, plays George “Georgie” Cooper Jr., Sheldon Cooper‘s older brother, on “Young Sheldon.” In the series, he marries Mandy McAllister, played by Emily Osment, after a brief relationship results in the birth of their daughter, CeeCee. In a real-life twist similar to his character, Longview, Texas-born Jordan’s actual girlfriend, Jenna Weeks, recently gave birth to a daughter named Emma Rae in May.

Emily Osment, aged 32, known for her previous role in “Hannah Montana,” recently returned from her real-life nuptials to fiancé Jack Anthony. The couple celebrated their wedding on October 13, just before the premiere of Osment’s new series “First Marriage” on CBS, which shares notable parallels with her real-life first marriage.

“First Marriage” begins as part of the “Big Bang Theory” franchise and stars Osment’s character, who is a former weather girl, Mandy. She is married to the sibling of the intellectually gifted Sheldon. Notably, Jerry O'Connell appears in the original “Big Bang Theory” series as the financially successful Georgie Cooper, showcasing his future persona as the founder of the Dr. Tire store chain.

The new series, “First Marriage,” requires a new setting on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, previously unutilized for a live audience. Addressing this change, executive producers Steve Holland and Steven Molaro constructed an environment depicting the struggles of a young couple integrating into a family home with Mandy’s amiable father Jim, played by Will Sasso, and critical mother Audrey, portrayed by Rachel Bay Jones.

The tension and dynamics unfold at a rehearsal for a bridge game that reveals the underlying family complications and pressures of a crowded household. “There’s a lot going on with a baby involved and an age gap,” Molaro commented, “It’s very realistic to have these successes and failures.”

Incorporating real-world skills, Jordan displayed his card-shuffling proficiency during a rehearsal, a talent acquired after moving to Los Angeles. His dedication was evident in the show’s opening credits, which feature a Texas tango performed with Osment, demanding five days of rehearsals with “Dancing With the Stars” instructors.

“Rockiness is inherent in ‘Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,'” remarked Molaro. “Through the tango, the audience captures elements of romance and playfulness.” The potential of Jordan and Osment as lead performers will be tested as they navigate both their characters’ and their real-life experiences.

The transition to “First Marriage” includes appearances by cast members from “Young Sheldon,” such as Annie Potts, Raeann Revord, and Zoe Perry, adding continuity to the narrative. Additionally, while Iain Armitage, the young Sheldon actor, is not part of the spinoff, the door remains open for future possibilities involving his character.

For Osment, who successfully juggled her personal milestone with her professional commitments, this period signifies a notable chapter in her life. “It’s an incredible time,” she stated, reflecting the sentiment that life’s occurrences can be unexpected but welcomed.