He hardly needs an introduction because he is one of the most popular kids on American television. Iain Armitage started off as a theatre critic, but soon went on to become a star kid with Big Little Lies as Ziggy, son of actress Shailene Woodley’s character Jane. However, people recognise this 10-year-old best as young Sheldon in Young Sheldon, a spin-off prequel to The Big Bang Theory showing Sheldon Cooper as a kid, living with his family in East Texas and going to high school.
The third season of the series will premiere in August on Comedy Central. Set in 1989-1990, the series follows him from the age of 9 onwards as he attends high school in the fictional town of Medford, Texas, and tries to fit into the world around him while his family and friends attempt to deal with his unique intellectual capabilities and social challenges.
Iain first gained prominence for his YouTube series Iain Loves Theater where he reviews theatre.
He later starred in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Chasing Theo) and even appeared in Impractical Jokers Look Out Below. However, the young actor confessed that he kind of ‘stumbled’ on acting and considers himself as theatre lover and a great audience member. Excerpts from an interview...
Iain, you have become one of the most recognised child actors on TV. How does it feel?
It feels pretty good and I love being a part of something that people love this much. And it makes me feel very good!
As homework, did you follow The Big Bang Theory? How much did you study the character of Sheldon Cooper to play his younger version?
I did, yes. Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper) kind of showed me how to get into it and helped me know the voice of Sheldon and his character. He really helped me with that. And yeah, he did give me some more little tips on how to become Sheldon, sort of!
What is new in season 3?
I actually don’t know anything about it because we don’t get the scripts until right when it’s about to happen.
You love theatre, you have been reviewing plays and you are just 10. How do you select the plays you want to review?
Well, I review all the shows I see so it’s pretty easy. But this started around when I was 3 and I saw my first show Hair Spray.
How similar or different are you from Sheldon in real life?
Well, we both love our moms. We both love Science. We both have weird little quirks.
How has your experience been working with Meryl Streep in Big Little Lies?
Oh, she is wonderful. She was so fun to work with and she is such a good actress and a very nice lady.
Young Sheldon, your character loves Math. What’s your favourite subject in school?
Probably History. Actually, ironically, Math is one of my least favourite subjects.
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The season 3 of Young Sheldon will premier in August and will air on Comedy Central in India
