Young Sheldon Cast Reacts to George Sr.'s Death in Series Finale (Exclusive)

It's the end of an era! On the 2-part finale of the 'Young Sheldon,' the Cooper family's patriarch, George Cooper, played by Lance Barber, dies of a heart attack. ET chatted with the cast on set, where they shared their reactions to Sheldon Cooper's father’s death. The 2-part season finale of the 'Young Sheldon' airs May 16 on ABC.

[sherriedoyle]

Even though we knew George died from Big Bang, , it still came as a gut punch. Young Sheldon brought Sheldon's family to life and endeared themselves to us.

[cathymeyer]

I felt real sadness. George was the 80s Texas dad. Paycheck to paycheck high school coach. He was my favorite character.

[kaiserj]

It's the performance that Lance Barber brought to the character over the course of the series is what really makes this moment hard to deal with.

[justkelly]

Lance Barber made George come alive, He was the quintessential middle class dad and even though he was aloof at times, just like a real dad he was always there in a pinch. A great performance by a talented crew.

[El-Toro-Nica]

This broke me. Being a father myself I connected with George, and also being a heart attack survivor myself, his first cardiac event brought back sad memories. But for him to pass, I knew it was coming, but I still wasn’t ready, I was inconsolable.

[pacnwguy]

I'm really glad they didn't have him die on screen, as I was already tense about it. He and Meemaw were my favorite characters.

[peggooo]

Young Sheldon is 10 times the show that big bang ever was.
I’m going to miss the show very much and I’m very heartbroken that George is gone.

[jeffs.]

Lance Barber reminds me of my Dad and it made it all the more real. Great, great show.

[King_Elliott]

A moment of silence for everyone who watches the show and didn’t get to this point yet.
Edit: To everyone, I already know

[wordlifesanchit]

I'm someone who has not watched Big Bang Theory, I was shattered as this came to fore.. great actors breathe life into their characters, the whole crew of Young Sheldon is a testament to that.. Lance Barber you are a great actor and your character of George Sr. is someone I really loved on the show, thank you for all the laughs you shared with us.. ❣️

[tz]

Being Big Bang fans, we knew George was going to pass, but seeing it happen last week was heart breaking. If the cast ever reads this, you guys are wonderful, believable, and FANTASTIC!! My family and I have loved every episode. We can't wait for Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage next fall. We hope that most of the cast is back.

[lc]

We loved George. The whole Cooper family. Sorry to see the show end.

[paulettemiller]

I had to watch this episode a few times to let it all sink in. I knew it was going to happen, had an odd feeling when George said "See y'all later." My gut said that we wouldn't. Real tears. This wonderful show provided years of entertainment and gave me more insight into my beloved Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Thank you. 👏👏👏

[janetsimon]

I sobbed. My daughter’s only consolation is that Lance is just fine.

[judithmurray]

Ohh no George - you were a fantastic character - I'm going to cry - really hard - I think one of the most memorable scenes for me is you protecting your daughter in the ditch during the tornado - it was so emotional, but you being written off - well - good bye - it's not like any of us had a choice. But you played your character with a finesse that nobody else could do any better. Best wishes in whatever you choose to do going forward....

[ibrahimturk]

RIP George, you were the best and knowing he's at ease with his death warms My heart a lil bit ❤

[lmyr]

Knew it was coming from the getgo, but....still took the legs out from under me, absolutely loved George. Lance did a phenomenal job portraying Sheldon's dad, thank you Lance!

[bryanbailey]

Him and Georgie became my favorite characters. This one hit hard but knew it was coming. Sad to see the show end as it is, so this adds to the sense of loss.

[joannajohnson]

I am sad that George Sr. Died. He is a beloved character in the show and cried. It caught me by surprise.

[sovest]

It is a shame that George Sr. had his life cut short just as he was on the cusp of realizing one of his major goals. But, at least he passed on a high note.

Also, another silver lining is that they redeemed what Sheldon had perceived as infidelity on George's part by showing that it was actually just Mary engaging in some spicy roleplay.