As the beloved series Young Sheldon gears up for its final season, young actor Iain Armitage takes a moment to reflect on the incredible journey he has been on for the past seven years. From auditions at the tender age of 8 to embodying the iconic younger version of Jim Parsons' character Sheldon Cooper, Armitage acknowledges the incredible privilege of essentially growing up on the hit CBS sitcom.
To think that Young Sheldon has been a significant part of Armitage's life for half of his 15 years is a mind-boggling revelation. However, rather than feeling overwhelmed, he expresses immense joy and gratitude for the experience. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Armitage shares, 'It's been half my life, which is kind of wild to think about, but just so fun, so wonderful, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to grow up.'
The talented young actor also expresses his deep appreciation for everyone he has had the opportunity to work with on the show. Whether it's his fellow cast members or the crew behind the scenes, Armitage considers it an honor to be part of their work and livelihood.
Looking ahead, Armitage is excited about his next venture, where he will lend his voice to the iconic character of Shaggy in the upcoming animated movie, Scoob!: Holiday Haunt. Joining an impressive cast that includes Mark Hamill, Ming-Na Wen, Cristo Fernandez, and the late Andre Braugher, Armitage is eager to showcase his versatility.
However, after years of playing Sheldon Cooper's younger self, Armitage longs to take on a role that is the complete opposite of Sheldon in every way. He dreams of delving into indie projects, action films, science fiction, or even gritty dramas like Big Little Lies. The desire to explore diverse characters and genres drives his passion for acting.
Interestingly, Armitage admits that even though he finds the idea of method acting quite silly, he can't ignore some of the traits he has picked up from playing Sheldon. He jokingly claims to feel like half-Sheldon, half-Iain. While he may not hold onto Sheldon's once-in-a-generation genius, he hopes to retain his unique and focused approach to the world and people around him.
As the final season of Young Sheldon unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of Armitage's incredible portrayal of Sheldon Cooper's younger self. His talent and dedication to the character have undoubtedly left a lasting impact.
In the meantime, make sure to catch Season 7 of Young Sheldon every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. And don't forget to sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest happenings in the world of entertainment, including celebrity news and compelling human interest stories.
