If you’ve spent any time watching the Big Bang Theory universe lately, you’ve probably noticed that one character has somehow stolen the spotlight from the boy genius himself. That’s Georgie Cooper. He’s the eldest brother, the high school dropout, and the accidental entrepreneur with a heart of gold and a thick-as-molasses Texas accent. But who is the face behind the mullet?
Most people asking who plays Georgie Cooper are looking for Montana Jordan.
Jordan hasn't just played the character; he’s lived in his boots for nearly a decade. From the early days of Young Sheldon to the 2024-2025 breakout spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Jordan has turned a secondary character into a leading man. It’s a rare feat in Hollywood. Usually, child actors fade out or get recast when a show evolves. Montana Jordan did the opposite—he became indispensable.
The Face of Young Georgie: Montana Jordan
Montana Jordan wasn't some seasoned child star from Los Angeles. He’s a real-deal Texan, born in Longview and raised in Ore City. Honestly, that’s probably why the character works so well. You can't fake that specific kind of Southern charm without it sounding like a caricature, and Jordan brings a grit to the role that feels lived-in.
Interestingly, he had zero acting experience before landing a role alongside Josh Brolin in the 2018 film The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter. He beat out about 10,000 other kids for that part. Think about that. Ten thousand. That’s not just luck; it’s raw, natural timing. Shortly after, he was cast as George "Georgie" Marshall Cooper Jr. in Young Sheldon, and the rest is sitcom history.
The Evolution of Georgie
In the beginning, Georgie was mostly there to provide a foil for Sheldon. While Sheldon was calculating the trajectory of subatomic particles, Georgie was wondering how to get a girl to look at his car.
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But as the seasons went on, the writers realized Jordan could handle heavy lifting. We saw him navigate:
- Dropping out of school to work at a garage.
- The complex, often hilarious, relationship with Mandy McAllister (played by Emily Osment).
- Becoming a father to baby CeeCee.
- Stepping up as the "man of the house" after the devastating death of George Sr. in the final season of Young Sheldon.
By the time Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage premiered in October 2024, Jordan was no longer just "Sheldon’s brother." He was a leading man.
Who Plays the Older Georgie Cooper?
Here’s where things get a bit more "multiverse." If you only watch the prequels, you might not realize that an adult version of Georgie appeared first—sort of.
In the original series, The Big Bang Theory, the adult George Cooper Jr. is played by Jerry O’Connell.
O’Connell first appeared in Season 11, Episode 23, "The Sibling Realignment." This was a huge moment for fans. Up until then, Georgie had only been mentioned as the brother Sheldon didn't get along with. O'Connell brought a slick, successful energy to the role, revealing that Georgie had become the "Tire King of Texas" and owned a massive chain of stores called Dr. Tire.
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The Casting Connection
There’s a funny bit of trivia here: usually, prequels cast kids who look like the established adults. In this case, it was the opposite. Montana Jordan had already been playing young Georgie for about half a year when the producers had to cast the adult version. They actually looked for an actor who matched Jordan’s energy and facial structure.
Jerry O’Connell was the perfect pick. He even leaned into some of the mannerisms Jordan had already established on Young Sheldon.
Why Montana Jordan’s Georgie is Different Now
As we move through 2026, the character has shifted again. In the current spinoff, we see a version of Georgie that bridges the gap between the goofy teen and the wealthy businessman Jerry O'Connell played.
He’s now a husband (mostly) and a father, working at his father-in-law Jim’s auto shop. Fans have noted that Jordan’s performance has matured. He’s still funny, sure, but there’s a weight to him now. He’s carrying the trauma of his father’s death and the pressure of a young family.
Fast Facts about Montana Jordan:
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- Born: March 8, 2003.
- Hometown: Ore City, Texas.
- Personal Life: He actually became a father in real life in 2024! He and his partner Jenna Weeks welcomed a daughter, which fans found incredibly poetic given his storyline as a young dad on screen.
- Height: He stands at about 5'9", though on screen he often looks taller because of that signature Texas hair.
Common Misconceptions About the Actors
You’d be surprised how many people think there was a third actor involved. Aside from a very brief flashback involving a toddler-aged Georgie in the earliest episodes of Young Sheldon (played by Parker James Logie), it’s really just been Montana and Jerry.
Some fans also get confused about the timeline. Because Young Sheldon ended with Georgie being 18-19 and the new spinoff picks up right there, people wonder if the actor changed. Nope. It’s still Montana. He just grew up. If you look at Season 1 compared to now, the transformation is wild. He went from a scrawny kid to a guy who clearly spends some time in the gym—perfect for a character who spends his days hauling tires.
What’s Next for the Character?
We already know where Georgie ends up thanks to The Big Bang Theory lore. He becomes a multi-millionaire tire mogul. He gets married and divorced several times (hence the title Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage).
But the "how" is what keeps us watching.
Montana Jordan has signed on to continue the role for the foreseeable future. The chemistry between him and Emily Osment is the engine driving the new show. Even with the shift to a multi-cam format (filmed in front of a live audience with a laugh track), Jordan’s timing hasn't missed a beat.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with the man behind the character, here is what you can do:
- Watch the Spinoff: Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is currently airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. It’s the direct continuation of his story.
- Follow the Real Life "Georgie": Montana Jordan is fairly active on Instagram. He often shares "cowboy" content, hunting photos, and updates about his new daughter.
- The "Stand By Me" Connection: If you want a fun deep dive, watch the movie Stand By Me. Jerry O’Connell (adult Georgie) stars in it as a kid alongside Wil Wheaton (who plays himself in The Big Bang Theory). It’s a weirdly small world in the Chuck Lorre universe.
Georgie Cooper started as a punchline. Thanks to Montana Jordan’s authenticity and Jerry O’Connell’s perfect guest spots, he’s become the most relatable person in the whole franchise. Whether he’s selling tires or trying to figure out a diaper change, he’s the heart of the show.