The Big Bang Theory was able to shine, and Jim Parsons was a major reason for it. The legacy of Sheldon Cooper lives on these days thanks to Young Sheldon. The show continues to enjoy success and longevity, with six seasons and more than 127 episodes.
A major part for Young Sheldon’s success is none other than Iain Armitage. In the following, we’re going to take a closer look at his relationship with Jim Parsons, and how Jim himself has interpreted Iain’s performance.
In addition, we’ll take a look at their salaries for the show. Although Parsons made millions per episode on The Big Bang Theory, that wasn’t the case at the start.
We’ll take a look at Jim’s starting pay on The Big Bang Theory, and how it compares to Armitage’s remarkable starting pay on Young Sheldon.
Jim Parsons Warned Iain Armitage That His Role On Young Sheldon Would Eventually Get More Irritating
It was a surreal experience for Jim Parsons playing a role behind the scenes, and watching a younger actor in his role as Sheldon. Parsons admits that his vision for his younger self was completely different, but that the writers really thrived in the different approach.
Speaking alongside Parade, Parsons discussed the differences in Armitage’s portrayal, while he also warned the actor that his ways may change eventually…
“What’s interesting to me is, and why I’m not a writer, is because I don’t see things like what they’ve touched on, how we’re seeing young Sheldon evolve into who we know him to be on the adult show. I made a joke with Ian [Armitage, Young Sheldon], “Eventually you’ll get to be more irritating.” I said it today to him. But really it is the truth. It’s like, we’re going to see the slings and arrows of life, and him growing into even more of the person I’m playing. It’s interesting.”
Parsons would go on to reveal that despite the differences in Young Sheldon with his character, he wouldn’t have changed the way he took on Sheldon during The Big Bang Theory.
“No. That may come. It could just still be a matter of moving and growing and doing more episodes. At this point, if it has been anything that’s informed me it has been on a more subconscious level, I would say. So not consciously, no.”
Both have thrived in their own rights with the role and as it turns out, Armitage was also able to make quite the salary at such a young age.
Jim Parsons Made $60,000 Per Episode At The Start Of Big Bang Theory, While Iain Armitage Made A $30,000 For Young Sheldon
Jim Parsons became the highest-paid actor on television according to Forbes back in 2017. However, it took time and dedication to get to that point in his career. Parsons made a different salary at the start, pocketing $60,000 per episode of The Big Bang Theory, which is nothing to scoff at either.
Not only that, but Parsons almost lost out on his role of Sheldon given that Chuck Lorre felt as though his audition was too perfect, and polished. Thankfully, Bill Prady was the voice of reason, and Parsons was cast.
As for Armitage, he had to remember a lengthy monologue for his audition and completely thrived. His salary for a child star was also remarkable, making half of Jim’s pay at $30,000 per episode, according to Fandowire.
Without a doubt, Iain will continue to see a pay increase, while Parsons was able to make seven-figures on the popular sitcom.
Jim Parsons And Iain Armitage Have Mutual Admiration For Their Work As Sheldon
It only makes things that much greater knowing the relationship between Parsons and Armitage is a positive one behind the scenes. Jim told EW that he was moved by Iain’s performance on Young Sheldon at the start.
“Watching Iain bring this young version of this character to life that I’ve been working on for a decade of my own life, it was really moving,” he told EW. “I felt such a sympathy for this little guy. It was kind of mind-blowing to see him brought to life through Iain.”
As for Armitage, his admiration for Jim Parsons seems to be mutual. Iain showed his support for Parsons, taking to New York and watching his play in the audience.
“When I heard that @therealjimparsons was appearing on stage in @classicstage ‘s production of Man of No Importance, I knew I had to get there. I ended up sitting in the front row for a preview performance and it was so, so, so great! Jim is astonishing and he’s surrounded by an incredible cast.”
Armitage clearly has a great future, and it is nothing but a positive that the young actor has Jim Parsons guiding him behind the scenes.
Source: thethings.com