Who plays Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory?

Jim Parsons plays Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. Parsons portrays the adult version of the brilliant but socially awkward theoretical physicist across all 12 seasons of the CBS sitcom.

Sheldon is one of the show's central characters, living first with Leonard Hofstadter and later marrying Amy Farrah Fowler. His exceptional intellect, rigid routines, literal interpretation of language, and difficulty reading social situations drive many of the series' comic conflicts. The character is originally from Galveston, Texas, and is described as a child prodigy who earned a doctorate at a remarkably young age.

Parsons's performance became the defining portrayal of Sheldon. He won four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. He also won a Golden Globe for the role in 2011.

The most common casting confusion is with Johnny Galecki, who plays Leonard, or Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar, who play Howard Wolowitz and Rajesh Koothrappali. Parsons also narrates and occasionally appears as adult Sheldon in the prequel Young Sheldon.