5 Surprising Cameos And Roles Iain Armitage Has Landed Since Young Sheldon Ended (The 2026 Return Revealed)

The career of Iain Armitage, the actor who brilliantly brought the young, precocious Sheldon Cooper to life for seven seasons, is entering an exciting new phase following the emotional conclusion of *Young Sheldon* in 2024. Fans have been eagerly awaiting news on his next move, and the latest update confirms he is returning to the small screen with a highly anticipated, surprise guest appearance that is far removed from the world of theoretical physics and East Texas.

As of this current date, December 14, 2025, the most buzzworthy news surrounding Armitage is his confirmed role in a major CBS sitcom, marking his first significant network TV appearance since hanging up Sheldon's bow tie. This unexpected turn is generating significant excitement, proving that the young star’s talent extends well beyond the beloved *Big Bang Theory* prequel series.

Iain Armitage: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Iain Armitage is an American actor known globally for his defining role as Sheldon Cooper, but his career began years earlier with a surprising and viral venture into the world of theater. Born into a family steeped in the arts, Armitage's destiny on the stage and screen seemed almost predetermined.

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• Full Name: Iain Armitage
• Date of Birth: July 15, 2008
• Birthplace: Arlington, Virginia (VA), United States
• Age (as of 2025): 17 years old
• Parents: Euan Morton (Tony Award-nominated Scottish actor) and Lee Armitage (actress and theater producer)
• Breakthrough Role: Ziggy Chapman in the HBO drama series *Big Little Lies* (2017)
• Most Famous Role: Sheldon Cooper in the CBS prequel sitcom *Young Sheldon* (2017–2024)
• First Career: Viral YouTube Theater Critic on the channel "Iain Loves Theatre" (starting around 2014)

Armitage's early claim to fame was his YouTube channel, "Iain Loves Theatre," where, as a small child, he posted enthusiastic and thoughtful reviews of Broadway and Washington, D.C. stage productions. This unique start led directly to his first major acting roles, quickly establishing him as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents. His ability to switch between the intense drama of *Big Little Lies* and the comedic timing required for *Young Sheldon* showcases his versatile acting range.

The Surprise 2026 Cameo: Iain Armitage Returns to CBS on *Ghosts*

The most recent and unexpected news is Iain Armitage’s confirmed guest star spot on the popular CBS sitcom, *Ghosts*. This appearance is highly significant as it marks his official return to network television following the emotional finale of *Young Sheldon* in May 2024. The role is scheduled to air in an episode of *Ghosts*' Season 5, specifically on April 16, 2026.

The nature of this role is what makes it a true surprise: Iain Armitage will be playing a "heightened" version of himself. This meta-comedic approach allows the actor to step out from behind the iconic character of Sheldon Cooper and showcase his own personality and comedic chops.

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For fans of the CBS comedy universe, this appearance is a delightful piece of synergy. It keeps Armitage within the CBS family and reunites him with a former colleague, Danielle Pinnock, who plays Alberta on *Ghosts* and previously had a guest role on *Young Sheldon*. The anticipation for this episode is immense, as viewers are eager to see how the young star interacts with the eccentric and beloved ghosts of Woodstone Mansion.

This is not a traditional cameo where he might briefly appear as a background character. Instead, it is a full-fledged guest role that will likely involve a significant storyline, allowing Armitage to demonstrate his evolution as an actor post-Sheldon. The choice to play a version of himself is a bold and clever move, signaling a transition in his career from a child star to a versatile young adult actor.

Four Other Notable Cameos and Key Roles in Armitage's Career

While the *Ghosts* appearance is the freshest news, Iain Armitage has a history of impactful, high-profile roles and cameos that have defined his career trajectory. His filmography demonstrates a remarkable ability to work across genres, from heavy drama to lighthearted animation.

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1. The *Big Bang Theory* Crossover Cameo

The most famous "cameo" is arguably his appearance on the show that started it all: *The Big Bang Theory*. In a brilliant crossover moment during the final season of *TBBT*, Armitage, alongside his *Young Sheldon* co-star Montana Jordan (Georgie Cooper), appeared as the young versions of their characters in a video message to the adult Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons). This moment was a powerful piece of television history, seamlessly connecting the prequel series to the flagship show and providing a full-circle moment for fans of the entire Chuck Lorre universe.

2. The Voice of Chase in *PAW Patrol: The Movie*

One of Armitage's most successful non-live-action roles is providing the voice for Chase, the German Shepherd police pup, in *PAW Patrol: The Movie* (2021). This role showcased his voice acting skills and expanded his reach to a much younger audience, diversifying his portfolio beyond the CBS sitcom world. The film was a commercial success, proving his bankability even in animated features.

3. Ziggy Chapman in *Big Little Lies*

Before he was Sheldon, Armitage was Ziggy Chapman, the troubled and sensitive son of Shailene Woodley’s character, Jane, in the critically acclaimed HBO series *Big Little Lies*. Starring opposite Hollywood heavyweights like Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Dern, Armitage’s performance was hailed as mature and nuanced, proving he could hold his own in an intense, Emmy-winning drama. This role was his major breakthrough and a pivotal moment in his career.

4. The Film Roles: *Our Souls at Night* and *The Glass Castle*

Armitage also made an early mark in feature films. He appeared in the 2017 Netflix film *Our Souls at Night*, acting alongside Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. In the same year, he had a role in the biographical drama *The Glass Castle*, starring Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson. These early cinematic roles demonstrated his ability to handle complex, dramatic material at a very young age, setting the stage for his seven-year run as the iconic child prodigy.

What’s Next for the Former Young Sheldon?

The transition from a long-running, iconic child role is often challenging for young actors, but Iain Armitage appears to be navigating it with strategic and surprising choices. His guest appearance on *Ghosts* is a smart move, allowing him to stay in the public eye on a hit show while demonstrating a new side of his talent. The role of "heightened Iain Armitage" is a perfect vehicle to bridge the gap between his past as Sheldon Cooper and his future as a versatile, sought-after actor.

As fans await the April 2026 air date, the conversation around Armitage is shifting from "What will Young Sheldon do?" to "What will Iain Armitage do next?" His willingness to embrace meta-comedy and explore different genres—from voice acting to drama—suggests a promising and unpredictable career path. His work on *Ghosts* will be a must-watch moment for anyone interested in the next chapter of this talented star's journey.