Who is Sheldon's mother on The Big Bang Theory?

Last Modified Mar 20, 2025 13:53 EDT
Who is Sheldon's mother on The Big Bang Theory?
Sheldon Cooper’s mom (Source: Sceengrab)


Mary Cooper is Sheldon Cooper's mother in The Big Bang Theory.


The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady for CBS. Considered one of the classic series, The Big Bang Theory has a massive fan following around the world. Starring Johnny Galecki, Mayim Bialik, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, and more, the show has become a cultural phenomenon leaving a lasting legacy in television comedy.


Set around a group of socially awkward yet brilliant friends, Sheldon Cooper and his geeky friends are in for a ride when their new neighbor Penny moves in. From pop-culture references to brainy science stuff to challenges of relationships, the Big Bang Theory has a lot to offer to its viewers.. The sitcom went on to win numerous accolades and praises over the years.


Who is Mary Cooper?


Mary Cooper is the mother of Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. While initially not much has been revealed about her in the series, Mary’s first appearance in the series was in season one when Leonard had called her up after Sheldon got fired from his job after being rude to his boss. Throughout the series, Mary’s personality is shown to be a wise, intelligent, caring, kind, friendly, loving, and sweet-natured person who is also quite religious.


While Mary Cooper is shown as a kind-hearted human, Leonard often tags her as Sheldon's kryptonite. Mary is loved by the entire gang as she also loves all the other main characters like she loves Sheldon, providing them with the wisdom and knowledge that one receives from their mothers. Most of the time, Mary is invited to the house by Penny and Leonard, when Sheldon gets too difficult to handle. Her last appearance in The Big Bang Theory was in the season 11 finale, during Sheldon’s wedding with Amy.


Who plays the role of Mary Cooper in The Big Bang Theory?


Mary Cooper is a fictional character in The Big Bang Theory played by American actress Laura Elizabeth "Laurie" Metcalf. Born on June 16, 1955, Metcalf started her career as a stage actress frequently working at the Chicago theatre. She made her Broadway debut with the show My Thing of Love back in 1985. She is also credited for working in other famous plays like The Conners and Hacks among many others.

Laura Metcalf has also been credited for working in various television shows like 3rd Rock from the Sun in 1999, Desperate Housewives in 2007, The Big Bang Theory in 2010, and the web series Horace and Pete in 2016. Talking about her big screen appearances, Laura is credited for appearing in Greta Gerwig's directorial Lady Bird. Other contributions made by the actress in the industry include being a voice actress for the role of Mrs. Davis in the Toy Story franchise and also the voice of Sarah Hawkins in the animated movie Treasure Planet.


Accolades received by Laura Metcalf


Laura Metcalf, Sheldon's mother on The Big Bang Theory
Laura Metcalf in the Dropout (Source: IMDb)


Throughout her career, Laura Metcalf is known to have received various awards and accolades for her performances. The actress has received four Primetime Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards, one Outer Critics Circle Award, and one Lucille Lortel Award. The actress has been nominated for various prestigious awards as well - one Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and 9 Emmy Awards.


Read more about The Big Bang Theory:

Where does sheldon live in the big bang theory

Who does Sheldon Cooper marry in The Big Bang Theory

What colleges did the big bang theory characters go to

FAQ about Laura Metcalf

A. Laura was born on June 16, 1955.

A. Laura Metcalf has 4 kids who go by the names Zoe Perry, Mae Roth, Will Theron Roth, Donovan Roth.

A. No, Laura Metcalf is only seen playing the role of Mary Cooper in The Big Bang Theory.

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