Emily Osment requested an intimacy coordinator during her time on the CBS comedy series Young Sheldon because of a 12-year age gap between her and co-star Montana Jordan. The details emerge in a new book by Jessica Radloff titled Young Sheldon: The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw’s-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy.
Osment was 30 years old when she joined the series in 2022 to play Mandy McAllister. Jordan was 18 and played George Cooper.
Managing Age Gaps Onscreen
The situation arose as the characters’ relationship began to escalate in early episodes. Although the production did not feature explicit sex scenes, Osment felt uncomfortable with the initial kissing scenes. She requested assistance through producer Tim Marx.
Osment felt it was crucial to establish a supportive environment for both actors. Like, let’s give him the option, too. Make him comfortable. Speaking about the age difference, the “Hannah Montana” and “Young & Hungry” alum remarked: That made me uncomfortable. He was a baby! A baby with a mullet.
Actors Felt Awkward During Initial Make-Out Scenes
Reid also pointed out that initial make-out scenes between actors who have just met can be inherently awkward regardless of professional guidance, noting: It wasn’t even about the lack of an intimacy coordinator. It’s just you’re having to make out with somebody you just kind of met.
Reid also recalled sharing a photo of the actors between takes: I have a photo between takes of them sitting in that car when we shot that, and they’re looking off in other directions. I showed it to Emily and she said, ‘Yeah, that was so uncomfortable for both of us, because we didn’t know each other.’ Obviously they worked that out, and they have a great chemistry now, but that was kind of embarrassing.
An intimacy coordinator could not be secured immediately on short notice. However, production ensured one was present for subsequent episodes, which Osment said made everything easier
and added, I think it’s something that’s really important.
She also stated: But I love those guys, and I’m really happy it got to the point where they were able to do that [for us].
Jordan and Osment Played Roles Until May 2024
Jordan and Osment continued playing their respective roles across three seasons until the original series concluded in May 2024.
Continuing the Story in the Spin-Off
| Actor | Character | Age at Joining (2022) | Current Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Osment | Mandy McAllister | 30 | Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage |
| Montana Jordan | George Cooper | 18 | Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage |
Current Broadcast Status
The details of the production process come to light as the onscreen couple continues their story in the CBS spin-off series Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. The spin-off is currently airing its third season on Thursday nights, building on the chemistry the two actors ultimately developed after navigating their early reservations on the original sitcom.
