Emily Osment demanded an intimacy coordinator for her kissing scenes with Montana Jordan on Young Sheldon. When Osment's character, Mandy McAllister, was introduced in the Big Bang Theory spinoff, the actress was 30 years old while Jordan, who played her on-screen love interest Georgie Cooper, was only 18.
"That made me uncomfortable. A baby with a mullet," Osment revealed in Jessica Radloff's new book, Young Sheldon: The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw's-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy.
The age gap between the two actors became a significant talking point during the production of the popular sitcom. "I don't know if Montana even knew he could ask for that," Osment noted regarding the professional protocols on set.
"Like, let's give him the option, too. Make him comfortable.
And he's such a sweet kid, I think he would just eat his discomfort." Osment emphasized that her primary concern was ensuring a professional environment for both parties. She expressed her appreciation for the production team's willingness to adapt to these requests as the show progressed.
"But I love those guys, and I'm really happy it got to the point where they were able to do that for us," she added. The professional handling of these scenes allowed the actors to focus on their performances without unnecessary pressure.
The relationship between Mandy and Georgie, who is Sheldon's older brother, eventually escalated within the show's narrative, and the characters welcomed a daughter together, which added depth to their storyline. This character arc led to another successful spinoff, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage.
The new series continues to air and captivate audiences, building upon the foundation laid by the original show. The transition from a supporting role in Young Sheldon to the leads of their own series has been a major milestone for both Osment and Jordan.
Fans have praised the chemistry between the two actors despite the initial production challenges. As the franchise continues to expand, the focus remains on the growth of these characters.
The production team has reportedly maintained the high standards for on-set conduct that Osment advocated for. Ultimately, the success of the spinoff proves that the creative team's decision to prioritize actor comfort and professional boundaries was the right approach for the long-term health of the production.