Jerry O’ Connell has joined the cast of The Big Bang Theory, producers announced during PaleyFest in Los Angeles, California this week. According to The Hollywood Reporter, O’Connell will play Georgie, the older brother of Sheldon (Jim Parsons). O’Connell is known for numerous roles, including Quinn Mallory in Fox and Sci-Fi Channel’s (now Syfy) Sliders from 1995 to 1999 and Steve Birch in Showtime’s drama Billions.
He’s also had roles in E!’s Burning Love, and CBS’ The Defenders, which he starred in alongside Jim Belushi.
Those who have followed the Big Bang story back in time to Young Sheldon, CBS’ prequel series to The Big Bang Theory which debuted September of last year, have already met Georgie. The character is portrayed as a child in the show and played by Montana Jordan.
According to THR, fans can catch O’Connell’s take on an adult Georgie during an episode about Sheldon and Amy’s (Mayim Bialik) wedding. The episode will reportedly air this May.
Also attending the Big Bang wedding will be Laurie Metcalf, who plays Mary, Georgie and Sheldon’s mother. Metcalf made a big splash on the big screen last year with her role in Lady Bird, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a SAG Award and a BAFTA Award for her role as Marion McPherson.
Producers also noted that since Metcalf is in high demand, they locked her down for the special wedding episode early.
“It was important for us,” Steve Holland, Season 11 showrunner, said of securing Metcalf for the episode during a panel at PaleyFest, as per THR.
Metcalf just finished production on ABC’s Roseanne reboot, where she’ll reprise the role of Jackie Harris. The actress also reportedly has an upcoming film and play under belt.
The Big Bang Theory is currently in Season 11.