Young Sheldon actress Emily Osment has revealed that she requested an intimacy coordinator while filming the popular sitcom because she felt uncomfortable acting romantically opposite a much younger co-star.
Osment, who plays Mandy McAllister, was 30 when she began working alongside Montana Jordan, who portrayed Georgie Cooper and was just 18 at the time.
Although Young Sheldon was a family comedy rather than a show known for explicit scenes, Osment felt that additional professional support was important.
Her concerns have now been detailed in a behind-the-scenes book about the series.
Why did Emily Osment request an intimacy coordinator?
Emily Osment requested an intimacy coordinator because she felt uncomfortable filming kissing scenes with Montana Jordan, who was 12 years younger than her.
At the time, Osment was 30 and Jordan was 18, and their characters were beginning a romantic relationship on screen.
Speaking in Jessica Radloff's book, Young Sheldon: The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw's-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy, Osment explained that Jordan's young age made her feel particularly conscious of the situation.
"That made me uncomfortable. He was a baby! A baby with a mullet," she said, according to an excerpt reported by Variety.
The actress explained that she approached production executive Tim Marx about bringing an intimacy coordinator onto the set.
Although one could not be arranged at such short notice, the production subsequently provided a coordinator for later episodes.
Osment said the change made filming easier and that she considered the support important.
Which Young Sheldon scenes made Emily Osment uncomfortable?
It was the kissing scenes between Mandy McAllister and Georgie Cooper that prompted Osment's request.
The scenes were part of the developing romantic storyline between the characters in the later seasons of Young Sheldon.
In the series, Georgie is just 17 when he becomes involved with Mandy, who is actually 29.
Neither character initially knows the other's real age.
Georgie tells Mandy that he is 21, while Mandy claims to be 25.
Their relationship becomes a major storyline after Mandy discovers she is pregnant.
Although the programme does not feature explicit sex scenes, the actors were required to portray physical affection as their characters' relationship developed.
Osment felt that having a trained professional present would help establish appropriate boundaries and ensure both performers were comfortable.
Emily Osment was concerned about Montana Jordan's comfort too
Osment explained that her decision was not solely about her own discomfort.
She was also concerned that Jordan, who was considerably younger and less experienced, might not have known he could ask for an intimacy coordinator himself.
According to the book, Osment said she wanted her co-star to have the same opportunity to express any concerns about filming.
She described Jordan as someone who might have kept any discomfort to himself rather than raising it with the production team.
For Osment, ensuring that both actors had the option of professional support was an important part of creating a comfortable working environment.
What did Young Sheldon's creators say?
Young Sheldon co-creator Steve Molaro also addressed Osment's request in the behind-the-scenes account.
According to reporting by The Independent, Molaro acknowledged that the actress had every right to request an intimacy coordinator.
The production subsequently arranged for a coordinator to attend filming.
Molaro indicated that Osment eventually became comfortable enough with the filming process that she no longer required one.
His comments suggest that the request was accommodated and that the actors were able to continue their work with appropriate support.
What does an intimacy coordinator do?
An intimacy coordinator is a professional who helps actors and production teams plan and film scenes involving physical intimacy.
The role can include discussing boundaries, establishing consent, coordinating movements and ensuring performers understand what is expected before filming begins.
While intimacy coordinators are often associated with sex scenes or nudity, their work can also extend to kissing and other forms of physical contact.
Their involvement can be particularly helpful when actors have different levels of experience or feel uncomfortable with aspects of a scene.
Osment's experience demonstrates why performers may request this support even on a family-oriented television production.
Are Emily Osment and Montana Jordan still working together?
Despite Osment's initial concerns, the actors have continued portraying Mandy and Georgie beyond Young Sheldon.
They now star together in Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, a spin-off following the characters as they navigate married life and parenthood.
The new series expands on a relationship that became increasingly important during the final seasons of Young Sheldon.
Fans of The Big Bang Theory already know that Georgie's romantic history includes multiple marriages, leaving plenty of material for the spin-off to explore.
Osment's comments about the original production have provided a rare insight into the considerations involved in portraying that relationship on screen.
Her decision to request an intimacy coordinator was ultimately about ensuring that both performers felt supported while filming their characters' romantic scenes.
Source: LADbible, October 25, 2026, citing Jessica Radloff's Young Sheldon: The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw's-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy, Variety and The Independent.
