Young Sheldon's Iain Armitage Says He's Been 'Having a Bunch of Fun Flying' Since the Show's Finale (Exclusive)
Iain Armitage, the young star who portrayed Sheldon Cooper in
, has found a new love for flying after the show’s finale. The 16-year-old actor shared at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala that he’s recently taken up flying and even got his student pilot's license. This exciting chapter in his life follows his seven-year run as one of television’s most recognizable child actors, and it seems Armitage is flying high, both figuratively and literally.
The star, who auditioned for the role of Sheldon Cooper when he was just 8 years old, has been experiencing a bit of freedom after the show wrapped up in May.
“I just got my student pilot's license,” Armitage revealed excitedly. "I've been having a bunch of fun flying while I'm here in L.A." He’s working towards obtaining his private pilot’s license and plans to get it when he turns 17.
Flying has given Armitage a sense of adventure that has even extended into family celebrations. For his 16th birthday, Armitage flew his grandmother in a Piper plane, marking the day with a unique and unforgettable moment in the air.
"It was a subdued celebration,” he shared. “We had a great time, and I landed at Van Nuys where we continued the festivities with friends and family.”
After ended its run, Armitage has taken some time to reflect on the journey. “It's been half my life,” he told . “I’m grateful for every single person I’ve worked with, and it was an amazing way to grow up.” His portrayal of the younger version of Jim Parsons’ character from quickly became a fan favorite, and Armitage has made it clear that he feels fortunate to have been part of such a beloved series.
Although the show has ended, Armitage hasn’t taken a complete break from acting. He’s still actively auditioning for new roles, eager to step into different genres. In fact, Armitage will next appear in the animated Christmas movie , where he lends his voice to the character Shaggy.
One of the highlights of Armitage’s new flying passion was taking his grandmother up in the air. Despite the initial nerves, Armitage was impressed by her calmness during the flight.
“She was completely collected,” he said, laughing as he described her biggest fear: climbing onto the wing of the plane. “After that, we had the best time up there. It was a birthday I’ll never forget.”
The actor also revealed that he posted some sweet moments from the birthday flight on his Instagram, where he shared his excitement about pursuing his pilot training. In another post, he documented his first solo flight in July, calling it “one of the best days of my life!”
When asked about his plans after , Armitage didn’t hesitate to mention that he’s keeping busy. While flying has been a major focus, the young star hasn’t completely stepped away from Hollywood. “I would love to get back into acting soon,” he told reporters. “I’ve been auditioning, and I’m excited to see what comes next.”
It’s clear that Iain Armitage has a bright future ahead, whether in the sky or on the screen. Fans will surely be following his journey, both in the air and on the ground, as he continues to explore new opportunities and passions.
Armitage’s time on may have come to an end, but this talented young actor isn’t slowing down. With a love for flying and a passion for acting, it seems the sky is truly the limit for Iain Armitage. As fans eagerly await his next move in Hollywood, they can also celebrate his new adventures in aviation. Will Armitage be back on our screens soon? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this young star’s journey has just begun.
