‘Young Sheldon’ Star Emily Osment Requested an Intimacy Coordinator Because of ‘Uncomfortable’ Age Gap With Montana Jordan: ‘He Was a Baby!’
Emily Osment requested an intimacy coordinator while filming kissing scenes with Montana Jordan on “Young Sheldon”, saying their 12-year age gap made her uncomfortable. The account has renewed attention on how productions support actors during intimate scenes, including when there are no sex scenes.
Jordan was 18 and Osment 30 when they filmed their first episodes together. A coordinator was unavailable at first but joined the production for later episodes as the characters’ relationship developed; Osment said this helped both actors feel more comfortable. Director Alex Reid said the initial scenes felt awkward because the pair barely knew each other, while co-creator Steve Molaro said Osment had every right to request support. Their characters now lead the spin-off “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage”.
In short
- Osment said Jordan was 18 and she was 30 during their first scenes.
- An intimacy coordinator joined for later episodes.
- Their characters now lead a spin-off series.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
An intimacy coordinator can help actors set boundaries, communicate clearly and feel supported, even when a scene involves only kissing. The actors’ comfort matters, and having someone trained to facilitate that process can protect their ability to work without pressure or uncertainty.
The case against
Productions also have to weigh whether a coordinator is needed for every scene, given practical constraints such as availability, scheduling and cost. Some may judge that clear communication between performers and the director is sufficient for non-sexual scenes, provided actors can raise concerns and have those concerns taken seriously.
Explained simply
Young Sheldon is a comedy series about Sheldon Cooper’s childhood in Texas. His older brother Georgie, played by Montana Jordan, later begins a relationship with Mandy, played by Emily Osment; their story continues in the spin-off Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
An intimacy coordinator helps actors and production teams plan intimate scenes, such as kissing, and agree how they will be filmed. Productions may use coordinators even when scenes do not involve sex, to help actors communicate boundaries and feel comfortable.
When Jordan and Osment began filming together, he was 18 and she was 30. Their experience has drawn attention to how television productions support actors during intimate scenes, particularly when performers have a significant age difference.