Unveiling the Man Behind George Cooper Sr.
Lance Barber, the comedic genius best known for his role as Paulie G in the short-lived cult comedy The Comeback, has returned to the small screen as George Cooper Sr. in Young Sheldon. This spin-off of the massive TV hit Big Bang Theory is the latest offering from CBS this fall. Barber’s previous TV roles have included appearances in wildly popular shows and comedies such as The Big Bang Theory, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and CSI: Miami. Although Barber is a hardworking actor who regularly graces our favorite shows, little is known about the man behind the laughter. Here are five things you didn’t know about Lance Barber.
Acting Captured Lance Barber’s Heart Early On
Lance caught the acting bug early in his life with a childhood role in the school production of The Hillbillies. After a stint at Barn Theatre, he went on to graduate from community college with a degree in performing arts. From there, he moved to Chicago, where he studied at The Second City and the famous Improv Olympic. He performed numerous times in the Chicago Comedy Festival and co-founded the improv group the G.O.P. He has spent his entire adult life working as an actor, with numerous parts in popular TV shows, and has worked steadily for all those years.
Starring in HBO’s The Comeback
Lance Barber’s best-known role was as Paulie G in The Comeback, where he played a belligerent TV reality show producer opposite Lisa Kudrow. The show initially received lukewarm ratings and was axed after one season. However, the fan base grew, and it developed a cult following. In 2014, in response to pressure from supporters, HBO reprised the show. Barber credits the role with the success of his career, saying that although it had not been widely viewed, it had been seen by all the Hollywood movers and shakers, which he said opened doors for the hardworking actor.
First TV Role: ER
He got his TV start in the much-loved medical drama ER, which is based in Chicago General Hospital and follows the professional and personal lives and losses of the doctors and their patients. His first TV role was a bit part in ER in 2001 in an episode called Start All Over Again, in which he plays Howard Norden.
Double Duty in Gilmore Girls
Lance Barber is one of nine actors who played two separate characters in Gilmore Girls. Fans of the show will have noticed many actors who had small roles before they rose to greater fame. Lance Barber’s first role in Gilmore Girls was to play a man assisting in building the stage for the memorable mother-daughter fashion show. His second role in the cult classic Gilmore Girls was that of Hugo, who is the editor of the online magazine where Rory works. Fun piece of trivia: Seth McFarlane also plays two different roles on the show.
Family Man: Lance Barber’s Private Life
Barber stays out of the limelight and is not often seen at celebrity parties with a co-star on his arm. The 44-year-old comedian and actor is happily married. He’s a devoted family man who lives in LA and is raising small children with his wife, Aliza. His wife, who is a chef, is from Chicago, and the two try to spend as much time there with the extended family as they can.
We can’t wait to see more of Barber on the hit sitcom Young Sheldon on Monday nights on CBS, which is already winning record audience numbers.
Follow Us
