Before playing Mary Cooper in Young Sheldon, Zoe Perry had a lesser-known role in the military police procedural TV series NCIS.
The Big Bang Theory spin-off, Young Sheldon, has brought several talented actors into the spotlight, from lead star Iain Armitage to Zoe Perry, who portrayed Mary Cooper, Sheldon’s mother, throughout the CBS series. Perry has since reprised the role in the new spin-off, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
However, while she has become well-known for her role as Mary Cooper, her journey in acting began long before Young Sheldon. One key milestone in her early career was a brief role in the long-running CBS procedural NCIS.
Zoe Perry played a dirty cop in NCIS Season 13
Season 13 of NCIS features Zoe Perry in a brief but memorable role as Kristen Fields, a police officer in Harpers Ferry who harbors some hidden secrets that unravel as the episode progresses.
Perry’s character first appears in the episode titled, Homefront. It follows Special Agent Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and McGee (Sean Murray) as they investigate a home invasion at the house of a Marine.
At first, Perry’s Officer Fields seems helpful and concerned. She’s the first officer on the scene and appears supportive of the teenage boy who thwarted the break-in. She fully cooperates with Gibbs and McGee as they work the case.
However, as the investigation unfolds, it’s revealed that Fields orchestrated the break-in herself to cover up her own illegal activities. By the end of the episode, she’s arrested for her role in the crime.
Perry’s brief appearance stands out as a testament to her acting talent. Her subtle transformation from a seemingly innocent cop to a corrupt officer showcases her ability to portray layered, morally complex characters, even in a single-episode arc.
Zoe Perry’s steady rise to stardom ahead of Young Sheldon
Zoe Perry’s role as Mary Cooper in Young Sheldon is undoubtedly the most popular of her career. Following the success of The Big Bang Theory spin-off, many fans have been surprised to discover her extensive work in a wide range of television shows.
Some of Perry’s earlier credits include playing young Jackie Harris in Roseanne, a role portrayed by her mother, Laurie Metcalf, who also played Mary Cooper in The Big Bang Theory.
The actress has since continued working on stage, films, and TV, including appearances in shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Grey’s Anatomy. She also had recurring roles in political and thriller series such as The Family and Scandal, showcasing her ability to take on complex, emotionally intense characters as well.
Across all of these performances, Perry demonstrates remarkable range and screen presence. Whether delivering heartfelt, grounded portrayals or commanding more intense, chilling roles, she proves herself to be a versatile and powerful actress.
Zoe Perry’s rise from NCIS guest star to Young Sheldon’s heart and soul
In 2017, Zoe Perry landed the role of Mary Cooper in Young Sheldon. As the loving, caring, and supportive mother of the young prodigy Sheldon Cooper, Perry shone in the role, tolerating her son’s nitpicky behavior and brilliant mind with warmth and patience.
Perry’s performance stood out as she portrayed one of the most influential figures in Sheldon’s life, a dynamic that was seen in The Big Bang Theory and explored in greater depth in Young Sheldon.
The success of Young Sheldon eventually led to another spin-off series, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, focusing on Sheldon’s older brother. Though not a series regular, she makes recurring appearances as Mary Cooper, particularly as the character deals with the emotional aftermath of George Sr.’s death and its impact on the family.
Most recently, Perry reunited with her real-life mother, Laurie Metcalf, on the ABC sitcom, The Conners, in a guest appearance as Office Binkowski, in two episodes, adding an extra layer of charm to the comedy series.