Meemaw’s look in Young Sheldon was inspired by a legendary singer (which fans failed to notice)

Meemaw’s look in Young Sheldon was inspired by a legendary singer (Image via Youtube/@TBS)
Meemaw’s look in Young Sheldon was inspired by a legendary singer (Image via Youtube/@TBS)

Meemaw, portrayed by Annie Potts in Young Sheldon, is a beloved character known for her sharp wit, nurturing nature, and distinctive style. Did Meemaw look similar to someone we already know? Many fans might not realize that her iconic look was inspired by a legendary singer - Dolly Parton.

In an interview with Gold Derby, Annie Potts revealed that she drew inspiration from Dolly Parton's character Truvy Jones in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias. Keeping her in mind, she crafted the appearance of Meemaw for Young Sheldon. Both characters share the same straight-fit bottoms and tunic tops with bold and colorful colors.


Meemaw’s look in Young Sheldon was inspired by Dolly Parton

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Potts has also worked with Dolly Parton on the sitcom Designing Women earlier and appreciated her elegance. Potts, in the interview, explains that to get a visual of the character she needs to play, she took inspiration from Dolly Parton and realized that her character looks like her.

"The inspiration was Dolly Parton from Steel Magnolias, which also happened in 1989. Yeah, I thought, but she looks a little bit like that. I didn't have time to catch up with episodes of 10 years of Sheldon, so I just watched episodes that have references to her. They see it as a separate thing from the Big Bang, but one does inform the other now. "

Unfortunately, many fans did not recognize the connection between Meemaw's style and Dolly Parton's portrayal of Truvy. But as she reveals the same in the interview, it adds depth to Meemaw's character, blending nostalgia with a touch of celebrity homage.


What kind of character is Meemaw in Young Sheldon?

Steel Magnolias Cast Portrait Session 1989 - Source: Getty
Steel Magnolias Cast Portrait Session 1989 - Source: Getty

Meemaw, aka Connie Tucker in Young Sheldon, is Sheldon's maternal grandmother and, along with episodes, has become one of the most beloved characters on the show. She, as a character, stands out in Young Sheldon, especially for the very portrayal and appearance.

In a light scene with her "Moon pie," that is, young Sheldon, Meemaw bluffed him by portraying herself as not happy with her cards and tricking him into putting more money in the card game they are playing. Sheldon then accuses her of lying, to which she corrects and says it's called "Bluffing." She is portrayed as an independent woman in Young Sheldon who drinks and gambles and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind.

In the Young Sheldon narrative, she is often the one who provides some comic relief. Just like Dolly Parton, she also wears lots of bold colors and statement jewelry and has big hair. The character is indeed inspired by the legendary singer, and now that we know that, it all makes so much more sense.

Edited by Debanjana