Lance Barber might be best known as the lovable George Cooper Sr. on Young Sheldon, but when the cameras stop rolling, he’s a devoted husband and father. While his on-screen character navigates the ups and downs of family life in Texas, Lance’s real-life story revolves around his wife, Aliza Barber, and their two children in Los Angeles. Unlike the Hollywood norm, the Barbers keep a low profile, proving that not all celebrities live under the spotlight. Here’s a closer look at the woman behind the man and the family they’ve built together.
Who Is Lance Barber’s Wife, Aliza Barber?
Aliza Barber isn’t one for the limelight—she’s a professional chef and a Chicago native who prefers her kitchen to red carpets. Although Aliza stays away from social media and public appearances, glimpses of her life occasionally surface on her mother-in-law Susan Barber’s Facebook page. The couple’s love story is as low-key as their lifestyle, rooted in genuine connection rather than Hollywood glitz.
Lance, who hails from Battle Creek, Michigan, crossed paths with Aliza after moving to Chicago in the 1990s to pursue acting. He honed his comedic skills at Second City, performing and even working the theatre’s box office. The Windy City wasn’t just a career springboard for Lance—it was where he met Aliza, whose family still calls Chicago home. Despite living in Los Angeles now, the Barbers often return to Chicago to visit family, keeping their roots strong.
Family Life: Meet Their Kids
Lance Barber and Aliza have two children: a son, Arlen, born in 2008 (now 17 in 2025), and a daughter, Edie, born in 2011 (now 14). Just like Aliza, the kids are kept out of the public eye. Lance and Aliza have made a conscious decision to give their children a childhood away from the chaos of Hollywood.
In a 2014 interview, Lance spoke about the challenges of raising kids in Los Angeles while working in show business. Despite considering a move to a quieter town, Lance admitted that his passion for acting would always keep him connected to the industry somehow. For now, though, family comes first, and he seems to relish the quieter moments at home with Aliza, Arlen, and Edie.
The Real-Life George Cooper Sr.: Lance as a Father
Fans of Young Sheldon love Lance’s portrayal of George Cooper Sr., a father trying to keep his quirky family together. What’s heartwarming is that Lance draws inspiration from his real-life role as a dad. In a 2024 interview, he compared a touching father-daughter moment on the show to his own experiences with Edie.
Reflecting on a popular episode where George takes Missy to Red Lobster, Lance said it was one of his favorite scenes to film because of the bond it highlighted between father and daughter. Being a father to both a son and a daughter in real life, Lance’s portrayal resonates with authenticity—a mix of warmth, humor, and the occasional exasperation that comes with parenting.
What’s Next for Lance Barber?
As of 2025, Lance Barber is taking a well-deserved break from acting. After saying a heartfelt goodbye to George Cooper Sr. on Young Sheldon—a role that ended with his character’s sudden death—Lance has chosen to focus on family time. His net worth, estimated to be around $3 million, gives him the freedom to step back and spend quality time with Aliza and their kids.
While Lance won’t be a regular in the Young Sheldon spin-off series, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which premiered in October 2024, there’s a chance he might make a cameo appearance. For now, though, he’s savoring the time off, proving that even TV dads need a break sometimes.
Lance might play a TV dad loved by millions, but off-screen, he’s a husband and father first—and by the looks of it, that’s the role he cherishes most.
