Iain Armitage began his promising career when he was just eight years old, and recent photos on social media show how much he has matured as he marks his 17th birthday.

The young actor gained fame for playing the character of Sheldon in the series Young Sheldon for seven seasons, a spinoff from The Big Bang Theory.

Even before his role on the CBS series, he expressed his love for entertainment, particularly through reviewing theater productions on YouTube.

And just one year before becoming a legal adult, Armitage has already achieved many milestones, from receiving numerous accolades to earning his student’s pilot license.

Iain jumped to his Instagram stories on Tuesday to ring in turning one year older and was seen flashing a cheerful smile.

He held a cupcake in his hand that was topped with sugary chocolate frosting and white sprinkles.

Armitage added text over the image to his 1.7 million followers which read: ‘Thank you thank you thank you for all of the birthday wishes!!’

The actor is active on his social media account and takes his fans along with him as he pursues his many passions. 

Along with acting, the rising star has also been learning a variety of different languages – such as German and Brazilian Portuguese – and received his student pilot’s license at the age of 16. 

Iain was only eight when he was cast in the leading role in the spin-off Young Sheldon – a show that he appeared in from 2017 until it came to an end in 2024. 

During an interview with the Los Angeles Times last year, Armitage reflected on the show’s conclusion and officially saying goodbye to his character. 

When questioned how he has ‘grown’ as an actor, he explained, ‘It’s funny to think about because, especially with this show, I’ve fallen into such a rhythm with this character.

‘I’ve been doing it for seven years, so it doesn’t really feel that much like a massive acting challenge anymore because, up until three weeks ago, I was doing it every day, for five days…’ 

At the time, Iain expressed how ‘excited’ he was for the next chapter in his life and career. 

‘I’m learning languages and doing a lot of travel. I do want to continue acting very much. And I do want to go to college very much,’ the star said.

‘I have a lot of fun things that I’m looking forward to. But right now, I have the luxury of at least feeling like I have all the time in the world, which is nice.’

And in regards to what kind of role he would want to do in the future, Iain revealed to the outlet, ‘I love an action movie or maybe a superhero movie. 

‘It’d be fun to do something with martial arts. I’d like to do something physical for once. “Sheldon” is so mental. I’d love to do a drama too…’ 

He also received a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series – Leading Young Actor for his performance in Young Sheldon.  

While Armitage is known for portraying the character of Sheldon Cooper, his first television role had been in an episode of Law & Order: SVU. 

Iain also played Ziggy in the HBO series Big Little Lies beginning in 2017 – which also stars Shailene Woodley, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. 

The budding actor has also stepped into the world of film, such as voicing the character of Chase in Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021).   

Armitage began his career in entertainment when he would upload his own theater reviews onto YouTube. 

He soon gained recognition and had the chance to be a correspondent on the red carpet at the 2015 Tony Awards. 

Iain has seemingly developed a close friendship with fellow actor Jim Parsons – who played adult Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory. 

Back in 2017, the pair were seen dressed to impress while speaking on stage together during the 69th Annual Emmy Awards in L.A. 

Armitage has often supported Parsons – who has recently taken on roles on the stage in NYC, such as in the play Our Town. 

The actor made a milestone last year when he got his student pilot’s license and announced the achievement to Instagram. 

While posing next to a plane, he penned: ‘I got to do my first solo flight in a plane! I’m grateful to everyone who helped me make this a possibility. 

‘Thank you to Jean, Sergio, Mitch, Evan and especially to Ruby, Amelia and Larry! This was one of the very best days of my life!! Also thank you to Brian for pulling over to get the picture of me flying!’ 

Armitage is also an advocate for the arts and partnered with The Creative Coalition in April. He advocated for funding while in Washington D.C. 

In one image, the star could be seen wearing a dark gray suit as he stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. 

Iain is also the grandson of the late U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Lee Armitage – who passed away in April at the age of 79.