Jim Parsons Talks About Reprising Role as Sheldon and First Tony Nomination

Actor Jim Parsons talked about returning to his breakout role as Sheldon for the series finale of "Young Sheldon" and receiving his first Tony nomination on Monday's episode of "The View."

Parsons played Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory" for the 12-season run of the sitcom, which followed a group of scientists navigating through life together.

The show's popularity led to a prequel spinoff entitled "Young Sheldon," which focuses on Sheldon's childhood.

Parsons and Mayim Bialik, who played Amy Farrah Fowler on the original series, will make an appearance on the "Young Sheldon" finale, which airs on Thursday.

Parsons said reprising the role was "insanely special."

"We were a multi-camera show. It was live audience. This was very quiet and private, single camera," Parsons said. "And it felt like a coda to the whole experience."

Unsure if he wanted to reprise the role of Sheldon, Parsons is now happy he did.

"I didn't realize I wanted another goodbye to the character in that way, but I did and I'm so glad it happened."

Parsons appeared on "The View" with Celia Keenan-Bolger, his co-star in the Broadway play "Mother Play." The play, written by Paula Vogel, tells the story of her mother and teenage children. It has been nominated for four Tony Awards.

Parsons was nominated for the "Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play." This is his first Tony nomination.

He spoke about his experience starring in the critically acclaimed play.

"I've never been in a play where it's so small, the three of us, and we're on stage together almost the entire time... There's a real intensity to that and a way in which, since we're always working together, you're learning something from the other person," Parsons said.

The actor also shared what it was like portraying a character inspired by Vogel's brother.

"It was really joyful," Parsons said. "When an author has somebody in their life that they love so much... she creates this character that has so many colors and so much history and it's just so well-rounded."

The Tony Awards will be held on June 16. "Hell's Kitchen" and "Stereophonic" received the most nominations, with 13 each, followed by "The Outsiders" with 12.