Guest Star :: Wallace Shawn

Wallace Shawn is an American actor, playwright and writer. He is best known for his roles in the films The Princess Bride, Clueless and the Toy Story series.

His other film credits include the Woody Allen film Manhattan, All That Jazz, and My Dinner with Andre. In his memorable role in The Princess Bride, Shawn played Vizzini who repeatedly uttered the phrase "Inconceivable!" as his convoluted plans fell apart.  Along with voicing the dinosaur Rex in the Toy Story films, Shawn has also lent his voice to films including A Goofy Movie, The Incredibles, and Chicken Little.

Shawn also starred in the 1995 film Clueless as lonely teacher Mr. Hall, who was exasperated by student Cher who later set him up with another teacher. He reprised the role in the short-lived 1996 TV series. Shawn's other TV credits include recurring roles on The Cosby Show, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Crossing Jordan, Gossip Girl, and Mozart in the Jungle. He has also made guest appearances in shows including Ally McBeal, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, and Mr. Robot.

As a playwright, Shawn has produced plays which include Marie and Bruce, Aunt Dan and Lemon, The Designated Mourner, and The Threepenny Opera. He has also published two collections of essays.


 Wallace Shawn has guest starred in 54 episodes of Young Sheldon.

  1. Gluons, Guacamole, and the Color Purple

    119. Gluons, Guacamole, and the Color Purple as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 19, 2018

    No longer feeling challenged by the high school curriculum, Sheldon audits a class taught by a brilliant scientist, Dr. John Sturgis.

  2. Summer Sausage, a Pocket Poncho, and Tony Danza

    121. Summer Sausage, a Pocket Poncho, and Tony Danza as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 3, 2018

    As Sheldon is forced to watch Dr. John Sturgis's budding relationship with Meemaw from a distance, George Sr. and Mary take the opportunity to bond with their other children.

  3. Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentlemen Callers, and a Dinette Set

    122. Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentlemen Callers, and a Dinette Set as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 10, 2018

    When Ira Rosenbloom asks Meemaw out on a date, Dr. Sturgis finds the challenge of another man exhilarating.

  4. A Rival Prodigy and Sir Isaac Neutron

    202. A Rival Prodigy and Sir Isaac Neutron as Dr. John Sturgis

    September 27, 2018

    When Dr. John Sturgis invites another ten-year-old genius to audit his course, Sheldon feels jealous of the attention he's giving to Paige.

  5. A Research Study and Czechoslovakian Wedding Pastries

    205. A Research Study and Czechoslovakian Wedding Pastries as Dr. John Sturgis

    October 18, 2018

    Dr. Sturgis tells George about a research study on twins.

  6. Carbon Dating and a Stuffed Raccoon

    207. Carbon Dating and a Stuffed Raccoon as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 1, 2018

    When John stops by Meemaw's yard sale, he inadvertently makes her see she isn't ready to part with her late husband's belongings.

  7. Family Dynamics and a Red Fiero

    209. Family Dynamics and a Red Fiero as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 15, 2018

    John joins the Cooper family for Thanksgiving dinner.

  8. A Stunted Childhood and a Can of Fancy Mixed Nuts

    210. A Stunted Childhood and a Can of Fancy Mixed Nuts as Dr. John Sturgis

    December 6, 2018

    John decides to learn how to drive and asks Meemaw to be his instructor.

  9. A Nuclear Reactor and a Boy Called Lovey

    213. A Nuclear Reactor and a Boy Called Lovey as Dr. John Sturgis

    January 17, 2019

    John invites Meemaw to be his plus-one at a university event.

  10. A Math Emergency and Perky Palms

    215. A Math Emergency and Perky Palms as Dr. John Sturgis

    February 7, 2019

    After Dr. Sturgis gives Sheldon a 95% score on a test, the two face off in an intellectual battle of wits.

  11. A Perfect Score and a Bunsen Burner Marshmallow

    218. A Perfect Score and a Bunsen Burner Marshmallow as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 4, 2019

    When Sheldon wants to attend college full time, Dr. Sturgis agrees to let Sheldon live with him on a trial basis.

  12. A Political Campaign and a Candy Land Cheater

    219. A Political Campaign and a Candy Land Cheater as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 25, 2019

    When Sheldon calls Dr. Sturgis for advice on public speaking, his story of being hit by lightning on the mini golf course doesn't help.

  13. A Proposal and a Popsicle Stick Cross

    220. A Proposal and a Popsicle Stick Cross as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 2, 2019

    John takes Meemaw out for dinner on the one-year-anniversary of their first date.

  14. A Broken Heart and a Crock Monster

    221. A Broken Heart and a Crock Monster as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 9, 2019

    John sees another side of Meemaw when he joins her at a casino.

  15. A Swedish Science Thing and the Equation for Toast

    222. A Swedish Science Thing and the Equation for Toast as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 16, 2019

    John is distressed by the upcoming announcement of the Nobel Prize winners as he realizes his dream of winning one is not going to be realized.

  16. A Pineapple and the Bosom of Male Friendship

    305. A Pineapple and the Bosom of Male Friendship as Dr. John Sturgis

    October 24, 2019

    When Dr. Sturgis returns from the mental hospital, he abruptly breaks up with Meemaw.

  17. A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm

    306. A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 7, 2019

    When Mary takes Sheldon to John's class, he wonders how Connie is doing.

  18. Pongo Pygmaeus and a Culture that Encourages Spitting

    307. Pongo Pygmaeus and a Culture that Encourages Spitting as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 14, 2019

    Sheldon calls Dr. Sturgis for advice after he gets into an Internet flame war.

  19. The Sin of Greed and a Chimichanga from Chi-Chi's

    308. The Sin of Greed and a Chimichanga from Chi-Chi's as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 21, 2019

    Dr. Sturgis invites George out to a bar to talk about a job at the university.

  20. A Party Invitation, Football Grapes and an Earth Chicken

    309. A Party Invitation, Football Grapes and an Earth Chicken as Dr. John Sturgis

    December 5, 2019

    After John sees Connie for the first time since their break-up, he needs a little male bonding time with George.

  21. Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib

    310. Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib as Dr. John Sturgis

    December 12, 2019

    Dr. Sturgis goes to Dale's sporting goods store to spy on Meemaw's latest boyfriend.

  22. Body Glitter and a Mall Safety Kit

    312. Body Glitter and a Mall Safety Kit as Dr. John Sturgis

    January 16, 2020

    John gives Sheldon advice when he worries that Paige no longer wants to be smart.

  23. Contracts, Rules and a Little Bit of Pig Brains

    313. Contracts, Rules and a Little Bit of Pig Brains as Dr. John Sturgis

    January 30, 2020

    John joins George and Georgie on a camping trip with Meemaw's boyfriend, Dale.

  24. A Boyfriend's Ex-Wife and a Good Luck Head Rub

    315. A Boyfriend's Ex-Wife and a Good Luck Head Rub as Dr. John Sturgis

    February 13, 2020

    Sheldon is upset when Dr. Sturgis assigns his class a group project. Meanwhile, John runs into Meemaw and Dale's ex-wife at a bar.

  25. Pasadena

    316. Pasadena as Dr. John Sturgis

    February 20, 2020

    After John notices that Sheldon is distracted in class, he learns that Sheldon wants to attend a lecture being given by Dr. Stephen Hawking.

  26. An Academic Crime and a More Romantic Taco Bell

    317. An Academic Crime and a More Romantic Taco Bell as Dr. John Sturgis

    March 5, 2020

    After Sheldon helps Dr. Sturgis with a scientific problem, he is upset when John doesn't give him co-author credit.

  27. A Baby Tooth and the Egyptian God of Knowledge

    320. A Baby Tooth and the Egyptian God of Knowledge as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 16, 2020

    During his anaesthesia-induced dream, Sheldon imagines Dr. Sturgis inviting him into a circus tent to talk to the Egyptian God of Knolwedge.

  28. A Secret Letter and a Lowly Disc of Processed Meat

    321. A Secret Letter and a Lowly Disc of Processed Meat as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 30, 2020

    Dr. Sturgis appears on Sheldon's video to support his argument that he should attend East Texas Tech.

  29. Graduation

    401. Graduation as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 5, 2020

    As Sheldon prepares to graduate from high school, he starts to question whether he is ready to go to college. Meanwhile, Dale tries to patch things up with Meemaw.

  30. Freshman Orientation and the Inventor of the Zipper

    406. Freshman Orientation and the Inventor of the Zipper as Dr. John Sturgis

    January 21, 2021

    Dr. Sturgis breaks the news to Sheldon and Mary that he has a new job.

  31. An Existential Crisis and a Bear That Makes Bubbles

    408. An Existential Crisis and a Bear That Makes Bubbles as Dr. John Sturgis

    February 18, 2021

    Meemaw turns to John for help to get Sheldon out of his philosophy-induced funk.

  32. A Box of Treasure and the Meemaw of Science

    412. A Box of Treasure and the Meemaw of Science as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 1, 2021

    Meemaw phones John to tell her about her work on a science experiment.

  33. The Geezer Bus and a New Model for Education

    413. The Geezer Bus and a New Model for Education as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 8, 2021

    Meemaw phones John to tell him about her car accident.

  34. A Second Prodigy and the Hottest Tips for Pouty Lips

    416. A Second Prodigy and the Hottest Tips for Pouty Lips as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 29, 2021

    Sheldon finds himself at odds with Paige (Mckenna Grace) once again when she considers enrolling at East Texas Tech. Also, Mary seeks June’s (Reba McEntire) advice when looking for a change.

  35. A Black Hole

    417. A Black Hole as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 6, 2021

    Dr. Sturgis loses his job at the supercollider after an ill-advised interview with the media.

  36. One Bad Night and Chaos of Selfish Desires

    501. One Bad Night and Chaos of Selfish Desires as Dr. John Sturgis

    October 7, 2021

    Sheldon visits Dr. Sturgis at the grocery store to talk about his moral quandry.

  37. Potential Energy and Hooch on a Park Bench

    503. Potential Energy and Hooch on a Park Bench as Dr. John Sturgis

    October 21, 2021

    Sheldon wants to convince Dr. Sturgis to return the university.

  38. Stuffed Animals and a Sweet Southern Syzygy

    505. Stuffed Animals and a Sweet Southern Syzygy as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 4, 2021

    Sheldon wants to invite Dr. Sturgis to help when he and Dr. Linkletter get stuck.

  39. Money Laundering and a Cascade of Hormones

    506. Money Laundering and a Cascade of Hormones as Dr. John Sturgis

    November 11, 2021

    Sheldon seeks John's opinion after Missy admitted she was embarrassed talking to her mother about procreation.

  40. An Expensive Glitch and a Goof-Off Room

    510. An Expensive Glitch and a Goof-Off Room as Dr. John Sturgis

    January 6, 2022

    Sheldon turns to Dr. Sturgis for advice after Sam tells him that people avoid because he's arrogant and entitled.

  41. A Free Scratcher and Feminine Wiles

    514. A Free Scratcher and Feminine Wiles as Dr. John Sturgis

    February 24, 2022

    Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter can not agree on how to proceed with their project.

  42. A Lobster, an Armadillo and a Way Bigger Number

    515. A Lobster, an Armadillo and a Way Bigger Number as Dr. John Sturgis

    March 3, 2022

    Sheldon joins Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter on a science road trip.

  43. Babies, Lies and a Resplendent Cannoli

    518. Babies, Lies and a Resplendent Cannoli as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 14, 2022

    Sheldon invites Dr. Sturgis to join a book club celebrating Isaac Asimov's life.

  44. Passion's Harvest and a Sheldocracy

    603. Passion's Harvest and a Sheldocracy as Dr. John Sturgis

    October 13, 2022

    Dr. Sturgis has his students, including Sheldon, tackle scientific ethics.

  45. Blonde Ambition and the Concept of Zero

    604. Blonde Ambition and the Concept of Zero as Dr. John Sturgis

    October 20, 2022

    Sheldon shares his alarming mathematical conclusion with Dr. Sturgis.

  46. College Dropouts and the Medford Miracle

    609. College Dropouts and the Medford Miracle as Dr. John Sturgis

    January 5, 2023

    After being rejected by investors due to his young age, Sheldon collaborates with Dr. Sturgis to prepare a presentation.

  47. Ruthless, Toothless, and a Week of Bed Rest

    611. Ruthless, Toothless, and a Week of Bed Rest as Dr. John Sturgis

    February 2, 2023

    Sheldon and Dr. Sturgis work with Gary to advance their grant database.

  48. Teen Angst and a Smart-Boy Walk of Shame

    615. Teen Angst and a Smart-Boy Walk of Shame as Dr. John Sturgis

    March 9, 2023

    Dr. Sturgis tries to cheer Sheldon up when he feels like a failure.

  49. Little Green Men and a Fella's Marriage Proposal

    618. Little Green Men and a Fella's Marriage Proposal as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 27, 2023

    Sheldon asks Dr. Sturgis to help him search for extra-terrestrial life.

  50. A New Weather Girl and a Stay-at-Home Coddler

    619. A New Weather Girl and a Stay-at-Home Coddler as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 4, 2023

    Sheldon blames Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter after he realizes he's left it too late to apply for summer programs.

  51. German for Beginners and a Crazy Old Man with a Bat

    620. German for Beginners and a Crazy Old Man with a Bat as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 11, 2023

    Dr. Sturgis meets with George and Mary to discuss Sheldon's summer trip to Germany.

  52. A Fancy Article and a Scholarship for a Baby

    709. A Fancy Article and a Scholarship for a Baby as Dr. John Sturgis

    April 25, 2024

    President Hagemeyer tasks Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter with convincing Sheldon to stay at East Texas Tech for grad school.

  53. A Little Snip and Teaching Old Dogs

    711. A Little Snip and Teaching Old Dogs as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 9, 2024

    When Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter struggle with string theory, Sheldon tries to tutor them to improve their understanding.

  54. Funeral

    713. Funeral as Dr. John Sturgis

    May 16, 2024

    Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter attend George's funeral and try to keep Sheldon company.

 Search for Wallace Shawn on IMDB