Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Lance Barber
June 29, 1973
Battle Creek, Michigan, US
53 Years Old
Cancer
Who Is Lance Barber?
Lance Barber is an American actor known for his compelling portrayal of a devoted father and his versatile comedic skills. He has built a career marked by memorable roles across a range of television comedies.
His breakout moment arrived in 2005 with the HBO satirical comedy The Comeback, where his role as Paulie G. garnered significant attention for his sharp comedic timing. This performance solidified his reputation in Hollywood.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Lance Barber discovered his passion for acting at the age of seven after seeing a production of Grease. This early exposure to theater ignited a lifelong pursuit.
He honed his craft at Pennfield High School and Kellogg Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree, before moving to Chicago to immerse himself in improvisational comedy at The Second City.
Notable Relationships
Lance Barber is married to chef Aliza Barber, and the couple maintains a notably private family life away from the public eye. They have built a relationship grounded in shared values and mutual support.
They share two children, a son named Arlen and a daughter named Edie, whom they have intentionally shielded from media attention to ensure a normal upbringing.
Career Highlights
Lance Barber's career is anchored by his starring role as George Cooper Sr. in the CBS sitcom Young Sheldon, a prequel to The Big Bang Theory, which ran from 2017 to 2024. This role brought him widespread recognition as the beloved patriarch of the Cooper family.
Earlier in his career, he made a significant impact as Paulie G. in the HBO series The Comeback, and he also gained a strong following for his recurring role as Bill Ponderosa on FX’s It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Signature Quote
“I'm hoping with what I brought to it was some humanity and someone who is doing their best.”