Mary Cooper

played by Laurie Metcalf is Sheldon's mother, a devout Christian from Texas. She has given birth to two other children besides Sheldon, including his fraternal twin sister, Missy. Mary herself is not intellectual but is very wise; she appears to be an extremely good mother and is the only one who has ever been able to control Sheldon. Leonard described Mary as Sheldon's "Kryptonite". When Penny and Sheldon engaged in a fierce dispute, Penny called for Mary's help, who subsequently called and scolded Sheldon about his actions.