Young Sheldon Star Annie Potts' Natural Hair Color Isn't The Auburn She's Known For

While Annie Potts dons a white wig to play Connie "Meemaw" Tucker on "Young Sheldon," she's also landed among the celebs who embrace their naturally graying hair off-screen. Before becoming recognizable for her simple, but chic silver cut, the Tennessee-born actor was known as an iconic redhead. In fact, she played Mary Jo Shively on "Designing Women," appearing on the southern sitcom with some serious '80s-volume paired with the bright hair color. 

Though it may be a shock to some fans, Potts isn't a natural redhead. Though she once shared that she personally thought the warm color looked better than her natural tone did on camera, the business decision may have inspired her to maintain auburn-tinted pixies well after "Designing Women" ended. She sported the shade as late as 2023. However, those curious about her natural hair color will want to look to the star's Instagram in 2024 post. In the black-and-white yearbook photo, the pre-fame star can be seen with dark, brunette hair styled into a headband-accented flip while sporting thinly-arched brows. She looks like a true '60s beauty queen in the nostalgic snapshot, even without the auburn shade she's become known for, but it's not the only unexpected look Potts has managed to rock.

Annie Potts' signature auburn hair might be a notable change from her natural brunette, but it's far from the biggest departure she's made from her original hair color. Throughout her notable career, the Hollywood figure hasn't been afraid to change up her appearance for a role. "Sure, my hair and my voice are always different," she told The Orlando Sentinel in 1989. "But isn't that what actors try to do?"  

One of our favorite looks comes from "Pretty in Pink," with the actor playing record store manager Iona in the hit '80s flick. She sports some truly head-turning looks as the character, including a spiky punk 'do and an exaggerated beehive, but opted for a major color change with a futuristic white bob. "The only one that was a wig was the white one," she said in a 1986 interview. "The other [hairstyles were] my tortured hair."

Potts also had a unique look in "Ghostbusters II," returning as eccentric secretary Janine Melnitz with a red bob cut below the ears. The bold hairstyle was paired with the character's round glasses, New Jersey accent, and spunky attitude, making for a truly memorable appearance. Overall, whether she's opting for her natural-born brown or donning an offbeat wig, Potts always manages to make a big impression.