Bobby Sparks was a character who appeared in a single episode of “Young Sheldon.” He was Sheldon’s friend Tam’s father and was revealed to have passed away from a heart attack.
In the context of the show “Young Sheldon,” Bobby Sparks is introduced in the episode titled “A Computer, a Plastic Pony, and a Case of Beer,” which is the 13th episode of the first season. Bobby is portrayed as a Vietnam War veteran and the father of Tam Nguyen, who is Sheldon Cooper’s best friend at school. The character of Bobby Sparks is not deeply explored, as he is mentioned in passing when Tam reveals to Sheldon that his father died from a heart attack. This revelation comes about as Sheldon is curious about why Tam’s family does not celebrate Thanksgiving. Tam explains that since his father’s passing, the holiday hasn’t been the same for his family. The show uses this moment to touch upon themes of loss and the impact it has on families, as well as to provide some background for Tam’s character. Bobby Sparks’ death is a significant event in Tam’s life and shapes some of his experiences and perspectives shared with Sheldon throughout the series.