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Written by: Melissa (Age 26, USA)
These days, the neighbors everyone loves are living in an apartment complex with a broken elevator in Los Angeles, California. Forget all those New York gangs, its all about the geeks. Comedy’s hottest show, “The Big Bang Theory” starts its 4th season in September and fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment of their favorite characters. But the beloved show wasn’t always such a hit. The original pilot was actually turned down by CBS. It was a very different format and the Penny character was a much more world weary character whose vulnerability had to be discovered. Chuck Lorre, executive producer, was told he could have another chance but this time he recognized what a gift he had in the partnership of Jim Parsons & Johnny Galecki and the show became the hit it is today. Fans know of the characters, Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Howard, and Penny and their very dysfunctional relationships. But its not just the comedy that keeps people returning. For one, its rare to find a comedy team with this kind of rapport and strength in the cast. There isn’t a weak link on the Big Bang Theory. For that matter, you won’t find a weak link in the physics problems written on the boards throughout Leonard & Sheldon’s apartments. That extra touch is something that has endeared the show to many in the world of science. All of the formulas are verified by a professor at UCLA and they are always real formulas. It’s little things like this that have increased the love for the Big Bang Theory. But to really understand why people love this show, you have to get to know both cast and characters. Check out our article on the show here after seeing what this cast is all about.. So c’mon, grab a seat. Just not there!
Jim Parsons couldn’t be more different from his character. He’s not a physicist for one, nor does he have any deep interest in science but Jim is also one of the sweetest, funniest guys you’ll meet. At 37 years old, he’s a good deal older than the young genius of his character but Jim constantly brings something new to the table. He’s so affable in fact, that late night host Craig Ferguson has turned Jim into one of his regular guests who help with sketches and such, joining other late show faves Kristen Bell, Dominic Monaghan, and Betty White. It took Jim a while to make it in the world of acting. He was doing theater and smaller roles and this role as Sheldon is his first big break. Jim’s grateful for it too, noting that the idea of having consistent work is important. He’s more aware of pop culture than Sheldon too, he regularly watches American Idol and calls Friday Night Lights “a damn good slice of life drama”. These days, he’s been turning The Big Bang Theory into a great comedy, and we couldn’t be happier.
Simon Helberg, the portrayer of Howard Wolowitz, shares in his character’s Jewish heritage but luckily doesn’t share in his women troubles or poor humor. Simon in fact has been a force of comedy for some time. He’s worked in numerous small roles as well as one season of comedy sketch show MadTV. But its been his role as Howard that has really catapulted him into fame. Simon also makes it a habit to be involved in other projects during breaks from The Big Bang Theory. You’ll be able to see him in the upcoming Coen Brothers film. But for the most part, Simon is a happily married comedic actor. Thank goodness he doesn’t have to be Howard all the time.
Despite the fact that Kaley Cuoco still isn’t the most recognizable Hollywood star, she’s one of the most talented young actresses around. She’s also been lucky enough to bypass the child star curse. Kaley began acting at a very young age but was truly noticed by the public when she starred with John Ritter in “8 Simple Rules (for dating my teenage daughter)”. Kaley still wishes the show had ended after John passed away, saying it was incredibly difficult to go to work every day without him there. 8 Simple Rules did end though and a few years later, Kaley found her way back into our homes with The Big Bang Theory. The girl next door character isn’t an act either, Kaley truly is as warm and caring in person as she seems on television. That heart plays perfectly as Penny.
The affable British actor that is Kunal Nayyar has made a living out of acting but his academic knowledge and level of degrees are fairly similar to his character Raj. Kunal has a masters in fine arts. The Big Bang Theory marks his first role as a regular on a television show, most of Kunal’s experience has actually come from theater. The theater has been a good fit for him as he’s won multiple awards for both plays he starred in and wrote. He actually wrote a well praised play named “Cotton Candy” that still runs in New Delhi. Unlike his counterpart Raj, Kunal is also an avid sports fan. He’s very good at badminton but calls cricket his favorite sport. While Kunal may be new to our television screens, and quiet while he’s there, I have no doubt he’ll continue to be around for years to come.
Out of all the cast, Johnny is the one you know the best. He started his acting career as a teenager in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and the sitcom “Roseanne”. It’s no wonder Johnny went into acting. His family moved around as his father was in the Air Force so Johnny was forced to create his own entertainment. Johnny was born in Belgium before his family moved back to America. After “Roseanne”, Johnny worked in various movies and tv shows (you might remember him as Trouty on “My Boys”) until he found a new home on The Big Bang Theory. As the loveable but unlucky Leonard, Johnny creates one of television’s most sympathetic characters for all the roles he’s played, Johnny would probably tell it’s a small world. From his first television role on “Roseanne” to his latest on “The Big Bang Theory”, both were produced by Chuck Lorre and cast Sara Gilbert as his girlfriend. No matter what show he’s working on, Johnny is passionate about his craft. It shows on screen.
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