The Big Bang Theory was one of the most popular television shows of the decade. Spanning twelve seasons and 279 episodes, the show enjoyed a very solid run between 2007 and 2019, accumulating popularity and laughs like no other sitcom on TV.
This success wouldn't be possible without the show's incredible cast, who all enjoyed inflated success in their careers after starring on the show (as is often the case with popular programs). They each have their own terrific story to tell. These are ten things you didn't know about the cast of The Big Bang Theory.
10 Jim Parsons Is Descended From A Famous French Architect
In September 2013, Parsons appeared on the TLC program Who Do You Think You Are?, in which celebrities learn of their distant family trees. Parsons discovered that he is descended from France on his father's side and is actually the 6x great grandson of famous French architect Louis-François Trouard. Trouard's most famous work is that of the Orléans Cathedral, but he also taught at Paris's Académie Royale D'architecture.
9 Kaley Cuoco Was An Avid Tennis Player
Long before she got into acting, Kaley Cuoco was an avid tennis player. She reportedly began playing the sport when she was just three years old and remained with it throughout much of her upbringing. She was a regionally ranked junior player in the late '90s, proving that it was much more than a mere hobby. However, Cuoco later abandoned the sport when she was just 16 years old to focus on her acting career.
8 Johnny Galecki Was Often Told To Shut Up By His Mother
Galecki was reportedly a very loud and talkative child, which often got on the nerves of his mother. He told New Zealand radio station ZM that he often talked the ear off of his mother, regaling her with extremely long-winded stories and tales. However, his mother wasn't having any of it, and Galecki stated that she would often make him play "the quiet game." She would also often say to him, "I love you, now get out" so she could have some alone time.
7 Simon Helberg's Dad Was An Actor-Writer
Simon Helberg was born to actor Sandy Helberg on December 9, 1980. Helberg has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows throughout the years, including M*A*S*H, Knight Rider, Spaceballs, and This Is Spinal Tap.
In Spaceballs he played Dr. Schlotkin, and in This Is Spinal Tap he played Angelo DiMentibelio. He also appeared in Mortal Kombat as Director, and he has written for shows like The Golden Girls, Dear John, and Harry and the Hendersons.
6 Kunal Nayyar Was Born In London & Grew Up In New Delhi
Despite being born in London, Kunal Nayyar grew up in New Delhi, India. He moved there when he was just four years old, as his parents were originally from the country. He was subsequently raised in India, having graduated from St Columba's School. He eventually moved to the States to attend school, studying business in the University of Portland. He later decided to pursue acting, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from Philadelphia's Temple University.
5 Melissa Rauch Modeled Bernadette's Voice After Her Mom
While many people would recognize Melissa Rauch as Bernadette, they may be surprised at her voice. The high, squeaky voice of Bernadette is put on by Rauch, who modeled it after her own mother. In real life, Rauch's voice is much more "normal" sounding, and certainly much deeper than Bernadette's. She has explained that Bernadette's voice is almost exactly like her mother's, only without a distinct New Jersey accent (Rauch was raised in Marlboro, New Jersey).
4 Mayim Bialik Is A Neuroscientist
Bialik is world famous for her numerous acting roles, including Amy on The Big Bang Theory and Blossom on Blossom. But this betrays her true incredible talent– that of being a bonafide neuroscientist.
She earned her PhD in the field from UCLA, writing a dissertation on hypothalamic activity in Prader-Willi syndrome, a disease that stops people from feeling "full" and often results in obesity.
3 Kevin Sussman Has A Long Career Of Playing Nerds
Sussman played the nerdy and pathetic Stuart Bloom throughout much of The Big Bang Theory. That should not have been a surprise, considering Sussman has a very long career in playing the dork. He got his start in acting right around the dotcom boom of the late '90s and early 2000s, and as such, he often portrayed computer geeks in various commercials.
2 Iain Armitage Is The Son Of An Acclaimed Theater Actor
Armitage played Young Sheldon for one episode of The Big Bang Theory, reprising his role from the popular spinoff of the same name. Armitage is the son of theatre actor Euan Morton, an Olivier and Tony-nominated performer. Before the COVID pandemic, Morton was portraying King George in Hamilton, a role he has occupied since July 2017.
1 Laurie Metcalf Wanted To Work As An Interpreter
Being an interpreter is not often a desire for many teenagers, but that was the case for Laurie Metcalf. Metcalf always loved acting but decided that it wasn't a viable career path. Instead, she decided to major in German in order to become an interpreter. She later changed her mind and began studying anthropology instead. Luckily, Metcalf eventually listened to her calling and ventured into acting, earning a BA in theater from Illinois State.