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The Big Bang Theory had so many underrated characters - heck some deserved a raise but never got one surprisingly. That included Kevin Sussman, who played the role of Stewart.
The show featured a few iconic unscripted moments and for this one, it actually gave Sussman more episodes on the show. Let's take a look at the perfect punch line he used and how it impressed those behind the scenes.
Kevin Sussman Originally Auditioned For Barry Kripke
Failing on audition does not mean the end... That was the case for Kevin Sussman, who was originally considered for the role of Barry Kripke. "I auditioned for Chuck Lorre—at that time he had wanted me for Barry Kripke," recalls Sussman. "But, at that time, I was just starting on a movie or something."
Although things did not fall to fruition then, they would a little later, as Sussman landed the perfect role on the show and one he was completely familiar with.
“I used to work at a comic book store. I worked at Jim Hanley's Universe in New York City while in acting school," remembers Sussman. "I wasn't a fan of comics before I started working there, but I became a fan afterward. I am a really big fan of Frank Miller and Alan Moore," suggests Sussman. "When I was working at that comic store, fellow employees introduced me to things, good stuff like Love & Rockets. Also, to Daniel Clowes. I love his book called Eight Ball—its probably my favorite comic book," he stated alongside TV Store Online.
Sussman would further reveal that his experience in working at the comic store made the acting gig that much easier to deal with, "I know what it's like to work in a comic book store; I know what tasks need to be done as the owner. And having that history has really served me really well on the show over the years because it has allowed me to stand in the background and look busy if the guys stop into the store to look for books and talk. I knew what Stuart needed to be doing as an owner—so I used that experience from life.”
Sussman was not set to appear on the series regularly, however, a certain moment caused that to change completely.
Kevin Sussman's "I Love You" Line Was Completely Made Up
The Big Bang Theory did have a few unscripted moments and some of them were absolutely iconic. Sheldon throwing his roommate agreement in the air and a paper landing perfectly on his head was one of those moments fans will never forget.
Turns out, Stewart was also part of such an occasion. During a scene at the Comic Book Store, he whispers, "I love you," to Penny when she walks away.
Turns out, the writers and producers had a blast with the unscripted moment, so much so that Sussman was invited back regularly to continue on. He discussed the turning point moment in the video below.
Stewart's character basically downgraded throughout the series, making some questionable decisions. Nonetheless, fans completely ate it up.
Kevin Sussman Rarely Went Off The Script During His Time On The Big Bang Theory
No, going off script was not common for Sussman, nor was it a reality for the rest of the cast. Sure, from time to time a brilliant organic moment would come to fruition but it wasn't a norm on the series.
According to Sussman, the writers were always on top of things if a joke didn't land or a change needed to be made. “The cast doesn't improvise,” Sussman says.
“Because "we don't need to. The writers are so good that if a joke doesn't hit, the writers will converge on the spot and within three minutes have it rewritten—so it is funny," tells Sussman. "The writers on The Big Bang Theory are probably the best in the business when it comes to on-the-spot writing. It's not a single camera show like The Office was," suggests Sussman. "Everything is very tightly-scored. There are four cameras all going at once, so everyone has to watch where their marks very closely. That doesn't leave any room for improvisation, really."
So as it turns out, that one line was just very good timing and a strong reflex on his part!