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We really can't imagine The Big Bang Theory without Jim Parsons as Sheldon. He was perfect in the role, however, his audition for the sitcom did not leave any guarantees.Ultimately, his character evolved during the show, like his relationship with Amy, one that the audience adored. However, fans often wonder if this was always going to be the case, given that Sheldon had no relationships early on in the show. Back in 2010, Chuck Lorre answered the question and he had a very specific answer for Sheldon's lack of dating interest. Let's find out.
Chuck Lorre Wasn't Completely Sold On Jim Parsons Big Bang Theory Audition
Looking back, Chuck Lorre has Bill Prady to thank for the casting of Jim Parsons as Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. Co-creator Bill Prady told the story alongside People, stating that had he not been there, chances are Parsons might not get cast.
Prady made mention that the creators saw hundreds of acts audition, but nobody came close to Parsons.
"We saw — oh God, I don't know, 100 people? And when Jim Parsons came in, he was Sheldon on a level — you know, there were people who came in and you went, 'Okay, well, he's kind of okay... Oh, he's pretty good... Maybe he's the guy.' And Jim came in and he was just — he was, from that audition, the Sheldon that you saw on television. He created that character at that audition. And he left the room and I turned and I went, 'That's the guy!"
Despite his enthusiasm, Prady was shocked to find out that Lorre did not feel the same way. Lorre felt as though the audition was too polished and that Parsons would not be able to recreate the same performance.
Prady is thankful Lorre reconsidered, "Chuck said, 'Nah, he's gonna break your heart. He'll never give you that performance again."
"This may be the only example of where I actually was right. And Jim Parsons came back in the next day and gave us that exact same performance again. It was like, 'Well, this is Sheldon."
Throughout the show's run, Lorre was ultimately very hands-on with Sheldon's character and he had a theory about his sexuality.
Chuck Lorre Wanted Sheldon's Character To Avoid Any Sexuality Talk And Just Focus On Work And Winning A Nobel Prize
Back in 2010, EW ran an interview discussing Sheldon's sexuality on The Big Bang Theory and why it hadn't been discussed at that point. Of course, it was later addressed when Mayim Bialik, aka Amy entered the picture. However, at the start, it was all up in the air.
Chuck Lorre addressed this question more than a decade ago, stating the reason for it was simply due to the fact that Sheldon was immersed into work and chasing down a Nobel Prize.
“His entire focus is on the work that he’s doing — theoretical physics,” explains Lorre. “‘Alternate reality’ is another way of looking at it. Characters like Sheldon are drawn to an alternate reality that might be more comforting than the ones they live in. And why modify that? Why not let the character be that unique?”
As for Jim Parsons, he did reveal that he would be happy to see Sheldon in a relationship, but the actor also understood Lorre's point of view at the time.
“People want to see him cared for in a way that those of us a little more average have been able to experience through love,” he suggests. “But I also [understand] Chuck’s point that all Sheldon really wants is a Nobel Prize. That’s the warm embrace that he longs for.”
Ultimately, Sheldon got his relationship, but how did Jim Parsons feel about it?
Jim Parsons Felt A Sense Of Freedom Playing A Straight Character
Coming out as a gay man in Hollywood, Jim Parsons' biggest fear was getting typecast in a select few roles.
He revealed alongside the Gay Times that it felt liberating to be accepted for who he is, and to be able to play any type of role, as long as he was the best person for it.
"When I was studying theatre at school, I wasn’t worried about coming out. I was more concerned that at a small level, I would always seem gay in every role that I took. That was something that held me back.”
"When I performed in drag in the [Charles Busch] play, I felt that there was this permission that was granted and I didn’t have to worry about appearing gay. Once you taste that level of freedom, there’s really no going back.”
Without a doubt, Parsons thrived and did it his way.