In truth, even the cast itself could not have predicted that much success. Everything changed for Chuck Lorre and 'The Big Bang Theory' when it was strategically placed on CBS behind 'Two and a Half Men'. Suddenly, the show saw a huge spike in its viewership, averaging 17 million viewers per week!

RELATED - Everything The 'Big Bang Theory' Cast Has Been Up To In 2021

Truth is, the show could have lasted longer than 12 seasons, it was still a huge success for the network and the show made the main cast very rich, as they were able to strike a 'Friends' like deal, making millions per episode.

Ultimately, Jim Parsons wanting to step away halted things and the show finally came to an end after 279 episodes.

What makes the show that much more unique, is how different the casting process was for everyone involved. Kaley Cuoco had actually auditioned for another role on the show early on... Heck, even Brie Larson admitted to trying out for the popular sitcom.

Perhaps the most surprising audition story, a main character on the show landed the gig, despite the fact that it was his first audition. At the time, he was just looking for a job to pay the bills. Let's just say he did that and then some.

Let's find out how this mystery man landed the role and what his expectations were at the start.

He Pursued Finance Before Acting

That's right, the mystery man pursued finance, going for a bachelor's in Business Administration. At that point, the actor took on acting courses on the side, and soon enough, it turned into his main gig thanks to theater work.

RELATED - Jim Parsons Had To Deal With A Tragic Loss Before He Left 'The Big Bang Theory'

Roles were slow at the start of his career, a minor gig in 'NCIS' got things started. That same year, his career changed forever when he was cast in 'Big Bang Theory'.

So who is the mystery man we're talking about... none other than Kunal Nayyar!

He admitted alongside Hindu Times that getting the audition simply meant a paying job for him at the start. 

"I was so young at the time, I was just happy to have a job. I was not self-aware enough to realize the gravitas of the situation."

"It really began to hit me in Season 3 and Season 4. Season 4 was huge for us because we went into syndication, and were playing on three or four channels five times a day! That’s when I truly got my first taste of fame."

Like any other gig, Nayyar grew his confidence along the way. Playing Raj became a lot easier thanks to Chuck Lorre and his advice.

"The biggest lesson I learned was from our creator, Chuck Lorre. He encouraged me to trust my instincts and not force a joke."

"The tricky thing about comedy is we often feel like we have to be funny, when in reality comedy works when a character is being truthful. If you get out of your own way, listen to the actor you’re in a scene with, and trust the language, it helps pave the way to having a truly funny and genuine moment."

The role changed his career and he really never looked back. Nowadays, we're seeing Raj show off his incredible depth, as he works different kinds of roles. His latest portrays him in a different light on 'Criminals'. 

Perhaps getting the role was trickier than his previous auditions. As it turns out, he didn't have many.

The First Audition

For some actors trying to make it, they go on countless auditions before finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Kaley Cuoco admitted that in Kunal's case, that's not exactly how things went down. 

It was her first major role and believe it or not, his first audition, "You know Kunal Nayyar from Big Bang Theory,’ Kaley said. "I believe that was his first audition. [Either his] first audition or first pilot audition."

RELATED - Kunal Nayyar Talks His Very First Roles Prior To 'The Big Bang Theory'

"I remember talking to him, going: 'Don’t get used to that. That doesn’t happen!' I couldn’t believe that. That was very similar to what you said, that’s amazing."

Not only did he get the role, but playing Raj was that much easier, given that he sprinkled a lot of his real-life self into the character.

"I think actors always bring a part of themselves to a character. So in that regard yes, there are many qualities that I share with Raj."

"When I first left home [Delhi] I was 18, I was quite naive, and I had this wonderful purity to me. I tried to channel those qualities when I auditioned for the part."

Clearly, whatever his mindset was, it worked.

NEXT - Inside The House 'The Big Bang Theory' Star Kunal Nayyar Sold For $3.9 Million

Sources: Hindu Times, YouTube, Twitter & The News