In Real Life: The Cast Of ‘The Big Bang Theory’

The Big Bang Theory has filled our lives with 11 seasons of joy, laughter, tears, and given us a love for science (well what we can understand of it). The show is the perfect series to sit back, relax, and simply enjoy at the end of a long day. The show first debuted in 2007, it soon became the highest-rated comedy series. We decided to have a look at just how much the actors and actresses have evolved over all 11 seasons. It is quite astounding to see just how different the cast is off-screen, you may not even recognize them…

John Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter

You may know him as the shy David Healy from Roseanne but you definitely know him as Leonard Hofstadter, physicist and geek from The Big Bang Theory. John Galecki is now 45-years old, married, and has a child. He recently acted in the reprise of the Roseanne mini-series but fans were still happy to see him.

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper

The Big Bang Theory would not at all be what it is without Sheldon Cooper. We thank the casting gods that his role was created and that he was the one cast too. Jim Parsons was destined to be an actor, he knew from the young age of six. parsons even won a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role. Parsons debuted on Broadway in 2011 and in 2017 he married Todd Spiewack- the pair had been dating for a while.

Wil Wheaton as Himself

Most well-known from his role as Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wil Wheaton featured on the show too. Except for five seasons he plays the role of Sheldon’s archenemy. Wheaton is a man of many talents, he acts, voice acts, and writes. However, Wheaton is the host and co-host of a game show found on Youtube, TableTop.

Laurie Metcalf as Mary Cooper

Laurie Metcalf is undoubtedly an A-grade actress, especially in the television category. Metcalf also acted in Roseanne in 1988, as Jackie Harris. The role apparently elevated her career even more. The now 62-year-old has many nominations and awards, she regards herself as a workaholic too. She played Mary Cooper, who is Sheldon’s beloved mom but can not be more different from him personality wise.

polar opposite.

Sara Gilbert as Leslie Winkle

It seems as though the casting director of The Big Bang Theory may have a thing for casting actors and actresses from Roseanne. Sara Gilbert is also a previous actress from the show, she has made many appearances: 24, Will & Grace, and Private Practice to name a few. She then delved into the world of hosting and producing which she does on the talk show The Talk.

Mayim Bialik as Amy Fowler

Amy Fowler is just as smart on and off the screen, if not smarter! Mayim Bialik has a B.S. degree in neuroscience, a degree in Hebrew and Jewish studies, and also a doctorate in neuroscience. She could be regarded as a genius. The 41-year old has also been nominated a couple of times for the Primetime Emmy Award.

Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz

Astronaut, engineer and total mommy’s boy: Howard Wolowitz. Howard marries Bernadette and he progresses immensely which we simply loved watching. Helberg was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in the film Florence Foster Jenkins at the age of 36.

Laura Spencer as Emily Sweeney

Laura Spencer came about in season seven where she plays the role of a dermatologist and dates Raj for a while. Fans truly added and related to her unusual sense of humor. Spencer is more well-known for acting in Bones from season 9 to 12. More recently she has acted in Heartland, Sleepy Hollow, and Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party.

Kunal Nayyar as Rajesh Koothrappali

If you were wondering about Raj, wonder no longer. The British-Indian actor started acting in American TV ads and plays in London as soon as he graduated. In 2015, Nayyar wrote a book titled Yes, My Accent is Real which discussed his career journey. His role as Rajesh has ranked him third on the World’s Highest-Paid TV Actors list.

Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom

No one can forget the owner of The Comic Center in Pasadena. Literally, no one. 47-Year old Sussman was given a promotion as a regular on the series following season six.

Alessandra Torresani as Claire

Alessandra Torresani was cast as Claire, one of Raj’s love interests who is a screenwriter/ bartender. Torresani has many previous appearances some of which are JAG, ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Lucifer, and Husbands. She recently acted in the movie Step Sisters and is also an impressive black belt in taekwondo.

Aarti Mann as Priya Koothrappali

Yet another connection to Raj- his younger sister Priya. She also secretly dates Leonard in season four, what a scandal. Aarti Mann was born and raised in Connecticut, she also featured on shows such as Heroes and Suits. Adding to her accomplishments she has a degree in film writing and directing.

Sara Rue as Stephanie Barnett

Stephanie Barnett appeared in season two where she briefly dated Sheldon, it was weird and really brief. However, Sara Rue is also recognized from her appearances in Popular, Less than Perfect, Rules of Engagement, and Bones.

Margo Harshman as Alex Jensen

Not only was she Sheldon’s assistant but also a student at Caltech Physics in her doctorate years, Alex Jensen. She is better recognized from Even Stevens where she played Tawny Dean and more recently from NCIS. 

Brian Patrick Wade as Kurt

The well-known mucho ex-boyfriend of Penny, Kurt has cracked the list too. Brian Patrick Wade is most popularly known as Capt. Craig Schwetje from Generation Kill or maybe as Alpha Warewolf Ennis on the Teen Wolf series.

Charlotte Newhouse as Joy

Short but sweet we can all remember her unforgettable performance as Joy, Bernadette’s friend. Additionally, she has starred in Brainstorm and on Community. However, her newest performance is in Idiotsitter which was in fact taken on by Comedy Central in 2016.

Valerie Azlynn as Alicia

Do you remember Alicia? She used to live above the gang, directly above them. Alicia was an aspiring actress at the time. She has since gone on to have a few additional minor roles in both movies and TV shows.

Brooke D’Orsay as Christy Vanderbel

Penny’s hometown mate who was planning on marrying her cousin is none other than Christy. However, this star went on to star in other popular series like How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, and Royal Pains. The 35-year old has since decided to give acting a rest.

Steven Yeun as Sebastian

If you are a true fan through and through you will know this one. Steven Yeun was fact living as a roommate with Sheldon before leonard came into the mix. Sheldon and Sebastian had conflicts of interest and simply did not work well living together. Since then Yeun has been acting for seven seasons straight in The Walking Dead.

Riki Lindhome as Ramona Nowitzki

Do you remember the time Sheldon had a stalker? We sure do as hard as it was to believe. The role was played by Riki Lindhome as Ramona, who also worked at Caltech. She is an astounding actress known for various roles but more specifically for Million Dollar Baby and The Last House on the Left. The 40-year-old also starred in the 2018 production of Under the Silver Lake.

Mark Harelik as Dr. Eric Gablehauser

Dr. Eric Gablehauser is the head of the Physics Department at Caltech and our favorite nerds; Raj, Sheldon and Leonard work under him. He ends up dating Sheldon’s mom too. However, in real life Harelik is a playwright and has starred in some incredible films and series such as Jurassic Park III, Seinfeld, Breaking Bad, Prison Break to name a few.

Ian Scott Rudolph as Captain Sweatpants

Although not much of an integral part of the show, Captain Sweatpants is an important aspect of the overall storyline. When seen in the show he is always wearing sweatpants and a different superhero t-shirt. In the real world, he has only been cast in minor roles, however, Captain Sweatpants was a big deal for him and his most esteemed role.

Eliza Dushku as Angela Page

This stunner needs no introduction. Known for her kicka$$ role as a slayer on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer to Dollhouse, and Bring It On, Eliza Dushku is simply wonderful. Her role on The Big Bang Theory is as an FBI agent set out to look into Howard’s application for the Equipped Surveillance Satellite Team.

Courtney Henggeler as Missy Cooper

Model, actress, and singer, Courtney Henggeler acts as Sheldon’s sister. Yes, we were all shook too. Not only is she stunning but she is his complete polar opposite too. Additionally, she is known for her role in Mom.

John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke

We simply all love to hate this character don’t we? Barry Kripke still stood out in the show though. Besides for acting John  Bowie is a writer and comedian. He is actually the author of the movie Heathers.

Christine Baranski as Dr. Beverly Hofstadter

Christine Baranski is definitely a household name in Hollywood. The 65-year-old has multiple accolades and is known both on the big screen and on stage. With multiple Emmy nominations, over 15 to be exact, she was a perfect fit to being Leonard’s mom. You may recognize her from her other roles in The Good Wife, Addams Family Values, Cruel Intentions, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Chicago, and more.

Carol Ann Susi as Debbie Wolowitz

We may have never seen the face of Debbie Wolowitz but we were all too familiar with her voice. Howard’s typical adoring and overprotective Jewish mama can not go unmentioned. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2017 after battling cancer. The show released a heartwarming message, “Mrs. Wolowitz, every time you spoke, we laughed. You’re in our hearts forever.”

Brian George as Dr. V.M Koothrappali

Raj’s dad is a rather successful gynecologist based in New Delhi, India. Dr. V.M Koothrappali is actually Israeli-born and British-Canadian. With a number of appearances under his belt, Brian George can also be recognized from Seinfeld where he acted as the Pakistani restauranteur.

Casey Sander as Mike Rostenkowski

Mike Rostenkowski is none other than the father of Bernadette and Howard’s father-in-law. Bernadette’s dad is a retired cop that simply eludes comedy on-screen.

Alice Amter as Mrs. Koothrappali

Raj’s mom Mrs. Koothrappali is also known as “The Chameleon”. Alice Amter is a British born actress who starred various times on-screen. You may notice her from a few roles such as ER, Judging Amy, Presidio Med, or The Good Girl.

Brian Thomas Smith as Zack Johnson

Brian Thomas Smith was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and is not only an actor but a producer too. He is most recognized for his roles on Danny Collins and The Wedding Party. He is also apart of the sketch comedy troupe called The Exploding Pajamas.

Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler

Most well-known from Just Shoot Me! Brian Posehn also played Jim Kuback from Mission Hill and Brian Spukowski from The Sarah Silverman Program. Adding to his list of talents he is a musician, writer, and comedian.

Pamela Adlon as Halley Wolowitz

Pamela Adlon started voicing the role of baby Halley in December of 2016. Her voice is truly one of a kind. Adlong also voices Bobby Hill on King of the Hill and also Ashley Spinelli from Recess. She is a writer, director, and producer but has also starred in Grease 2, Californication, Louie, and Better Things.

Bill Nye as Himself

Bill Nye guest-starred on the show as himself, of course. The show aired in 2013 and was titled “The Proton Displacement.” Nye will always be “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” but he is also a television presenter, science communicator, and a mechanical engineer.

Carrie Fisher as Herself

Carrie Fisher is a fan favorite, she always manages to capture hearts regardless of what role she plays. Her appearance in the 2014 episode “The Convention Conundrum,” as herself, is one for the books and she simply had to be on the list.

James Earl Jones as Himself

Since we are already on the topic of “The Convention Conundrum”, James Earl Jones also featured on that episode. Jones has created a legacy and a reputation for himself over the past 60 years. He is regarded as “one of America’s most distinguished and versatile” actors as well as “one of the greatest actors in American history.”

George Takei as Himself

The Hot Troll Deviation” episode in season four, featured the well-renowned  George Takei as none other than himself. To most, he will forever be the beloved Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek. At 80-years-old he is still a social media master, director, author, and an activist in his spare time.

Yeardley Smith as Sandy

The episode “The Einstein Approximation” aired in 2010 featured Yeardley Smith. It happens to also be remembered as the episode where Penny and Sheldon work together at the Cheesecake Factory- a goodie! Smith is known from playing Lisa Simpson on The Simpsons but is also a writer and a comedian.

Octavia Spencer as Octavia

Hands down the funniest DMV employee ever! We are all in favor that this is true. In 2008 “The Euclid Alternative”, episode featured Octavia. The actress first appeared in a role in 1996 but is most famous for her role in the award-winning movie The Help. She won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress for that role.

Charlie Sheen as Himself

Naturally, Charlie Sheen played himself in the episode “The Griffin Equivalency”. He is a loved household name across the globe, the 54-year-old actor has many appearances under his belt like the film 9/11. 

Regina King as Janine Davis

Regina King acts as the director of employee relations at Caltech. Her recurring role as the hard yet hilarious director is one for the books. Additionally, King has acted as Brenda Jenkins on the series 227, The Boondocks, Jerry Maguire and Southland. 

Bob Newhart as Professor Proton

The name Bob Newhart is known all around Hollywood and has been since the start of his career in 1958. We definitely do not need to list all his accolades to let you know he is an unbelievable actor. Since 2013 he has starred five times on The Big Bang Theory as Professor Proton. He even won a Primetime Emmy for the role.

Pasha D. Lychnikoff as Dimitri

Are you familiar with the one and only Dimitri, Howard’s Russian cosmonaut crew-mate? Well, here he is. Pasha is actually a Russian TV, film voice, and theatre star. Originally from Moscow, the 50-year-old starred in the film Siberia and in the show Shameless. 

Summer Glau as Herself

The season two episode “The Terminator Decoupling” which aired in 2009, featured Summer Glau. Let’s be honest, no one does science fiction and fantasy TV at her level. Maybe there are a few that can compare but te point is she is brilliant.

Judy Greer as Dr. Elizabeth Plimpton

Judy Greer is well-known in Hollywood, it seemed only fitting she had her turn on the hit series. She previously had roles in Arrested Development, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Californication, and Archer. She is also an author of her own biography which is a great read.

Jodi Lyn O’Keefe as Mikayla “The Escort”

Jodi O’Keefe first graced us with her on-screen presence when she was just 17 in Nash Bridges. Her additional lead roles over the years in some of our most loved television series have set the bar and really made her career an impressive one. She starred on The Big Bang Theory in the 2009 episode titled “The Vegas Renormalization” as the prostitute, Mikayla.

April Bowlby as Rebecca

Rebecca is a failed actress who then becomes a personal trainer and finds herself dating Bert, Caltech employee. The craziest thing was that Bert broke up with her in the show, and she is just stunning. April Bowlby also stars in Two and a Half Men, Drop Dead Diva, Prada to Nada, Married By Christmas, and A Mother’s Crime.

Analeigh Tipton as Herself

Analeigh Tipton came in third place in Season 11 of America’s Next Top Model, the 31-year-old is also known for her roles in Crazy, Stupid, Love, Warm Bodies, and Two Night Stand.

Katee Sackhoff as Herself

Katee Sackhoff featured as Howard’s ultimate woman. She, of course, appeared as herself Lieutenant Kara “Starbuck” Thrace. She has quite an impressive career but has been known for her  role as villainess Amuniton The Flash.