'The Big Bang Theory': From Jim Parsons to Kaley Cuoco, here's what CBS sitcom's cast members are doing now
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Even though it's been five years since 'The Big Bang Theory' ended, the sitcom remains hugely popular. It taught valuable lessons about friendship and geek culture. Though the show ended, fans still hold its seven main characters and catchy theme song close to their hearts.
Curiosity about what the cast has been up to since the show's finale is natural. The good news is, they've been quite busy. Kaley Cuoco, for instance, stars in the Hulu original series 'Based on a True Story,' which just got renewed for a second season.
Fans have a chance to catch up with the cast and find out what they've been working on, and that's exactly what we're here to discuss. So, let's take a look at where the cast members of 'The Big Bang Theory' are now.
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper
Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, is a brilliant theoretical physicist at Caltech. He's known for his high IQ of 187 and photographic memory. Though he struggles with social skills and humor, he deeply cares for his loved ones. Parsons won four Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Sheldon on 'The Big Bang Theory.'
After the sitcom ended in 2019, Parsons continued voicing 'Young Sheldon.' He also worked as an executive producer on 'Call Me Kat,' alongside his on-screen wife, Mayim Bialik. Parsons also received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role in Ryan Murphy's 'Hollywood.'
Additionally, he made appearances in TV shows like 'The Simpsons' and 'Pete The Cat', and starred in films such as 'The Boys in the Band' and 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile.'
Recently, Parsons starred in 'Spoiler Alert,' a comedy-drama, and will soon appear in 'Just by Looking at Him,' currently in pre-production.
Johnny Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter
Sheldon's roommate and best friend, Leonard Hofstadter, played by Johnny Galecki, is an experimental physicist with an IQ of 173. Unlike his equally nerdy friends, Leonard is good at forming bonds with others.
His true love is Penny, his neighbor across the hall, whom he promises to marry the moment he lays eyes on her. Many of the funniest moments in 'The Big Bang Theory' come from the clash between Leonard and Sheldon, whose relationship is a mix of tough love and genuine affection.
After 'The Big Bang Theory,' Johnny returned to his role as David Healy in 'The Conners,' reuniting with his co-star Sarah Gilbert. He also appeared in several films, including 'Rings,' 'A Dog's Journey,' and 'The Master Cleanse.'
Galecki welcomed his first child, a baby boy, with then-girlfriend Alaina Meyer in December 2019. However, news surfaced in November 2020 that the couple had split after two years together.
In a surprise revelation featured in Architectural Digest's March 2024 issue, the actor disclosed that he had secretly tied the knot with Morgan Galecki. The couple now has a daughter named Oona.
Kaley Cuoco as Penny
Penny, portrayed by Kaley Cuoco, lives across the hall from Leonard and Sheldon. Originally from a small town near Omaha, Nebraska, Penny starts as a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory and later transitions to a successful pharmaceutical sales representative.
Throughout the series, she evolves into a more mature and confident individual. Penny ends the show married to Leonard, expecting their first child.
After 'The Big Bang Theory,' Cuoco starred in 'The Flight Attendant,' earning praise and nominations for Golden Globe, Emmy, and SAG Awards. She also voiced the lead character in the animated series 'Harley Quinn' since 2019.
Cuoco appeared in projects like the action comedy 'The Man From Toronto,' the romantic comedy 'Meet Cute,' and most recently, the Hulu original 'Based on a True Story.'
In June 2018, Cuoco married Karl Cook, but they announced their separation in September 2021, finalizing their divorce less than a year later.
Cuoco confirmed her relationship with Tom Pelphrey and announced their pregnancy in October 2022. The couple welcomed their daughter Matilda in March 2023.
Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler
Amy Farrah Fowler, played by Mayim Bialik, is a neuroscientist specializing in addiction studies in primates and invertebrates. She is Sheldon's romantic interest and best friend to Penny and Bernadette.
Amy's character is both sweet and determined, bringing humor to every episode she's in, earning Bialik four Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Following the end of 'The Big Bang Theory' in 2019, Bialik starred in the now-canceled 'Call Me Kat' and hosted episodes of 'Jeopardy!' after Alex Trebek's death. She also made appearances in TV shows like 'Little Tikes' STEM Jr.,' 'Vampirina,' and 'The News Tank.'
Bialik's latest project, 'The Inspector Chronicles,' which follows a space traveler with time-traveling abilities, is currently in development.
Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz
Howard Wolowitz, portrayed by Simon Helberg, is an aerospace engineer at the Caltech Department of Applied Physics. Unlike his peers, he lacks a PhD, leading to frequent mockery, especially from Sheldon.
Howard resides with his overbearing and unseen mother until his marriage to Bernadette in season 5. Despite initial creepiness, Howard undergoes significant character development, becoming a standout in the series.
After 'The Big Bang Theory,' Helberg returned to acting in the musical drama 'Annette.' He also lent his voice to his character's younger self in the spin-off 'Young Sheldon,' alongside other original cast members.
Helberg starred as Nathan in 'As They Made Us,' a drama written and directed by his former co-star Mayim Bialik. Recently, he appeared in the comedy 'Poker Face' and the animated sitcom 'American Dad!'
Kunal Nayyar as Rajesh Koothrapalli
Rajesh 'Raj' Koothrapalli, portrayed by Kunal Nayyar, works in the physics department at Caltech, focusing on astroparticle physics, and is Howard Wolowitz's closest friend. Raj hails from a wealthy Indian family and frequently communicates with his parents, Dr and Mrs Koothrappali, via webcam.
Unlike his male friends, Raj has many interests considered more traditionally feminine, though he struggles to speak to women for several seasons. While 'The Big Bang Theory' has faced criticism for its treatment of characters like Raj, he remains a source of humor despite often being the target.
After the show ended, Nayyar continued his work in television, appearing in series like 'Criminal: UK', 'Mira, Royal Detective', and 'Suspicion'. Additionally, he lent his voice to projects such as 'Trolls World Tour,' 'Trolls Holiday in Harmony', and 'Tiny Diamond Goes Back to School'.
His latest film, 'The Storied Life of AJ Fikry', also received attention. Nayyar has three upcoming projects slated for release in 2023.
Melissa Rauch as Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz
Bernadette Rostenkowski, played by Melissa Rauch, started her career as a server alongside Penny at The Cheesecake Factory, using her earnings to finance her graduate studies in microbiology. She's known for her intelligence, short temper, and sometimes manipulative behavior, yet she can also be friendly.
Bernadette is married to Howard and is close friends with Penny and Amy. Despite her occasionally mean-spirited actions, Bernadette is considered one of the best characters on 'The Big Bang Theory,' largely due to Rauch's comedic talent.
After the show, Rauch continued her television work with appearances in 'Robot Chicken,' 'Animaniacs,' and 'The Chicken Squad.' She also co-starred in 'The Laundromat,' a Netflix comedy-drama featuring Meryl Streep.
Recently, Rauch joined the cast of 'Night Court,' which has been renewed for a second season, and voiced Beth Bayani in the animated series 'Firebuds' for eight episodes.
Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom
Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman, owns the comic book store that serves as the gang's hangout spot.
Initially depicted as confident and somewhat successful with women, Stuart's character evolves over the seasons into a socially awkward and lonely individual, sometimes coming off as creepy.
Despite this, he becomes a close friend of the gang and often gets involved in their adventures.
After 'The Big Bang Theory' ended in 2019, Sussman continued his work in various projects. He appeared in 'Little Fish' alongside Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell. Sussman also had a recurring role in the TV show 'Utopia' and made an appearance in an episode of 'The Goldbergs'.
Additionally, he lent his voice to projects like 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' and 'Harley Quinn.' Sussman is set to appear in Apple TV+'s 'Lessons in Chemistry' as Walter.
How to stream 'The Big Bang Theory'?
'The Big Bang Theory' is available to stream on Netflix as well as Prime Video. The Netflix membership plan starts from $6.99/month for the standard plan with ads.
The standard plan without ads is priced at $15.49/month, while the Premium plan costs $22.99/month. Prime membership costs $14.99 monthly or $139 annually, with various discounts available.
'Prime Access' is $6.99/month for government assistance recipients, while 'Prime Student' is $7.49/month or $69/year for college enrollees, offering exclusive perks.
Amazon provides a 30-day trial for Prime and Prime Access, allowing users to explore benefits before committing.
'The Big Bang Theory' trailer
'The Big Bang Theory' is available to stream on Netflix as well as Prime Video