For 11 amazing seasons, The Big Bang Theory has taken us along the journey of different emotions through the world of science. We’ve laughed, cried, and fallen in love with both the cast and their scientific humor. The TV show has been one of television’s highest-rated comedies from the past couple of decades. But beyond the sheer volume of viewers and fans, the TV show also earned a wide variety of awards. Through those 11 seasons and 12 fantastic years, let’s take a look at the different characters who made the TV show what it is now.
A Look-back At Every Character In The Big Bang Theory. Who Is Your Favorite?
John Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter
Leonard Hofstadter, one of the four main characters in the hit TV show, is a nerdy physicist in Caltech who shares an apartment with best friend, Sheldon Cooper. Galecki’s portrayal earned him nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Awards. Galecki is also known for his role in the sitcom Roseanne as David Healy.
John Galecki As Leonard Hofstadter
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper
If you’re a fan of The Big Bang Theory, then you would know Sheldon Cooper well. The show wouldn’t be complete without his crazy antics, famous lines, and well-written character. But behind that general stereotype of the eccentric genius, Jim Parsons knew at an early age that he wanted to be an actor. Apart from television, he also debuted on Broadway, which just goes to show how he loves the craft. Behind the camera, he is a loving partner to Todd Spiewak.
Jim Parsons As Sheldon Cooper
Wil Wheaton as Himself
Another good character development in the TV show is no other than Wil Wheaton. He plays Sheldon’s archenemy until they eventually become friends in season five. Wheaton, who became famous as Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation, also hosts a Youtube board game show, TableTop and appeared on Bill Nye Saves the World and Whose Line is it Anyway?
Wil Wheaton As Himself
Laurie Metcalf as Mary Cooper
Metcalf plays Mary Cooper, Sheldon’s mother, who is a devout born-again Christian from East Texas. Her character has been a good contradiction to Sheldon’s strong persona. Their polar opposite relationship in the series has gained many fans. In 1988, Laurie Metcalf snagged the famous role of Jackie Harris on Roseanne, which sky-rocketed her career. The 62-year old actress who considers herself as a workaholic has numerous accolades and nominations to her name.
Laurie Metcalf As Mary Cooper
Sara Gilbert as Leslie Winkle
Another Roseanne mainstay alongside Galecki, is Sara Gilbert who played Leslie Winkle, an experimental physicist who works in the same laboratory with Leonard. Her cold and sarcastic character worked well with Hofstadter’s sensitive character. Sara Gilbert has made many appearances on shows such as 24, Will & Grace, and Private Practice. Aside from acting, she’s also a co-host and executive producer of The Talk.
Sara Gilbert As Leslie Winkle
Mayim Bialik as Amy Fowler
Who wouldn’t know the incredibly intelligent Amy Farah Fowler, who is the partner of Cooper in the famous series? Fowler plays an important role on how Cooper slowly developed from being aloof and socially inept to be her love interest towards the end. Mayim Bialik is probably as smart, or even smarter than her character. Just like in The Big Bang Theory, Bialik has a B.S. degree in neuroscience, minors in Hebrew and Jewish studies, and also a Ph.D. in neuroscience.
Mayim Bialik As Amy Fowler
Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz
Now among the four main male characters in the series, meet Howard Wolowitz who plays an engineer and astronaut who had a very overbearing mother. Being the only one without a Ph.D, Wolowitz has always been left behind by the other three. Eventually, he gets hitched to Bernadette, Penny’s coworker in the restaurant. The 36-year old was also nominated for a Golden Globe for the 2016 film Florence Foster Jenkins. Aside from being an actor, Helberg works as a musician and comedian.
Simon Helberg As Howard Wolowitz
Laura Spencer as Emily Sweeney
Emily Sweeney is a redhead dermatologist with a quirky character who likes horror and gore. She dated Raj for a bit but didn’t go well when Raj broke up with her to be with Claire. Aside from her character as Emily, she might be best known for her role in Bones from season 9 to 12. Recently the 31-year-old appeared on Heartland, Sleepy Hollow, and Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party.
Laura Spencer As Emily Sweeney
Kunal Nayyar as Rajesh Koothrappali
Seeing as how much we just mentioned Raj, here’s the British-Indian actor. Koothrappali’s love interest is probably one of the most sought after in the series. He dated different women and was famous for being the third wheel to Howard and Bernadette. Behind the camera, Kunal Nayyar worked in American TV ads and played in London. In 2015, Nayyar became a published author detailing his career journey. Still, the most impressive is Nayyar’s role on The Big Bang Theory which ranks him third on the World’s Highest-Paid TV Actors list.
Kunal Nayyar As Rajesh Koothrappali
Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom
Who could forget the infamous owner of The Comic Center of Pasadena which has been a regular set for the four main characters. Stuart Bloom, who was played by Kevin Sussman was promoted to series regular after season six. Apart from his role in TBBT, Sussman is also known for his role as Walter from Ugly Betty.
Kevin Sussman As Stuart Bloom
Alessandra Torresani as Claire
Alessandra Torresani, who portrays Claire in the series, dates Raj for a bit. Though it didn’t go well, as well. Before The Big Bang Theory, Torresani also appeared on JAG, ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Lucifer, and Husbands. Apart from acting, the 30-year old actress is a black belter in taekwondo.
Alessandra Torresani As Claire
Aarti Mann as Priya Koothrappali
Another connection to Raj in the series, Aarti Mann who plays as Raj’s younger sister. Priya serves as the unintentional main antagonist of Penny-Leonard tandem. Aarti Mann also had roles on Heroes and Suits and has a degree in film writing and directing.
Aarti Mann As Priya Koothrappali
Sara Rue as Stephanie Barnett
In season two, Sara Rue appeared as Stephanie Barnett, a doctor and highly distinguished surgical resident who also once dated Leonard. Apart from her short stint in TBBT, Rue is also known for her roles in Popular, Less than Perfect, Rules of Engagement, and Bones.
Sara Rue As Stephanie Barnett
Margo Harshman as Alex Jensen
Margo Harshman who played as Alex Jensen is Sheldon’s assistant and a doctoral student at Caltech. However, she’s probably best recognized as Tawny Dean from Disney Channel’s epic series Even Stevens most recently though fans would know her as Delilah Fielding, McGee’s paraplegic wife from NCIS.
Margo Harshman As Alex Jensen
Brian Patrick Wade as Kurt
Penny’s macho ex-boyfriend before she met Leonard, Kurt is up next. His character was only seen during the early seasons. Apart from his role as Kurt, Brian Patrick Wade is best known as Capt. Craig Schwetje from Generation Kill and as Alpha Werewolf Ennis on the show Teen Wolf. Outside of acting, Wade is a physical trainer as well.
Brian Patrick Wade As Kurt
Charlotte Newhouse as Joy
Joy played Bernadette’s friend on the show, who served as Leonard’s date on a double date with Bernadette and Howard. The potential love interest didn’t last long though. Newhouse has also appeared as Jules Hayes in Brainstorm and as Professor Baker on Community. Moreover, Newhouse’s show Idiotsitter was picked up by Comedy Central in 2016.
Charlotte Newhouse As Joy
Valerie Azlynn as Alicia
For sure you remember Alicia. She was the blonde aspiring actress living in the apartment directly above Leonard, Penny, and Sheldon. Alicia plays as the tough competitor for Penny when she tries to get the guys’ attention. Azlynn has had minor roles in films and TV shows like Tropic Thunder and Sullivan & Son.
Valerie Azlynn As Alicia
Brooke D’Orsay as Christy Vanderbel
Who wouldn’t forget Christy, Penny’s friend from her hometown in Nebraska who was also engaged to her cousin? She stays with Penny during one episode and hooks up with Howard. Although she is now retired from acting, D’Orsay’s appearance in TBBT, led her roles in How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, and Royal Pains.
Brooke D’Orsay As Christy Vanderbel
Steven Yeun as Sebastian
Now this one is for the real fans. Steven Yeun, AKA Sebastian, was Sheldon’s roommate BEFORE Leonard. Though in the series, they didn’t get along all that much and his minor appearance is just for a single episode. Yeun has been on the hit show The Walking Dead for seven seasons now.
Steven Yeun As Sebastian
Riki Lindhome as Ramona Nowitzki
Ramona Nowitzki played Sheldon’s stalker who works at Caltech. That stemmed from her being a huge fan of Cooper’s work. Her character, however, has helped Cooper in solving one of his theorems. Riki is known for her brilliant roles in Million Dollar Baby and The Last House on the Left. The 38-year-old stars in the 2018 film Under the Silver Lake and hosts the Nerdist podcast Making It.
Riki Lindhome As Ramona Nowitzki
Mark Harelik as Dr. Eric Gablehauser
Meet the head of the Physics Department at Caltech, Dr Eric Gablehauser, who also dated Sheldon’s mom. In reality, Mark Harelik is a playwright who has appeared in some fantastic productions such as Jurassic Park III, Seinfeld, Breaking Bad, Prison Break, and many more.
Mark Harelik As Dr. Eric Gablehauser
Ian Scott Rudolph as Captain Sweatpants
Many may say his character is insignificant. Little is known about him apart from his famous sweatpants and superhero t-shirt. However, he is still a massive part of the show’s storyline. In his career, Rudolph has only ever had small roles, but The Big Bang Theory was his first credited role.
Ian Scott Rudolph As Captain Sweatpants
Eliza Dushku as Angela Page
In The Big Bang Theory, she plays an FBI agent who investigates Howard’s application to the Equipped Surveillance Satellite Team. Her appearance added humor to the four. Dushku played different roles from being the kickass slayer on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer to Dollhouse, and Bring It On.
Eliza Dushku As Angela Page
Courtney Henggeler as Missy Cooper
It’s hard to imagine Sheldon having a sister, moreso a fraternal sister. Though they are the total opposite in the series because of her bratty, snarky, and cheeky sense of humor, she has played a significant role as well. Courtney Henggeler has appeared in a few shows but the series Mom, alongside Anna Faris and Allison Janney, is an impressive one. Apart from acting, this New Jersey girl is a model and singer as well.
Courtney Henggeler As Missy Cooper
John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke
There’s no one we love to hate, but Barry Kripke, PhD. Who wouldn’t forget the competition between Cooper and Kripke in the series. Outside of acting; John Ross Bowie also works as a writer and comedian. Some of his guest appearances include Reno 911!, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Glee, and Good Luck Charlie. Moreover, he’s an author of the cult movie Heathers.
John Ross Bowie As Barry Kripke
Christine Baranski as Dr. Beverly Hofstadter
Dr Beverly played Leonard’s narcissistic, unloving, and seriously analytical mom. She is a neuroscientist, physicist, and author. Career-wise, she has achieved a lot except being a good mother. Just like her character, Baranski got a Tony Award, amongst several other accolades to your name. Moreover, the 15 times Emmy nominated star has appeared on shows and films like The Good Wife, Addams Family Values, Cruel Intentions, Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Chicago, and more.
Christine Baranski As Dr. Beverly Hofstadter
Carol Ann Susi as Debbie Wolowitz
Though Debbie Wolowitz never showed her face onscreen, we knew her voice. Especially as Howard’s overbearing Jewish mother. Thanks to her loud New Jersey accent, Debbie is The Big Bang Theory‘s most beloved character. Sadly in 2017 at age 62, Carol Ann Susi passed away from her battle with cancer. The show’s producers sent out a heartwarming message after she passed, “Mrs Wolowitz, every time you spoke, we laughed. You’re in our hearts forever.”
Carol Ann Susi As Debbie Wolowitz
Brian George as Dr. V.M Koothrappali
Dr V.M Koothrappali, Raj’s father, is a very successful gynecologist in New Delhi, India. Though his character has only been seen usually through a laptop, it added to Rajesh’s background as a rich kid to a family in India. The Israeli-born British-Canadian has had several appearances in film and TV.
Brian George As Dr. V.M Koothrappali
Casey Sander as Mike Rostenkowski
Sander plays as Howard’s father-in-law. Rostenkowski is a retired, tough cop. Contrary to his tough character, he provides pure comedy on-screen. Casey Sander has made appearances in many TV shows over the years, such as Malcolm in the Middle, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Criminal Minds, Mad Men, and Sons of Anarchy.
Casey Sander As Mike Rostenkowski
Alice Amter as Mrs. Koothrappali
Amter, a British born actress, plays as Rajesh’s mother and eventually divorces Dr. Koothrappali. Apart from her role in the series, she also has appearances on ER, Judging Amy, Presidio Med, The Good Girl, A Man Apart, and Outsourced.
Alice Amter As Mrs Koothrappali
Brian Thomas Smith as Zack Johnson
Tomas Smith plays as the on-and-off boyfriend of Penny. St. Louis, Missouri born and bred, Brian Thomas Smith is an actor and producer. The 41-year-old actor, who is well known for his works on Danny Collins and The Wedding Party, is also a member of the sketch comedy troupe, The Exploding Pajamas.
Brian Thomas Smith As Zack Johnson
Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
Posehn plays Bert Kibbler, a geologist in Caltech. He once showed love interest to Amy Farah Fowler, but unfortunately failed. Fifty-year-old Brian Posehn is best recognized from Just Shoot Me!. Plus his roles as Jim Kuback from Mission Hill and Brian Spukowski from The Sarah Silverman Program are just as iconic. Posehn is also a musician, writer, and comedian.
Brian Posehn As Bert Kibbler
Pamela Adlon as Halley Wolowitz
December 2016 is when Pamela Adlon began voicing the part of baby Halley on The Big Bang Theory. The legendary voice who played Hally is also the voice of Bobby Hill on King of the Hill and also Ashley Spinelli from Recess. When it comes to her on-screen roles, she’s appeared in Grease 2, Californication, Louie, and Better Things.
Pamela Adlon As Halley Wolowitz
Bill Nye as Himself
2013 is when the one and only Bill Nye guest-starred on The Big Bang Theory in the episode “The Proton Displacement.” Although to many of us, he will always be “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” Nye, like a Jack of all trades, also works as a science communicator, television presenter, and mechanical engineer.
Bill Nye As Himself
Carrie Fisher as Herself
Though it’s a bittersweet feeling to see Carrie Fisher on this list, Princess Lea is always a fan favorite no matter the role she’s playing. The actress, writer, and humorist appeared in the 2014 episode “The Convention Conundrum”.
Carrie Fisher As Herself
James Earl Jones as Himself
Speaking of “The Convention Conundrum”, James Earl Jones also appeared in that episode! Talk about a science fantasy! For about 60 years, Jones has created a legacy, one that refers to him as “one of America’s most distinguished and versatile” actors and also as “one of the greatest actors in American history.”
James Earl Jones As Himself
George Takei as Himself
In season four on “The Hot Troll Deviation” episode, the great George Takei makes an appearance as himself! However, too many of us, he’ll always be Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek. The 80-year-old is a social media wizard, a director, an author, and a massive activist.
George Takei As Himself
Yeardley Smith as Sandy
In 2010 in the episode “The Einstein Approximation”, Yeardley Smith appeared on The Big Bang Theory. It’s also the same episode where Sheldon works at the Cheesecake Factory alongside Penny. Fifty-three-year-old Smith is well known as the long-running character Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons. Aside from acting, she’s also a comedian and a writer.
Yeardley Smith As Sandy
Octavia Spencer as Octavia
Probably the best, and most hilarious, DMV employee of all time. In the 2008 episode “The Euclid Alternative,” that was precisely the role Octavia Spencer played. While Octavia had made her film debut back in 1996, it was her 2011 role in The Help that marks her big breakthrough. Her portrayal of Minny Jackson earned her the Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Octavia Spencer As Octavia
Charlie Sheen as Himself
When your name is Charlie Sheen, everyone knows who you are. Sheen’s reputation exceeds him. In 2008, in the episode “The Griffin Equivalency,” Sheen played himself on The Big Bang Theory. The 52-year-old actor appeared in the film 9/11 in 2017 and the TV show The Goldbergs.
Charlie Sheen As Himself
Regina King as Janine Davis
46-year-old Regina King has a recurring role as Janine Davis, the director of employee relations at the university. King is a critically acclaimed actress thanks to her roles as Brenda Jenkins in the series 227, The Boondocks, and Southland. Let’s not forget her film role in Jerry Maguire, either.
Regina King As Janine Davis
Bob Newhart as Professor Proton
1958 is when Bob Newhart began his career in Hollywood, and it only took two years for his big break. Newhart has so many accolades that we could be here for hours listing them, knowing that he’s an insane actor. From 2013, Bob has also had five guest appearances on The Big Bang Theory as Professor Proton. Thanks to his role, he earned his first Primetime Emmy Award.
Bob Newhart As Arthur Jeffries
Pasha D. Lychnikoff as Dimitri
The Russian cosmonaut crewmate, Howard Wolowitz, aka Dimitri is a TV, film, voice, and theater actor. You might even recognize him as Yvon from Shameless. Moscow’s own 50-year-old Lychnikoff also has a 2018 film Siberia due this year.
Pasha D. Lychnikoff As Dimitiri
Summer Glau as Herself
In 2009 Summer Glau appeared as herself in the season two episode “The Terminator Decoupling!” No one does better than Glau’s science fiction and fantasy television stints. She also appeared in Firefly, Serenity, The 4400, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse and Arrow.
Summer Glau As Herself
Judy Greer as Dr Elizabeth Plimpton
Judy Greer is best known as Kitty Sanchez from Arrested Development, Fatty Magoo from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Trixie from Californication, and Cheryl Tunt from Archer. Her 2014 book I Don’t Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star is a must-read.
Judy Greer As Dr. Elizabeth Plimpton
Jodi Lyn O’Keefe as Mikayla “The Escort”
Jodi O’Keefe graced our screens as Cassidy Bridges on Nash Bridges, At the age of 17. And she’s best known for her characters in Prison Break and The Vampire Diaries. In the 2009 episode of The Big Bang Theory, the actress appeared and joined the cast in “The Vegas Renormalization” as Mikayla, the prostitute.
Jodi Lyn OKeefe As Mikayla The Escort
April Bowlby as Rebecca
The Blonde bombshell Rebecca or April Bowlby was also part of The Big Bang Theory as a failed actress turned personal trainer who is also dating Bert – Caltech employee. You won’t believe it, but Bert was the one who called it quits! While she’s famous for her character in TBBT, she has been popular with different shows as well. This includes Two and a Half Men as Alan’s ditsy, cute wife. She also starred on Drop Dead Diva for five years and has since shown in From Prada to Nada, Married by Christmas, and A Mother’s Crime.
April Bowlby As Rebecca
Analeigh Tipton as Herself
America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11 top 3 finishers, Analeight Tipton joined The Big Bang Theory as herself. She is an actress and fashion model. We can also see her in Crazy Stupid, Love, Warm Bodies, and Two Night Stand.
Analeigh Tipton As Herself
Katee Sackhoff as Herself
Katee Sackhoff joined The Big Bang Theory as Wolowitz’s dream girl. She has several minors and major roles throughout her career that includes Battlestar Galactica as Lieutenant Kara “Starbuck” Thrace and The Flash as the villainess Amunit.
Katee Sackhoff As Herself
Kate Micucci as Lucy
Lucy and Raj make a cute couple! They were both equally awkward and simple. That’s why fans hoped they stayed together for real. However, the 37-year-old actress is not just your ordinary girl. She has done tons of voice-over works for films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Scooby-Doo. At the moment, she voices Sadie in Steven Universe, Sara Murphy in Milo Murphy’s Law, Daisy in Nature Cat, Velma Dinkley in Scooby-Doo, and Webby Vanderquack in DuckTales.
Kate Micucci As Lucy
Kaley Cuoco as Penny Hofstadter
Kaley Cuoco appeared in The Big Bang Theory as Penny Hofstadter. Kaley was so famous she even has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you are not familiar with her. She’s the founder of Norman Productions. Kaley is already engaged since her boyfriend, Karl Cook, popped the question while celebrating her 32nd birthday. You can find the video of the proposal on any social media platform. Make sure to get some tissue as tears will fall down quickly.
Kaley Cuoco As Penny Hofstadter
Melissa Rauch as Bernadette Wolowitz
It is in 2009 that Melissa Rauch became a part of TBBT as Bernadette Wolowitz, and the rest is history. Her humble beginning started as a regular contributor to VH1’s Best Week Ever. Then she became the voice of Harley Quinn in the animated film Batman and Harley Quinn. She was also the voice of Light Thief in Blaze and the Monster Machines in 2017.
Melissa Rauch As Bernadette Wolowitz