For 11 seasons, The Big Bang Theory has made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with science (although we still don’t understand half of what they’re saying); it’s the kind of carefree show that fans need. Since the show premiered in 2007, it has transformed into television’s highest rated comedy. With 11 seasons to binge-watch, we’re taking a look at how much the cast have changed from their first episode to the latest. And just how different they are off-screen, not all of them are scientists in real life! That’s why we decided to take a look at what our favorite nerdy, non-nerdy characters have been up to since the show first kicked off 10 years ago.
In Real Life Cast Of Big Bang Theory
John Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter
Whether you know him as the nerdy physicist Leonard Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory or as the awkward David Healy from Roseanne, either way you know John Galecki. The 42 year old cellist is reprising his role as Healy for an eight-episode mini series in 2018. Apparently he’ll only appear in one episode, but that’s plenty to keep Roseanne fans interested.
John Galecki As Leonard Hofstadter
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper
The Big Bang Theory couldn’t exist with Sheldon Cooper. It just wouldn’t work. But let’s count our blessings that’s he’s been around since day one and counting. Jim Parsons knew at age six that he was meant to be an actor, and that’s exactly what he set out to do. His role as Sheldon Cooper has earned him a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe. In 2011, Parsons made his Broadway debut. Moreover in 2017, he and longtime partner, Todd Spiewak, exchanged vows.
Jim Parsons As Sheldon Cooper
Wil Wheaton as Himself
Known best as Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wil Wheaton makes an appearance. Although on TBBT, he plays Sheldon’s archenemy until season five that is. Apart from acting, voice acting, and writing, Wheaton is also the host and co-creator of a YouTube board game show, TableTop. Recently the 45 year old appeared on Bill Nye Saves the World and Whose Line is it Anyway?.
Wil Wheaton As Himself
Laurie Metcalf as Mary Cooper
Pssh, Laurie Metcalf is a Queen when it comes to acting, especially on television. In 1988, Metcalf snagged the popular role of Jackie Harris on Roseanne, and many what a difference that made to her career. The 62 year old has numerous accolades and nominations to her name, and even considers herself a workaholic. On The Big Bang Theory, Metcalf plays Mary Cooper, the mother of Sheldon, although she’s his polar opposite.
Laurie Metcalf As Mary Cooper
Sara Gilbert as Leslie Winkle
Is it a requirement that if you appeared on Roseanne, you have to appear on The Big Bang Theory? I mean, that’s what it’s looking like! Sara Gilbert has made many appearances on shows such as 24, Will & Grace, and Private Practice. Since 2010, she’s also been the co-host and executive producer of The Talk, a talk show. On TBBT, she was downgraded to a guest role as the producers just couldn’t come up with any new material for her character.
Sara Gilbert As Leslie Winkle
Mayim Bialik as Amy Fowler
Of course the incredibly intelligent Amy Fowler makes the list! And guys, Mayim Bialik is probably as smart, or smarter, than her character. Bialik has a B.S. degree in neuroscience, minors in Hebrew and Jewish studies, and also a Ph.D in neuroscience. Yeah, she’s that smart! The 41 year old feminist has earned four nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award.
Mayim Bialik As Amy Fowler
Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz
Meet Howard Wolowitz, an engineer and astronaut who had a very overbearing mother. Eventually he gets hitched to Bernadette and his character development is one for the history books. The 36 year old was also nominated for a Golden Globe for the 2016 film Florence Foster Jenkins. Moreover, Simon Helberg also works as a musician and comedian.
Simon Helberg As Howard Wolowitz
Laura Spencer as Emily Sweeney
Emily Sweeney, the dermatologist, made her appearance in season seven and she dated Raj for a bit. Plus, fans loved her odd sense of humor. I mean, it was really odd. Although 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. Once Kunal Nayyar graduated, he worked in American TV ads and plays in London. In 2015, Nayyar became a published author which details his career journey, Yes, My Accent is Real. Most impressive though is that Nayyar’s role on The Big Bang Theory 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 owner of The Comic Center of Pasdena? No one, that’s who. The 47 year old was promoted to series regular after season six. Sussman is also known for his role as Walter from Ugly Betty.
Kevin Sussman As Stuart Bloom
Alessandra Torresani as Claire
Screenwriter/bartender Claire dates Raj for a bit and the lovely Alessandra Torresani portrays her character. Before The Big Bang Theory, Torresani also appeared on JAG, ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Lucifer, and Husbands. The 30 year old has a black belt in taekwondo and has a film coming out in 2018 (Step Sisters).
Alessandra Torresani As Claire
Aarti Mann as Priya Koothrappali
Oh look, another connection to Raj. We’re on a roll. Priya Koothrappali is Raj’s younger sister and in season four, she secretly dates Leonard. Connecticut born and bred Aarti Mann has had roles on Heroes and Suits. Additionally the 39 year old has a degree in film writing and directing.
Aarti Mann As Priya Koothrappali
Sara Rue as Stephanie Barnett
Season two is when fans got to know Stephanie Barnett. She and Sheldon had quite the weird and brief relationship! Sara Rue is perhaps 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
Good ol’ Alex Jensen was Sheldon’s assistant and also a doctoral student at Caltech Physics. 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, Kurt is up next. However 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 and we all remember her short performance. Newhouse as 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
Surely you remember Alicia? She was the aspiring actress was living in the apartment directly above Leonard, Penny, and Sheldon. 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
Remember Christy, Penny’s friend from her hometown who was also engaged to her cousin? Yeah, that one. Since Brooke D’Orsay’s appearance in The Big Bang Theory, she has appeared in How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, and Royal Pains. Currently though the 35 year old is retired from acting.
Brooke D’Orsay As Christy Vanderbel
Steven Yeun as Sebastian
Now this one is for the true fans. Steven Yeun, AKA Sebastian, was Sheldon’s roommate BEFORE Leonard. And that’s almost too much to handle. Anyways, Sebastian and Sheldon didn’t get along all that much, hmm we wonder why? 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. Well, more like she was obsessed with Sheldon’s newly developed 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. Better yet, the boss of Leonard, Raj, and Sheldon. And even better, he’s dating Sheldon’s mom. In the real world, Mark Harelik is a playwright who has appeared in some amazing 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
Granted Captain Sweatpants isn’t much of a character in the show, per say. However he is still a massive part of the show’s storyline. Whenever he’s on-screen, he’s wearing sweatpants and some superhero t-shirt. In his career, Rudolph has only ever had small roles, but The Big Bang Thoery was his first credited role. Nice!
Ian Scott Rudolph As Captain Sweatpants
Eliza Dushku as Angela Page
Guys, we’re pretty sure this slayer needs no introduction. From being the kicka$$ slayer on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer to Dollhouse, and Bring It On, Eliza Dushku is a Goddess. (Can you tell we simply adore her?) While on on The Big Bang Theory, she plays an FBI agent who investigates Howard’s application to the Equipped Surveillance Satellite Team. The 37 year old recently became engaged to Peter Palandjian.
Eliza Dushku As Angela Page
Courtney Henggeler as Missy Cooper
It’s hard to imagine Sheldon having a sister, especially a fraternal sister. Alas he does and she is his polar opposite! Courtney Henggeler has appeared in a few shows but the series Mom, alongside Anna Faris and Allison Janney, is an impressive one. Apart from acing, this New Jersey girl is a model and singer as well.
Courtney Henggeler As Missy Cooper
John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke
There’s really no one we love to hate more than Barry Kripke Ph.D. 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
When you’ve got a Tony Award, amongst a number of other accolades to your name, we’d say you’re well known in Hollywood. The 65 year old actress is known on-screen and stage. Moreover the 15 time 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. Until season eight kicked off, Dr. Beverly played Leonard’s narcissistic, unloving, and seriously analytical mama, until Sheldon butted in of course.
Christine Baranski As Dr. Beverly Hofstadter
Carol Ann Susi as Debbie Wolowitz
While we never Debbie Wolowizt’s face, we knew her voice. Especially as Howard’s totally overbearing Jewish mother. Thanks to her loud New Jersey accent, Debbie the 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 is a very successful gynecologist in New Delhi, India and is Raj’s father. The Israeli-born British-Canadian has had a number of appearances in film and TV. And yes, he is Babu Bhatt, the Pakistani restaurateur from the series Seinfeld.
Brian George As Dr. V.M Koothrappali
Casey Sander as Mike Rostenkowski
Howard’s father-in-law and Bernadette’s dad is the one and only Mike Rostenkowski. Rostenkowski is a retired, tough cop and often 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
Raj’s mom is up next! “The Chameleon” is a British born actress who has appeared many times on television as a background actress. Some of her appearances include ER, Judging Amy, Presidio Med, The Good Girl, A Man Apart, and Outsourced.
Alice Amter As Mrs Koothrappali
Brian Thomas Smith as Zack Johnson
St. Louis, Missouri born and bred, Brian Thomas Smith is an actor and producer. The 41 year year old is well known for his works on on Danny Collins and The Wedding Party. Moreover Smith is a member of the sketch comedy troupe, The Exploding Pajamas.
Brian Thomas Smith As Zack Johnson
Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
51 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. And guys, her voice is legendary. Adlong 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 (which she’s also co-creator, writer, producer, and director of.)
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 also works as a science communicator, television presenter, and mechanical engineer – a jack of all trades!
Bill Nye As Himself
Carrie Fisher as Herself
We know, it’s a bittersweet feeling to see Carrie Fisher on this list. However 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! What a star filled episode! For about 60 years, Jones has created a legacy, one that refers to hims 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 to 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 – yeah, that’s one to watch. 53 year old Smith is well known as the long-running character Lisa Simpson from the The Simpsons. Aside from acting, she’s also a comedian and writer.
Yeardley Smith As Sandy
Octavia Spencer as Octavia
Probably the best, and most hilarious, DMV employee of all time? We’d say so. In the 2008 episode “The Euclid Alternative”, that was precisely the role Octavia Spencer played. While Octavic had made her film debut back in 1996, it was actually 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 for that role.
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. Most recently 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, on The Big Bang Theory. King is a highly regarded actress thanks to her roles as Brenda Jenkins on 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 name to become big news. Newhart has so many accolades that we could be here for hours listing them, just know that he’s an insanely actor. From 2013, he 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
Meet Howard Wolowitz’s Russian cosmonaut crew-mate, the one and only Dimitri! Before you ask, yes Pasha is indeed a Russian TV, film, voice, and theatre 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 in the season two episode “The Terminator Decoupling”, Summer Glau appeared as herself! No one does science fiction and fantasy television better than Glau. Okay, that might not be 100% true but it’s close enough. Glau has 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
The great 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”
At the age of 17, Jodi O’Keefe graced our screens as Cassidy Bridges on Nash Bridges. Over the years, her roles in Prison Break and The Vampire Diaries are what she’s best known for now. The 39 year old appeared on The Big Bang Theory in the 2009 episode titled “The Vegas Renormalization” as Mikayla the prostitute.
Jodi Lyn OKeefe As Mikayla The Escort
April Bowlby as Rebecca
Failed actress turned personal trainer who is also dating Caltech employee Bert – we must be talking about the blonde bombshell Rebecca. Believe it or not but Bert was the one who ended the relationship! April Bowlby is also known as the ditsy, cute wife of Alan on Two and a Half Men. Moreover for five years she starred on Drop Dead Diva and has since appeared in From Prada to Nada, Married By Christmas, and A Mother’s Crime.
April Bowlby As Rebecca
Analeigh Tipton as Herself
Third place finisher on Cycle 11 of America’s Next Top Model, 29 year old Analeigh Tipton is an actress and fashion model. Tipson is also known for roles in Crazy, Stupid, Love, Warm Bodies, and Two Night Stand.
Analeigh Tipton As Herself
Katee Sackhoff as Herself
Lieutenant Kara “Starbuck” Thrace from Battlestar Galactica also appeared as Wolowitz’s dream girl. Sackhoff has had a number of minor and major roles throughout her career, most recently she has a reoccurring role on The Flash as the villainess Amunit.
Katee Sackhoff As Herself
Kate Micucci as Lucy
Let’s admit it, Lucy and Raj were a cute couple! Both were just so equally awkward and plain, and fans wished they stayed together. 37 year old Kate Micucci has done tons of voice over work for films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Scooby Doo. Currently 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
Pretty sure we don’t need to tell you who Kaley Cuoco, AKA Penny, is! With her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this 31 year old has founded Yes, Norman Productions. Plus on Cuoco’s 32nd birthday, her boyfriend Karl Cook popped the question! Watch the video on any social media platform, but get the tissues out!
Kaley Cuoco As Penny Hofstadter
Melissa Rauch as Bernadette Wolowitz
2009 is when Melissa Rauch was cast as Bernadette and the rest is history. Although she started out as just a regular contributor to VH1’s Best Week Ever. Recently she voiced Harley Quinn in the animated film Batman and Harley Quinn. Rauch also was the voice of Light Thief in Blaze and the Monster Machines in 2017.
Melissa Rauch As Bernadette Wolowitz