The Cast ofThe Big Bang Theory: Where Are They Now?

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper, Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler, Johnny Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter and Kaley Cuoco as Penny on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ in 2017.Photo:Monty Brinton/CBS

Monty Brinton/CBS

The Big Bang Theorywasn’t just appealing to science nerds.From its September 2007 debut to itsemotional two-part series finalein May 2019, the sitcom delighted viewers with quirky humor and idiosyncratic characters. It put star power behind future household namesKaley Cuoco,Jim Parsons,Mayim BialikandJohnny Galecki, each of whom has become successful in their respective career paths.The CBS show proved that America’s gang of awkward science geeks could withstand the test of time, scoring 10 Emmy wins along the way. During the final taping in front of a live studio audience, Galecki described filming the past 12 seasons as “a dream come true,” adding, “You’ve been the best fans.“ThoughThe Big Bang Theoryended, its mark on pop culture has remained forever in the hearts of its loyal viewers, even spawning the spinoff sequelYoung Sheldonin 2017 based on Parsons' character,Sheldon Cooper.From an unlikely on- and off-screen romance to costar reunions, see what the cast of the hit comedy is up to now.

The Big Bang Theorywasn’t just appealing to science nerds.

From its September 2007 debut to itsemotional two-part series finalein May 2019, the sitcom delighted viewers with quirky humor and idiosyncratic characters. It put star power behind future household namesKaley Cuoco,Jim Parsons,Mayim BialikandJohnny Galecki, each of whom has become successful in their respective career paths.

The CBS show proved that America’s gang of awkward science geeks could withstand the test of time, scoring 10 Emmy wins along the way. During the final taping in front of a live studio audience, Galecki described filming the past 12 seasons as “a dream come true,” adding, “You’ve been the best fans.”

ThoughThe Big Bang Theoryended, its mark on pop culture has remained forever in the hearts of its loyal viewers, even spawning the spinoff sequelYoung Sheldonin 2017 based on Parsons' character,Sheldon Cooper.

From an unlikely on- and off-screen romance to costar reunions, see what the cast of the hit comedy is up to now.

01of 07Jim Parsons as Sheldon CooperJim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Robert Voets/CBS; Michael Yarish/CBSParsons starred onThe Big Bang Theoryas the eccentric, high-IQ Sheldon Cooper. For his performance, Parsons received four PrimetimeEmmy Awardsfor outstanding lead actor in a comedy series and theGolden Globe Awardfor best actor in a television series musical or comedy. However, after 12 seasons, Parsons wasready to move on.During his run on the series, Parsons kept busy with other projects, starring inThe Big Year(2011), The Muppets(2012), Hidden Figures(2016) andExtremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile(2019).Parsons has stuck around in theBig Bang Theoryuniverse, where he executive produced and narratedYoung Sheldon, whichconcluded after seven seasonsin May 2024.The actor has racked up additional producing credits on the Emmy-nominated dramaSpecialand the Fox sitcomCall Me Kat,featuring his former costar, Bialik. In 2020, he earned another Emmy nomination for his performance in the Netflix miniseriesHollywood.Parsons has also enjoyed a decades-long career in theater, notably leading the 2018Tony Award-winning Broadway revival production ofThe Boys in the Band, later adapted as a feature film for Netflix in 2020. Additionally, he appeared inMother PlayandOur Townon Broadway in 2024.In 2012, Parsonscame out as gayin aNew York Times' profile story, where he discussed his longtime partnership with his then-boyfriend, art directorTodd Spiewak, whom hemarried in 2017 after 14 years together.

01of 07

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Robert Voets/CBS; Michael Yarish/CBS

Parsons starred onThe Big Bang Theoryas the eccentric, high-IQ Sheldon Cooper. For his performance, Parsons received four PrimetimeEmmy Awardsfor outstanding lead actor in a comedy series and theGolden Globe Awardfor best actor in a television series musical or comedy. However, after 12 seasons, Parsons wasready to move on.

During his run on the series, Parsons kept busy with other projects, starring inThe Big Year(2011), The Muppets(2012), Hidden Figures(2016) andExtremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile(2019).

Parsons has stuck around in theBig Bang Theoryuniverse, where he executive produced and narratedYoung Sheldon, whichconcluded after seven seasonsin May 2024.The actor has racked up additional producing credits on the Emmy-nominated dramaSpecialand the Fox sitcomCall Me Kat,featuring his former costar, Bialik. In 2020, he earned another Emmy nomination for his performance in the Netflix miniseriesHollywood.

Parsons has also enjoyed a decades-long career in theater, notably leading the 2018Tony Award-winning Broadway revival production ofThe Boys in the Band, later adapted as a feature film for Netflix in 2020. Additionally, he appeared inMother PlayandOur Townon Broadway in 2024.

In 2012, Parsonscame out as gayin aNew York Times' profile story, where he discussed his longtime partnership with his then-boyfriend, art directorTodd Spiewak, whom hemarried in 2017 after 14 years together.

02of 07

Johnny Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter

Johnny Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Robert Voets/CBS; Bill Inoshita/CBS

Galecki played experimental physicist and Sheldon’s best friend, Leonard Hofstadter, a role that landed him an Emmy nomination in 2011 and severalScreen Actors Guild Awardnominations as part of the show’s ensemble.

On the series, Galecki concurrently appeared onEntourageand in films such as 2008’sHancockalongsideWill Smithand 2011’sIn TimewithAmanda SeyfriedandJustin Timberlake.Hewould later reprise his role as David Healy on the 2018Roseannereboot,calling it a “very emotional” experienceafter first joining the series back in 1992.Since returning for the reboot, Galecki has taken a step back from acting.

From 2008 to 2009, Galeckidated costar and on-screen girlfriend-turned-wife Cuoco, much to their fans' delight during his run onThe Big Bang Theory. They split amicably andremain close friends(andplatonic plus-ones at award shows).

03of 07

Kaley Cuoco as Penny

Kaley Cuoco as Penny on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Robert Voets/CBS; Sonja Flemming/CBS

OnThe Big Bang Theory, Cuoco played the extroverted, aspiring actressPenny, who lives next door and eventually dates and marries Leonard. During her time on the show, Cuoco appeared in 2008’sKiller Movieand 2011’sThe Penthouse; she also hosted thePeople’s Choice Awardsin 2012 and 2013.

AfterThe Big Bang Theorywrapped, Cuoco joined the DC Universe in 2019, voicing the titular character of the animatedHarley Quinnseries and serving as an executive producer.

In 2021, it was announced that Cuoco would star in and executive produce a limited series,Doris Day: Her Own Story. Additionally, Cuoco led and produced films like 2022’sMeet Cuteand 2024’sRole Play. Since 2023, she has starred opposite Chris Messina on Peacock’s comedy thrillerBased on a True Story.

After herbreakup with Galecki, Cuocoannounced her engagementin 2011 to Josh “Lazie” Resnik, an addiction specialist. The couple ended their engagement five months later, and shebecame engagedto professional tennis playerRyan Sweetingshortly after.

Cuoco and Sweetingtied the knotin 2013 after three months of dating butdivorced after 21 months of marriagein 2016. Later that year, she began dating professional equestrianKarl Cook. Theywed at a horse stablenear San Diego in June 2018 but separated in September 2021. Cuoco and Cookfinalized their divorcein June 2022.

04of 07

Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz

Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Michael Yarish/CBS (2)

While onThe Big Bang Theory,Helberg appeared in the 2009 critically acclaimed Coen brothers' filmA Serious Manand alongsideMeryl Streepin 2016’sFlorence Foster Jenkins. SinceThe Big Bang Theorywrapped, Helberg starred oppositeAdam Driverin 2021’sAnnetteand appeared inAs They Made UsandSpace Oddityin 2022.

In 2007, Helberg married actressJocelyn Towne, with whom heshares two children: daughter Adeline and son Wilder.

05of 07

Kunal Nayyar as Raj Koothrappali

Kunal Nayyar as Raj Koothrappali on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Sonja Flemming/CBS ; Michael Yarish/CBS

Kunal Nayyarplayed the socially anxious Raj Koothrappali, particle astrophysicist and BFF to Leonard.

During his time on the show, Nayyar participated in other projects, including voice work for the 2012 animated featureIce Age: Continental Driftand the Nickelodeon seriesSanjay and Craig.He’s also voiced Guy Diamond in theTrollsfilm franchise, including 2020’sTrolls World Tourand 2023’sTrolls Band Together.

In 2015, Nayyar published his first book,Yes, My Accent is Real: And Some Other Things I Haven’t Told You, where he provides an account of his upbringing and career through a collection of self-deprecating essays. Nayyar returned to theater in 2015 in an Off-Broadway production ofJesse Eisenberg’sThe Spoils.

Nayyar has beenmarried to actress-model Neha Kapursince 2011.

06of 07

Melissa Rauch as Bernadette Rostenkowski

Melissa Rauch as Bernadette Rostenkowski on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Michael Yarish/CBS (2)

Melissa Rauchentered theBig Bang Theoryuniverse on season 3 as squeaky-voiced, fiery microbiologist Bernadette Rostenkowski, who began dating Howard soon after joining the friend group. She boasts many acting credits in addition to her part as Bernadette, including roles onTrue BloodandThe Officeand in films like 2009’sI Love You, Manand 2019’sOde to Joy.

She co-wrote, co-produced and starred in 2015’sThe Bronze,which premiered at theSundance Film Festivalto critical acclaim. Rauch went on to provide the voice for Harley Quinn in the 2017 animated filmBatman and Harley Quinn.In 2019, the actress published a children’s book,The Tales of Tofu,which she wrote in conjunction with House Foods America, reflecting her passion for healthy eating.

Rauch is married to writerWinston Beigel, with whom she co-wroteThe Bronze.The couple share two children: daughterSadieand sonBrooks.

07of 07Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah FowlerMayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Sonja Flemming/CBS; Robert Voets/CBSBialik made herBig Bang Theorydebut on season 3 as Amy, a neurobiologist who joined the gang under the pretense ofbeing a potential love matchfor Sheldon via an online dating site. The two characters eventuallywed during the season 11 finale, but not before facing serious ups and downs in their relationship.Before joining the show, Bialik starred as the titular character on NBC’sBlossomin the ’90s. She also enjoyed a successful career as a voiceover actress, with credits on shows likeKim Possible, Hey Arnold!andJohnny Bravo.While filmingThe Big Bang Theory,Bialik worked on other projects, including hosting a season-long reboot ofCandid Camerain 2014 and appearing in the 2015 Lifetime holiday flickThe Flight Before Christmas. She also directed, wrote and produced the 2022 filmAs They Made Us, starring herBig Bang Theorycostar Helberg.From 2020 to 2023, Bialik led the cast ofCall Me Kat,on which she was also an executive producer alongside Parsons. Bialik first began guest hostingJeopardy!in 2021; she waspromoted to host, a role sheshared with Ken Jenningsuntil 2023.In addition to acting, Bialik is an author and academic. She haswritten and co-written books, includingBeyond the Sling,Girling UpandBoying Up,relating to the science behind parentingand growing up. In 2017, following theHarvey Weinsteinsexual abuse allegations, Bialik penned aNew York Timesop-edabout being a woman in the entertainment industry. She also founded a website,GrokNation, promoting discussions of contemporary issues and social change.In 2003, Bialik married Michael Stone, with whom she sharestwo sons,Miles Rooseveltand Frederick Heschel. After nearly a decade of marriage, Stone and Bialikfinalized their divorcein 2013. She has since been dating writer, poet and producerJonathan Cohen. Together, they co-host the podcastMayim Bialik’s Breakdown.

07of 07

Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler

Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.Sonja Flemming/CBS; Robert Voets/CBS

Bialik made herBig Bang Theorydebut on season 3 as Amy, a neurobiologist who joined the gang under the pretense ofbeing a potential love matchfor Sheldon via an online dating site. The two characters eventuallywed during the season 11 finale, but not before facing serious ups and downs in their relationship.

Before joining the show, Bialik starred as the titular character on NBC’sBlossomin the ’90s. She also enjoyed a successful career as a voiceover actress, with credits on shows likeKim Possible, Hey Arnold!andJohnny Bravo.

While filmingThe Big Bang Theory,Bialik worked on other projects, including hosting a season-long reboot ofCandid Camerain 2014 and appearing in the 2015 Lifetime holiday flickThe Flight Before Christmas. She also directed, wrote and produced the 2022 filmAs They Made Us, starring herBig Bang Theorycostar Helberg.

From 2020 to 2023, Bialik led the cast ofCall Me Kat,on which she was also an executive producer alongside Parsons. Bialik first began guest hostingJeopardy!in 2021; she waspromoted to host, a role sheshared with Ken Jenningsuntil 2023.

In addition to acting, Bialik is an author and academic. She haswritten and co-written books, includingBeyond the Sling,Girling UpandBoying Up,relating to the science behind parentingand growing up. In 2017, following theHarvey Weinsteinsexual abuse allegations, Bialik penned aNew York Timesop-edabout being a woman in the entertainment industry. She also founded a website,GrokNation, promoting discussions of contemporary issues and social change.

In 2003, Bialik married Michael Stone, with whom she sharestwo sons,Miles Rooseveltand Frederick Heschel. After nearly a decade of marriage, Stone and Bialikfinalized their divorcein 2013. She has since been dating writer, poet and producerJonathan Cohen. Together, they co-host the podcastMayim Bialik’s Breakdown.

source: people.com