How The Big Bang Theory Cast Has Changed Since Their First Season

CHARACTER: Leonard Hofstadter

Prior to starring in The Big Bang Theory, Galecki actually started his career on CBS in the 1987 miniseries Murder Ordained. 20 years later, Big Bang premiered on the same network, debuting on Sept. 24 of that year. Since the show’s premiere, Galecki has become one of the highest-paid actors on television. On a more personal note, Galecki and girlfriend Alaina Meyer will soon welcome their first child together.

CHARACTER: Sheldon Cooper

Since the premiere of The Big Bang Theory in 2007, Jim Parsons has captured the hearts of viewers around the world in his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper. For his work, Parsons has received four Emmys and one Golden Globe award. In Oct. 2018, Forbes announced that Parsons was the highest-paid TV actor in the world. This month, the actor celebrates his second wedding anniversary with husband Todd Spiewak.

CHARACTER: Penny

Just over two years after the series finale of 8 Simple Rules, Kaley Cuoco landed the role of Penny on The Big Bang Theory. For her work on the show, Cuoco has been nominated for many awards, even taking home a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedic TV Actress in 2015. The same year that TBBT premiered, Cuoco and co-star Galecki started a relationship, which ended two years later. They still remain close friends.

Later this year, Cuoco will celebrate her first wedding anniversary with husband Karl Cook.

CHARACTER: Raj Koothrappali

In 2007, Kunal Nayyar rose to fame as astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali. Since that time, Nayyar has become one of the highest-paid actors on TV, alongside Galecki and Parsons. Nayyar has been married to Neha Kapur since 2011.

CHARACTER: Howard Wolowitz

Two months before the premiere of The Big Bang Theory, Helberg married actress Jocelyn Towne. In May 2012, the couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Adeline. Two years later, the duo welcomed a son, Wilder Towne Helberg.

CHARACTER: Bernadette Rostenkowski

Melissa Rauch joined the cast of The Big Bang Theory in 2009 during the show’s third season, playing Bernadette Rostenkowski. Rauch has also appeared on episodes of True Blood and The Office over the years. She’s been married to writer Winston Rauch since 2007.

CHARACTER: Amy Farrah Fowler

Mayim Bialik became a household name for her starring role in Blossom, which aired from 1990 to 1995. In 2010, Bialik joined the cast of The Big Bang Theory on the show’s season three finale. Since starting on the series, Bialik has earned four Emmy nominations, one Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards win, as well as a win at the Critics Choice Television Awards.