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The CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory has staying power, and it’s been one of the highest-rated shows on TV for most of its run. Unfortunately for fans, Season 12 is the last season of The Big Bang Theory. Jim Parsons, who stars as Sheldon Cooper on the show, triggered the ending when he decided to walk away from his role. We’ll explore why he left, how much money he turned down, and where you’ll find him when the show ends.

Why Jim Parsons doesn’t want to play Sheldon Cooper anymore

Amy and Sheldon hug on a couch in The Big Bang Theory
The time felt right for Jim Parsons to stop playing Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. | CBS

Playing Sheldon Cooper altered Jim Parsons’ career. He had small TV roles, bit parts in movies, and an extended guest run on the TV show Judging Amy before the show, but nothing on the level of The Big Bang Theory.

Despite all the positives, Parsons decided to quit the show for one reason — it was the right time.

“I guess at a personal level, it feels like the right time in my life,” he said in an Entertainment Weekly interview. “I don’t know what’s next for me. It’s not like there is something specific I am aiming for. I’m firmly in my middle age now. I don’t know how much longer I can wear [the T-shirts] without looking really long in the tooth. In a way, it’s exciting. What is this next chapter of life? What is this next chapter for all of us? It will be very, very sad when it does end, even knowing [I am] okay with it.”

Parsons walked away from a lot of money by leaving The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory
Parsons could have earned $50 million for two more seasons of The Big Bang Theory. | CBS

We can’t fault an actor, especially one like Parsons who’s been playing the same character for so long, for wanting to try something new. However, he left a small fortune on the table when he declined to sign on for Seasons 13 and 14.

So what’s the crazy amount of money Jim Parsons turned down by quitting The Big Bang Theory? CBS reportedly offered him something in the neighborhood of $50 total for two more seasons.

Where you’ll be able to see him when the show ends

Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons has projects lined up for when The Big Bang Theory ends. | Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Jim Parsons could retire and live off the money he earned for The Big Bang Theory, but he won’t be idle when the show ends.

He started branching out from playing Sheldon Cooper when he appeared in the 2019 Ted Bundy movie Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile.

Parsons’ on-screen plans after The Big Bang Theory look a little thin, but he has other work lined up. He’s planning to work on a sitcom called The Inn Crowd for NBC, according to BBC America.

Producing and starring in The Legend of  Georgia McBride is also on Parsons’ plate post-Big Bang, according to E! News.

Parsons also is a producer for Young Sheldon, which is a spinoff show of The Big Bang Theory, and he could continue in that role without actually playing Sheldon Cooper again.

Jim Parson’s net worth is jaw-dropping

Jim Parsons
He doesn’t need to work another day in his life. | Getty Images/Nicholas Hunt

You don’t have to be an accountant to know Jim Parsons is extremely wealthy. The TV math is pretty simple: Several years on a hit show plus $1 million paydays equals a jaw-dropping fortune.

Parsons’ net worth is $80 million, which is impressive considering he chose to take a pay cut so The Big Bang Theory co-stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch could make more money.

We expect Parsons’ fortune will keep growing in the future. It’s almost guaranteed he makes money from the show’s syndication, and that could mean as much as $20 million a year for as long as The Big Bang Theory reruns are on the air.

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