Is ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast Struggling to Find Work?
For several of the hit show’s main cast members, including Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, and Kaley Cuoco, acting opportunities outside ‘TBBT’ seem thin
The Big Bang Theory has been one of the most-watched network shows since it premiered back in 2007. With the season finale now less than a month away, fans are curious as to where they can expect to see the actors and actresses they have fallen in love with over the last twelve years.
The Big Bang Theory cast, originally consisting of five main players, including Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, and Kaley Cuoco – while famous for portraying socially inept physicists and the pretty girl next door – may be struggling to find work outside of the CBS original.
While Jim Parsons has been a successful stage and screen actor during his time with the show, starring on Broadway in The Boys in the Band, as well as the HBO movie The Normal Heart, A Kid Like Jake, and Pete the Cat, the rest of the cast members may not be so fortunate moving forward.
Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar’s on-screen prospects seem inexistent
While Johnny Galecki stars in The Conners, reprising his role as David Healy, his IMDb page otherwise seems bleak. The Big Bang Theory was Galecki’s “big break” after Roseanne, for – before the CBS original – he starred in several movies and TV shows, yet always in relatively small roles (or as a voice actor).
A likely problem Galecki may encounter: in both The Conners and The Big Bang Theory, he plays a socially awkward individual, which could mean it’s difficult for casting directors to imagine him donning a different suit.
Both Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar, according to IMDb, have no other projects on the horizon. While it’s more than possible that the actors plan to take a break following the series finale (or carry out some behind the scenes work, as Helberg has done in the past), it’s also possible that they simply cannot find on-screen work outside of the show.
These actors have been portraying these characters for years and, aside from Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco, many did not seize the opportunity to spread their wings during the show’s successful run (possibly when on a hiatus); thus, they did not safeguard their future careers in acting.
The entertainment business is a fickle industry. When you play a character for so long, it’s wise to show the world that you are capable of more before waiting for the show’s finale, at which point, the action feels more mandatory and less inspired by the desire to grow.
Kaley Cuoco’s struggle remains the same (difficulties landing and succeeding in major film roles)
Kaley Cuoco, during her time with The Big Bang Theory, starred in a few comedic film roles and worked as a voice actor for a handful of family-friendly animated movies, such as Alvin and the Chimpmunks. However, Kaley Cuoco has failed to star in a critically successful film (voice work aside).
The actress has been the subject of great criticism, as many feel she charges too much money, yet fails to deliver on the star power her presence should warrant. Kaley Cuoco is often asked to play supporting roles in independent films, as many casting directors feel she can’t adequately carry the lead; she is set to star in a TV movie titled The Flight Attendant and will provide the voice for Harley Quinn in a TV series.
While working on The Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco starred in The Wedding Ringer and Author’s Anonymous, both of which opened to extremely negative critical and audience reviews.
Jim Parsons will be just fine
For all of you Sheldon fans out there, don’t worry about Jim Parsons. He will be just fine. Jim Parsons is a strong actor on and off The Big Bang Theory. He has starred in roles completely disparate from the socially awkward physicist he plays on the show and is set to reprise his role as Michael for the Netflix remake of The Boys in the Band.
Jim Parsons has arguably been the most successful compared to his co-stars; he has acted in title roles outside of the show and has been the subject of great critical acclaim for both his CBS character and the other characters he has portrayed.
