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‘The Big Bang Theory’: 3 Things You Probably Forgot About Leonard Hofstadter

'The Big Bang Theory' was wildly successful for all 12-seasons of its run. Part of the allure was the detail that went into crafting the four main characters. So much work went into creating their personas that it's easy to forget some of the smaller details of each character. Do you remember that Leonard Hofstadter loved Superman, Dell computers and that he'd never celebrated his birthday?
by Andrea Francese
Published on
2 min read

The Big Bang Theory remains one of the longest-running sitcoms in history. Over 12 seasons, the writers shared a lot of information about the four main pals. So much so that it is easy to forget little details about Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon Cooper, Raj Koothrappali, and Howard Wolowitz. You’ve probably already forgotten these three random facts about Leonard.

Leonard and his pals were comic fans, but he had a special love for Superman

Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard were all huge comic book fans. Marvel seldom appeared on the series or in conversation, though. Instead, the main characters had a penchant for DC Comics. Fans often saw Sheldon donning merchandise that paid homage to the Flash. Leonard, on the other hand, preferred Superman.

Sheldon, Howard, Raj and Leonard stand around a case of comic books at Stuart's store in season 9 of 'The Big Bang Theory'
Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), Rajesh Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) and Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) | Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty Images

Leonard was such a huge fan that he owned more than 2,000 Superman comics and even used a Superman reference as his computer password. Sheldon once revealed that Leonard’s password was Kal-El. Kal-El is Superman’s real name.

The Big Bang Theory characters were all gadget aficionados, but Leonard was a Dell man

Leonard was not just loyal to comic book characters. While he seemed to enjoy all gadgets, he had a clear preference when it came to his computers. Leonard owned multiple Dell laptops during the show’s 12-season run. He mentioned at least two Dell laptops during the series.

Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Raj wait in line for a movie in the season 9 'The Big Bang Theory' episode, "The Line Substitution Solution"
The cast of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ | Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty Images

Leonard’s primary laptop was the Dell Adamo. Dell released the ultrathin laptop in 2009 as a Macbook competitor. According to Engadget, the company discontinued the laptop just two years later. Leonard was not a PC purist, though. While he owned Dell laptops, he also regularly used an iPad, so clearly, he was a fan of Apple, too.

Leonard didn’t celebrate his birthday until he was well into his 20s

The Big Bang Theory often mentioned Leonard’s troubled relationship with his mother in a comical way, but some of Beverly Hofstadter’s parenting choices were downright cruel. Leonard sadly revealed that he had never had a birthday celebration as a child. Leonard stated that his mother did not believe in celebrating birthdays because “being born was not an achievement.”

Beverly Hofstadter and Penny talk in the hallway of Leonard and Sheldon's apartment building in 'The Big Bang Theory'
Beverly Hofstadter (Christine Baranski) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) | Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images
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‘The Big Bang Theory’: Why Does Leonard Put Up With Sheldon?

His first birthday party took place the year he turned 28. “The Peanut Reaction,” the sixteenth episode of season one, revolves around Penny planning a surprise party for Leonard. In the end, Leonard didn’t get to celebrate his 28th birthday either because he was busy with Howard at the emergency room, but it’s the thought that counts. The gang never celebrated Leonard’s birthday again. 

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