Before her tenure in The Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco was notable for her stint in 8 Simple Rules, in which she starred opposite sitcom icon John Ritter, who played Cuoco’s onscreen father Paul. However, their bond wasn’t confined to their gigs on the show, as Cuoco has continued to gush about her time with the actor, who tragically passed away in 2003.
Although her connection with Ritter would come in handy during one guest star’s appearance in The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco wasn’t the lone TBBT cast that shared a personal bond with the TV legend.
Simon Helberg and Kaley Cuoco Had a Personal Connection to John Ritter
Before the two met on the set of the Chuck Lorre-led show, it seems Kaley Cuoco and Simon Helberg had already met once, courtesy of John Ritter. Given Helberg’s friendship with the TV icon’s son, Jason Ritter, with whom he went to college, the Annette star was somewhat familiar with Cuoco, who was involved in 8 Simple Rules at the time.
Jason Ritter has been one of my best friends since our NYU days. His dad, John Ritter, played Kaley’s Father on the show. I met Kaley again when we tested for our Big Bang Roles.
Reflecting on their mutual connection to the Three’s Company star, Cuoco spoke highly of Simon Helberg, adding (via CinemaBlend):
Simon was such a great connection to John, so he loved John as much as I did.
While Helberg was the lone member of the main cast other than Cuoco, who had a connection with Ritter, her admiration for her 8 Simple Rules costar ended up ameliorating Billy Bob Thornton’s brief stay in TBBT.
Kaley Cuoco and Billy Bob Thornton Bonded Over Their Love for John Ritter
Similar to Cuoco, Billy Bob Thornton had a working history with Ritter, as the duo initially starred together in Hearts Afire and later joined forces for the cult classic Bad Santa.
Even though The Flight Attendant star had no prior connection with Billy Bob Thornton, during the latter’s guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory, the duo bonded over their shared love for John Ritter.
I was really excited when Billy Bob Thornton guest-starred on Big Bang because John was best friends with Billy Bob. I had never met him before he came on Big Bang, so when he came on the show, I was like, ‘I have to talk to you about John.’ His whole face lit up and we connected on this really sweet level of reminiscing about him.
While it has been over two decades since Ritter’s untimely passing, Cuoco has continued to celebrate the TV icon, whom she deemed the most influential person in her life.
8 Simple Rules is available to stream on Disney Plus.
