When The Big Bang Theory aired for the first time on September 24, 2007, little did the fans know how popular the show would be over the next 12 years. A star-studded cast that features Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, and many more.
Sheldon Cooper, Leonard Hofstadter, and Penny in The Big Bang Theory. Credits: CBS Entertainment
While the show has been revolving around its seven main characters, it also features several side characters that have had a subtle yet pivotal influence on the sitcom. From Mrs. Wolowitz to Priya Koothrappali, there are several names that have forever been tied to the show.
These supporting characters were part of the sitcom for some time and gradually made their exit. However, there was one exception in the series, who became a part of the main cast after he improvised a scene that featured Kaley Cuoco’s Penny.
Kevin Sussman’s Improvised Moment With Kaley Cuoco Changed The Big Bang Theory
The peculiar antics of Sheldon Cooper and his friends, played by Jim Parsons, and navigating relationships, love, and life are what made Bill Prady and Chuck Lorre’s The Big Bang Theory so iconic. For the most part, the show was defined by the main cast. However, there was one improvised moment between Kevin Sussman’s Stuart Bloom and Kaley Cuoco’s Penny that changed the faith of the supporting character.
Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom. Credits: CBS Entertainment
Sussman’s character was introduced in the second season of the show, where he is the owner of a comic book shop. He made his debut during the second season, where he befriended Cooper and his comic book-obsessed friends.
He later became a part of the main cast when he decided to improvise a scene by adding an unwritten line that was extremely well-received by the fans. While sitting on a panel at the 2021 Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show via Roster Con, he stated that his initial role in the show was to be just another normal guy.
A still from The Big Bang Theory. Credits: CBS Entertainment
The decision to showcase him as unlucky and heartbroken was made after he whispered “I love you” to Penny in Season 3 Episode 07, titled The Guitarist Amplification. This weird interaction between the two characters convinced the writers to showcase his “undying love of Penny.” Sussman said,
From that point on is when they started, they sort of caught on to this whole Stuart vibe where Stuart sort of regresses because he started as a normal person and then he gets more and more desperate and his undying love of Penny.
Bloom’s depressing behavior and antics as a failed lover during the tenure of the show became more prominent when he dated both Penny and Mayim Bialik’s Amy Farrah Fowler, which brought nothing but more heartache. His actions always made the viewers laugh, and being added to the main cast added to the show’s fan following.
Kevin Sussman Was Set To Portray The Role of a Core Member of TBBT
Simon Helberg is known for his portrayal of Howard Wolowitz over the 12 seasons of the show, where he is synonymous with the character. Although he was hesitant at first to take on the role, he later agreed to take on the role of the aerospace engineer. However, that was not the case at first.
Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz in TBBT. Credits: CBS Entertainment
In the book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff via ScreenRant, it was mentioned how Howard Wolowitz was written for the Sussman. Though the actor was celebrating with his manager, he could not portray the role because Ugly Betty and the network would not release him. Bill Prady said,
The part of Wolowitz was written for Kevin. We loved him, especially after he first came in and auditioned for Leonard in the first pilot. [ABC] wouldn’t let Kevin out of his contract, even though his arc on Ugly Betty was done at the time.
Ken Miller, the casting director of the sitcom, added,
ABC had an option on Kevin and wouldn’t release him. And then the sad part is, he was never on Ugly Betty after that again. They kept him from getting that role on Big Bang.
Both the roles of the respective actors in the show were memorable, and it feels extremely absurd to even imagine someone else portraying the role. However, it would have been somewhat interesting how the Heavy Patting actor would have helmed the role.
The Big Bang Theory can be streamed on Max.
