From Comedy to Drama: 10 Big Bang Theory Stars' Best Roles
Aching to see some familiar TBBT faces? These are the movies and shows for you.
Jim Parsons – Home (2015)
Jim Parsons, best known as the quirky theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper, lent his distinctive voice to the character of Oh in the 2015 animated film, Home. This film follows Oh, a lovable misfit from another planet who lands on Earth and forms an unlikely friendship with a girl named Tip.
With an impressive 64% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, Home charmed both children and adults alike with its warmth and humor. Rihanna, who provided the voice for Tip, also curated the film's soundtrack and it's a certified bop!
Kaley Cuoco – The Flight Attendant ( 2020)
After bidding farewell to Penny, Kaley Cuoco spread her wings in the thrilling series The Flight Attendant.
Cuoco plays Cassie Bowden, a flight attendant who wakes up in a hotel room next to a dead body with no memory of what happened. This gripping drama takes off with breakneck speed, twisting and turning with every episode.
The Flight Attendant won critical acclaim for Cuoco, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama. Cuoco also served as an executive producer on the show.
Johnny Galecki – The Opposite of Sex (1998)
Prior to his stint as Leonard Hofstadter, Johnny Galecki made waves in the indie comedy-drama The Opposite of Sex. Galecki plays Jason Bock, a gay law student caught up in the whirlwind of drama following the arrival of his brother's cynical, pregnant 16-year-old girlfriend.
The film was praised for its sharp humor and candid take on relationships, with Galecki standing out for his earnest performance. A fun little tidbit – Galecki's co-star Lisa Kudrow was still in the midst of her run on Friends during filming. Now that's a TBBT/Friends duo you won't see often!
Simon Helberg – Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)
Simon Helberg, who charmed audiences as the peculiar engineer Howard Wolowitz, flexed his dramatic muscles in the biographical comedy-drama Florence Foster Jenkins. Starring opposite Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, Helberg played Cosmé McMoon, the real-life pianist who accompanied the titular character, a wealthy socialite with a passion for music but a lack of talent.
Despite the film's comedic tones, Helberg imbued his performance with depth and subtlety, proving that his range extends beyond the realm of sitcoms. Helberg did his own piano playing in the film, showcasing his impressive musical talent.
Melissa Rauch – The Bronze (2015)
Melissa Rauch, known for her portrayal of microbiologist Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, took center stage in the rather raunchy sports-comedy The Bronze starring alongside the MCU 's Sebastian Stan. Rauch plays Hope Ann Greggory, a former gymnastics Bronze Medalist who still clings onto her past glory while living in her father's basement.
Rauch co-wrote the film with her husband, Winston Beigel, and her performance garnered a decent round of applause. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and while it didn't quite stick the landing at the box office, Rauch's performance was praised as a comedic tour de force.
Mayim Bialik – Call Me Kat (2021)
After playing neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler, Mayim Bialik stepped into the lead role of the sitcom Call Me Kat.
Bialik plays Kat, a single 39-year-old woman who struggles to prove to her mother—and to the world—that she can live a happy and fulfilling life. Despite the sitcom's mixed reviews, Bialik's performance has been praised for its charm and charisma.
The series is an American adaptation of the British sitcom Miranda, and here's a fun tidbit – Bialik is also a producer on the show, proving she's not just a neuroscientist on TV, but a force to be reckoned with behind the scenes as well.
Kunal Nayyar – Trolls (2016)
Known for his role as the good-natured astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali, Kunal Nayyar lent his voice to the character of Guy Diamond in the animated musical comedy Trolls. He plays a glittery, naked troll who communicates through autotune, which is as far from Raj as you can get! Nayyar's humorous performance, coupled with the film's infectious soundtrack, made Trolls a hit, grossing over $346 million worldwide.
A fun fact? Nayyar had to sing all his lines in the film due to his character's autotuned nature.
Jim Parsons – The Normal Heart (2014)
Taking a more dramatic turn, Jim Parsons reprised his stage role as Tommy Boatwright in the television film The Normal Heart. Set during the early days of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City, the film received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and stellar performances, with Parsons' heartbreaking portrayal of a Southern gay activist standing out.
The film has a rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.
Johnny Galecki – Prancer (1989)
Way before TBBT became a thing, a young Johnny Galecki took on the role of Billy Quinn in the Christmas movie Prancer. The film follows a little girl who finds a wounded reindeer she believes to be Santa's Prancer. Galecki, though in a supporting role, brings a nuanced performance that tugs at your heartstrings.
The film has become a seasonal classic and maintains a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Prancer was one of Galecki's first feature films, setting him on the path to stardom.
Kaley Cuoco – The Wedding Ringer (2015)
This was the first film Cuoco made following her run on The Big Bang Theory. Cuoco plays Gretchen Palmer, a bride-to-be whose fiancé hires a professional best man to impress her and her family. The film is a wild ride full of laughs, showcasing Cuoco's flair for comedy outside of her familiar sitcom territory.
The Wedding Ringer earned a decent $79 million at the box office, and Cuoco's performance was hailed as a comic delight.