Only One Big Bang Theory Star Knew Parsons Was Thinking About Leaving
Jim Parsons shared his secret with his closest co-star.
Back in 2018, when it was officially announced that season 12 of the nerd-centric sitcom The Big Bang Theory would be its last, many fans were devastated by the news. And it turns out the cast was shocked by the announcement, too. Well, everyone except one.
With the show's unprecedented success, it could easily go on for several more seasons. But lead star Jim Parsons, who played fan-favorite genius physicist Sheldon Cooper, was out of contract after season 12 and had no intention of renewing it. Without Sheldon, the sitcom couldn't continue, so the creators decided to end it.
But before the sad news hit the Internet, Parsons had to break it to his co-stars.
The meeting where Parsons did it has become one of the most emotional and tragic moments in the behind-the-scenes history of The Big Bang Theory. According to Jessica Radloff's book about the show, when the cast arrived for the meeting, they had no idea it would be the beginning of the end. Parsons hadn't warned his friends beforehand.
Well, actually, there was one co-star who came prepared.
Parsons had discussed his plans with Simon Helberg, who was his closest friend on the set of the show. Their friendship started with sharing adjacent dressing rooms and grew over the years.
When Parsons was asked who he would miss the most, the actor didn't skip a beat saying it would be Helberg and their deep conversations. Apparently, those conversations were about all sorts of things, including plans for the future.
Radloff's book revealed that not only was Helberg aware of Parsons' decision but that he was also considering leaving the show with him if it were to be picked up after Season 12. And while other co-stars were heartbroken and shocked after the infamous meeting and criticized the way Jim handled his exit, Helberg stood by his longtime friend.
He stated in the interview for the book that he disagreed that it was Parsons who ended the show. The Sheldon actor was simply honoring the contract and had the right not to renew it.
Fortunately, the rest of the cast eventually came around to Jim Parsons' decision and delivered brilliant performances for the final season, giving fans one of the best finales in television history.