This Hollywood A-Lister Agreed to Do a TBBT Cameo Because of… His Mom
The Big Bang Theory had some of the most unexpected actors guest-star, but the story behind this cameo appearance is the sweetest one yet.
In season 8 episode 7 titled The Misinterpretation Agitation, Billy Bob Thornton graced our screens with his unlikely presence, prompting fans to ask themselves just how big of a budget The Big Bang Theory actually had.
No wonder the viewers were confused. Thornton is a Hollywood A-lister with an Oscar and not who you would expect to turn up in a sitcom (not that there is anything wrong with that). Turns out, The Big Bang Theory has scored such a celebrity on the account of his mother being a huge fan of the show.
In an old interview, Thornton mentioned that his mom loved The Big Bang Theory, and then in another one, he admitted that he was fond of the series too. This caught showrunner Steven Molaro’s eye at some point, which is why he decided to get in touch with the star’s manager and offer the actor a guest role, asking him to make a cameo appearance for his mom’s sake (via EW).
Delighted at the prospect, Thornton agreed, and Molaro created the part of Dr. Oliver Lorvis specifically for him. The character was meant to be “a socially awkward doctor” falling for Penny who just flirted with him to make a sale, and the role fitted the star like a glove!
By the way, Thornton’s guest appearance was kept secret until the episode’s release, as it was envisioned as a surprise for The Big Bang Theory’s fans. The viewers ended up freaking out over the actor’s cameo role, cementing Thornton as the most beloved guest star on the show in the years to come.
Doesn’t it blow your mind that all this was possible solely because Billy Bob Thornton’s mom loved the show so much?
Source: EW