22. Jim Parsons: Then
When Parsons first auditioned for Sheldon Cooper, he did so well that they had to have him back to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t. He nailed the second audition too. Although some nuances have changed about Sheldon since the first few episodes, his suggestively-autistic character resonated with audiences. The network denies that his character has Asperger’s, but Parsons has admitted he plays Sheldon that way in secret. Audiences tune in to see what ironic print t-shirt Sheldon will wear—he has a closet of them—and to hear him say his signature catchphrase, “Bazinga.”
21. Jim Parsons: Now
While Parsons was unknown prior to TBBT, in the years since the show started he’s developed a following and reputation. His work on the movies Hidden Figures and Dallas Buyers Club showed audiences that he could do more than Sheldon Cooper. Although Sheldon dates the character of Amy on the show, in real life Parsons is gay, but that’s hardly his most important attribute. Parson’s reputation for being easy to work with and talented will keep him busy for years after TBBT goes off the air. For playing Sheldon so well, Parsons has won several Emmys and a Golden Globe Award, not to mention other awards from other organizations, too many to mention here.
20. Kaley Cuoco: Then
Played by Amanda Walsh in the unaired pilot for the show, the character of Penny has been the third leg of this tripod since the beginning. Kaley Cuoco has played Penny since the first aired episode of the show. When audiences first met her, she was working at The Cheesecake Factory as a server. Penny lived the classic actor’s life. As she was immediately the target of Leonard’s affections, audiences have waited with bated breath for the couple to consummate their romance.