Played By: Aarti Mann
Like the actors that play her parents, Aarti Mann’s role on The Big Bang Theory was expanded after originally being planned for a smaller part. After studying theater at NYU, Mann appeared in a film directed by her sister, Kruti Majmudar, called The Memsahib, and she has also appeared on Heroes.
Character: Rajesh Koothrappali
Despite his good looks, Rajesh “Raj” Koothrappali has not been lucky in love on The Big Bang Theory. In fact, the astrophysicist used to need a drink in order to talk to women, but he’s at least moved past that phase.
Played By: Kunal Nayyar
London-born, New Delhi-raised Kunal Nayyar came to the U.S. to study business at the University of Portland. However, his passion for acting won out and The Big Bang Theory was one of his first big roles. He’s married to fashion designer Neha Kapur Nayyar and is an experienced golfer.
Character: Penny
Aspiring actress, former Cheesecake Factory waitress and current pharmaceuticals sales rep Penny started off the series as a stereotypical “dumb blonde” across the hall from the nerdy quartet of scientists. But she’s often the voice of reason and stand-in for the TV audience when it comes to comprehending the show’s scientific world. (We also have never found out Penny’s last name.)
Played By: Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco is now one of TV’s top-paid actresses, earning $1 million per episode like her co-stars Parsons and Galecki. She’s an avid equestrian and used to be an accomplished tennis player. She and ex-husband Karl Cook shared a love of horses, as he’s a professional equestrian, but they divorced in 2022.
Character: Howard Wolowitz
Constantly teased by Sheldon for being “only an engineer,” Howard Wolowitz also managed to become an astronaut more than halfway into the series. He’s now married to Bernadette, who has always been a bit out of his league. They have two little kids together.
Played By: Simon Helberg
Simon Helberg, who has a decidedly less dorky haircut in real life, is married to actress Jocelyn Towne. Along with Galecki and Parsons, Helberg has gone behind the TV camera to launch other shows.
Character: Amy Farrah Fowler
Amy Farrah Fowler came on The Big Bang Theory as an online date for Sheldon Cooper and became a series regular. She and Sheldon tied the knot in the eleventh season finale. Her neurobiologist character wears dowdy jumpers but has a “wild” streak — or so she thinks.
Played By: Mayim Bialik
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Best known for her starring role in Blossom during the ’90s, Mayim Bialik is a brain in real life — she earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience at UCLA!
She has been outspoken on a number of issues including parenting, depression, modesty in Hollywood and her Jewish faith. She has also published several books, including one about attachment parenting and a vegan cookbook.
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