We still love The Big Bang Theory cast and miss them, but did you ever wonder where the cast was before they became famous with the CBS show?
There’s not a single person who doesn’t know what The Big Bang Theory is. Cavemen too? Indeed, that Big Bang was slightly different than The Big Bang Theory we are discussing, but ours is no lesser a phenomenon. And with such a great cast, the CBS show became a more household phenomenon than any other. However, have you ever thought that the cast you consider your family was not always as popular? Did you ever wonder what they were doing before The Big Bang Theory happened for them?
Highlights:
- The Big Bang Theory cast before the Big Bang on CBS.
- Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley.
- Simon, Kunal Nayyar, and Mayim Bialik.
The Big Bang Theory cast before the Big Bang on CBS
The Big Bang on CBS happened in September 2007, and due to its interesting cast and characters, it soon became a 12-season long theory. TBBT consisted of 279 episodes and it concluded in May 2019.
Though regarded as one of the best sit-coms on American TV, The Big Bang Theory is stuffed with versed characters. The cast and characters like Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Penny (Kaley Cuoco Sweeting), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), and more have made TBBT something more than just a comedy. But from where did CBS mine out such stars, and what were they all up to before the Big Bang?

Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley
Though once The Big Bang Theory happened on CBS, we all began to calculate our intelligence levels against Sheldon Cooper, played by the lead cast member Jim Parsons. TBBT was the first big opportunity for Jim. Before TBBT, Parsons barely had any memorable acting job. Parsons’ first acting role job was on Ed, a TV series in 2002. Later, he pulled out a small role in Garden State in 2004, which was one of the several such tiny roles he played in early times.
Unlike Parsons, Johnny Galecki had already found his place in the industry before The Big Bang Theory. Galecki’s acting career dates back to 1987 when he debuted with CBS’s miniseries Murder Ordained. Galecki had several acting credits in his kitty by 1991, including films like Prancer, Backfield in Motion, and TV shows like American Dreamer, Blind Faith, Blossom, etc.
Kaley had an often-ignored debut in Quicksand: No Escape in 1992. She later played young Karin Carter in Virtuosity in 1995. Later in the years, she acted in various known movies like Picture Perfect, Toothless, Mr. Murder, etc. In years before to TBBT, Kaley stared in various known shows and movies including The Hollow, Lucky 13, Wasted, 8 Simple Rules, Brandy & Mr. Whiskers, etcetera.
Simon, Kunal Nayyar, and Mayim Bialik
Simon, Nayyar, and Mayim, who portray Howard, Raj, and Amy, respectively, are also the key cast members of The Big Bang Theory. Simon’s acting career began with a supporting role in the 1999 film Mumford. He kept constantly appearing on the big screen between 2000 to TBBT with supporting roles in movies like Van Wilder, Old School, A Cinderella Story, and Careless. He also did various TV shows before making it big with The Big Bang Theory. Simon was also a co-creator and writer of a series Derek and Simon featuring Bob Odenkirk.
One of the most loved members on TBBT, Kunal Nayyar, had a similar career track to Parsons before the show. Nayyar didn’t have any major acting credit in his kitty before being cast as Raj in TBBT. Nayyar stared in a couple of movies and shows for mini roles, including in film like S.C.I.E.N.C.E in 2004.
Mayim had a list of acting credits since her early age before she became Amy in TBBT. She started her career at an early age with the TV Show Beauty and the Beast. She also starred in several movies including Beaches, Pumpkinhead, Kalamazoo, etc. Before TBBT, she was well known for her lead role of Blossom Russo in the early 90s TV show Blossom. Not to take away from her credits, aside from being an actor Mayim is also a neuroscientist and author.
Regardless of what the cast of The Big Bang Theory had in their kitty before making it to the popular CBS sitcom, what they achieved through their phenomenal performances in the show has made them a household name. Which among the key TBBT cast is your favorite member, and why?
