The Big Bang Theory is a show with a growing acceptance. This television sitcom is about four highly intelligent co-workers at a science university, who live their personal lives in the fantasy world of science fiction television, comic books, and video games. More specifically the two principal characters are Leonard and Sheldon, who live across the hallway from the beautiful Penny. More information below on the characters of the show.
Leonard
Leonard is played by Johnny Galecki. As principal character Leonard Hofstadter is straight man to Sheldon Cooper’s comic. Galecki you may recall from the sitcom Roseanne where he played Darlene’s girlfriend David. On Roseanne Darlene was played by Sara Gilbert, and Gilbert has a reoccurring role. Also, fellow Roseanne alum Laura Metcalf appeared on the show as Mary Copper, Sheldon’s mother. Leonard is a PhD and roommates with Sheldon Cooper. Across the hallway from their apartment is Penny, a beautiful girl that Leonard desires.
Sheldon
Sheldon is played by Jim Parsons. Sheldon Cooper has an unusually high intelligence, a fact he doesn’t mind sharing. He completed his PhD at sixteen, another fact he doesn’t mind stating. His high intelligence also makes him very removed and self-centered. He has no notion of social norms except as an intellectual curiosity.
Penny
Penny is played by Kaley Cuoco. Penny living across the hall from Leonard and Sheldon has become friends all the boys of the group, but has a flirtatious relationship with Leonard. She another LA aspiring actress but currently works at the Cheesecake Factory. She usually dates men who treat her poorly, but made Leonard jealous by going out with a comic bookstore owner he knows.
Wolowitz
Wolowitz is played by Simon Helberg. Howard Wolowitz is an engineer, working on NASA projects, but only has a masters degree. This is in contrast to the rest of the group, who have their PhD. He considers himself a lady’s man, but he lives with his mother. Another element of the character the show uses is that he is Jewish. Also, unlike the Leonard or Sheldon who dress in geek fashion of science fiction t-shirts, Wolowitz has his own retro style reminiscent of the 1970’s. He always wears a turtle neck and a wide belt with a noteworthy belt buckle.
Raj
Raj is played Kunal Nayyar. Formally, Raj is Rajesh Koothrappali but is often referenced as Raj or Koothrappali. He originally is from India but came to America to study and work as a physicist, a move his parents disapproved because of the limited earning potential. Raj cannot speak to beautiful women while he is not drinking.