Surprising Revelation: Kaley Cuoco's Boyfriend Admits Being 'Completely in the Dark' About Her Iconic Big Bang Theory Role!

Summary

Tom Pelphrey, the actor's boyfriend, didn't know about Kaley Cuoco's role as Penny in The Big Bang Theory until someone called her Penny in front of him.

Penny, portrayed by Cuoco, played a vital role in The Big Bang Theory by offering a relatable perspective for viewers and influencing the growth of other central characters. Cuoco's selection as Penny was integral to the show's triumph, as it convinced CBS to give the green signal to the series.

Actor Tom Pelphrey admitted that he had no idea that his girlfriend, Kaley Cuoco, played the character Penny in the popular TV show The Big Bang Theory. The show, which premiered in 2007, initially had five main characters, with Cuoco's Penny being the only female until later seasons when Amy and Bernadette became regulars. Despite the show's immense popularity and Cuoco being a regular for 12 years, Pelphrey remained oblivious to her involvement. It was only when his mother's partner started referring to Cuoco as Penny that Pelphrey discovered her role on the show.

"'I apologize, I am struggling to comprehend the situation. What is the reason behind him continuously referring to you as Penny?' She responded, 'That is the name of my character portrayed in The Big Bang Theory.' I have since watched a few episodes of the show with her, and undoubtedly, she delivers an outstanding performance. Up until I met Kaley, I resided in a secluded cave in upstate New York, situated on a dirt road within the depths of a forest, with limited access to Wi-Fi. She has introduced me to the advancements of the modern era."

Why Big Bang Theory's Most Important Character Is Kaley Cuoco's Penny

Penny starred in all 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory, but it had its downsides. As an original cast member, she was exposed to its problematic style of humor, particularly in the early years. During this time, Penny was frequently portrayed as the stereotypical airheaded blonde. She was also objectified and overly sexualized, although fortunately this changed as the sitcom progressed. Nonetheless, it's challenging to envision what The Big Bang Theory would have been like without her presence.

The Big Bang Theory may not have happened without Penny. Former CBS executive Nina Tassler stated that bringing in Cuoco to replace Katie was crucial. The co-creators felt that there was something missing without her and once they made changes to include her, CBS finally gave the green light for the show.

Throughout its 12 years, Penny proved her importance in The Big Bang Theory. She provided the viewers' perspective and had a significant impact on the rest of the Pasadena gang, particularly Sheldon and Amy. Through her, they learned to be more social. Penny was the heart of the show, and without her involvement, it is unlikely that it would have achieved the massive success it did.

Source: W Magazine