The Irresistible Charm of Bernadette’s Signature High Pitch in The Big Bang Theory (& Why It’s Absolutely Unforgettable)

Summary

Bernadette's high voice in The Big Bang Theory was inspired by Melissa Rauch's own mother, and it became a defining trait of her character.

Bernadette's voice held significant meaning beyond being a mere comedic element; it served as a poignant reminder of Howard's deceased mother, enriching their relationship and lending depth to the show's narrative and emotional resonance.

Bernadette's voice in The Big Bang Theory has an intriguing origin. Initially, the show had only five main characters, but CBS later expanded the cast by promoting recurring guest stars. One of them was Mayim Bialik's Amy Farrah Fowler, the female counterpart to Jim Parsons' Sheldon Cooper, and the other was Melissa Rauch's Bernadette Rostenkowski. Bernadette initially appeared as Penny's co-worker at The Cheesecake Factory and later developed a romantic relationship with Howard. Apart from being known for taming the gang's sleaziest member, Bernadette was also recognized for her unique voice.

Like many sitcoms, The Big Bang Theory aimed to give each character distinct personalities and traits. In the earlier seasons, Rajesh Kootrappalli struggled with selective mutism, while Penny pursued an acting career. Sheldon had his own assortment of idiosyncrasies, like his tendency to knock three times and his catchphrase "Bazinga!" While Bernadette was not always the central focus of the show's storytelling, her voice became instantly recognizable to fans. What made it even more impressive was that it was not Rauch's natural voice.

Melissa Rauch’s Mom inspired Bernadette’s High Voice

Four years after the nerd-centric sitcom, Rauch discloses the genesis of Bernadette's high-pitched voice on Mayim Breakdown. Interestingly, the idea for this distinctive trait occurred just before her audition for the role. Inspired by her mother's manner of speaking, Rauch decided to set herself apart by delivering her lines in a high-pitched voice. However, as a native of New Jersey, she faced the challenge of shedding her mother's accent while imitating her speech, which proved to be more difficult than initially anticipated.

Rauch's risk to do something unconventional paid off when she was initially brought in as a recurring guest star on The Big Bang Theory. Simply securing the job, even temporarily, was already a significant accomplishment for her. Fortunately, CBS recognized her potential for a long-term role, resulting in her becoming a series regular in The Big Bang Theory season 4. From that point on, she became an integral part of the series, portraying Bernadette for nine seasons until the popular comedy concluded in 2019.

How Bernadette’s High Voice Is Integral To Big Bang Theory Beyond Being A Gag

Bernadette's voice played a significant role in The Big Bang Theory, going beyond a mere running joke. It added emotional depth to the show's storytelling, particularly in relation to her connection with Howard. Interestingly, Bernadette wasn't the only character on the show recognized for their distinctive voice. Mrs. Wolowitz's gruff manner of speaking was also a distinct characteristic, and as the seasons progressed, Bernadette would sometimes sound like her late mother-in-law. This became especially important following Mrs. Wolowitz's sudden passing, as it may have provided solace for Howard to hear his wife resembling his mother's voice.