The Jaw-Dropping Connection Between The Big Bang Theory Cameo and a Hilarious Pilot Joke!
The Big Bang Theory's genius cameo had a brilliant payoff! Stephen Hawking, who guest-starred years later, was hilariously imitated by Howard in his pilot episode But that's not all, Simon Helberg also pulled off an incredible impression of Hawking!
In The Big Bang Theory, Stephen Hawking made a memorable cameo in season 5, episode 21, "The Hawking Extraction." This appearance not only paid off a joke from the show's pilot but also became one of the series' best guest appearances. The show featured other impressive cameos over the years, including Will Wheaton, George Takei, Stan Lee, Bob Newhart, and Carrie Fisher. However, it was Hawking's portrayal of himself that stood out, as Sheldon saw him as his sole intellectual equal. Even the series finale had an impressive guest appearance, with Sarah Michelle Gellar playing Raj's date to the Nobel Prize acceptance ceremony.
Stephen Hawking Guest Starred Years After Howard’s Pilot Imitation Of Scientist
Hawking's appearance in season 5 of The Big Bang Theory was a clever surprise because it was a payoff from a joke in the show's pilot. In the first episode, Howard imitated Hawking in a joke that was not very kind-spirited. However, the joke became less mean when Hawking himself witnessed Howard's actor, Simon Helberg, doing the impersonation in real life and smiled. Helberg, not wanting to mock the disabled scientist, made sure the scene was cleared with Hawking beforehand. To his relief, Hawking found the moment funny, allowing the show to finally pay off the gag that was set up five seasons earlier. While the series had other unexpected cameos, like Raj's doomed romance with Siri, Hawking's appearance was a rare opportunity for the show to involve a guest star in the joke years after mentioning them.
Simon Helberg Once Did The Imitation For Stephen Hawking
Helberg initially impersonated Hawking in The Big Bang Theory pilot, unaware at the time that Hawking would eventually make an appearance on the show. As The Big Bang Theory gained more popularity, the likelihood of Hawking appearing increased. Instead of disregarding Howard's prior joke and focusing solely on Sheldon's admiration for Hawking, the show's writers decided to remind viewers of Helberg's impression. This allowed Hawking to showcase his self-deprecating sense of humor, elevating his cameo to one of the most memorable appearances on The Big Bang Theory.
