The Surprising Truth Behind Bernadette's Unforgettable High-Pitched Voice on The Big Bang Theory

Summary

Melissa Rauch reveals that Bernadette's high-pitched voice on The Big Bang Theory was not in the original script, but something she came up with during auditions to stand out.

Bernadette's distinctive voice brought a heightened level of emotion to the show's storytelling, resulting in a significant improvement in the overall quality of the show. Rauch's dedication to preserving Bernadette's voice over the course of the show's 12-year duration is commendable, especially considering that numerous recurring jokes were eventually abandoned.

Melissa Rauch discusses the origins of Bernadette's distinctive high-pitched voice in The Big Bang Theory. Initially a recurring guest star, Rauch's character, Bernadette, was later promoted to a regular role in season 4, alongside Mayim Bialik's character, Amy. Introduced as Penny's co-worker at The Cheesecake Factory, Bernadette eventually became involved romantically with Howard. One of her most notable characteristics is her unique voice.

In a recent guest appearance on Bialik's Breakdown, Rauch reveals that Bernadette's voice was not originally included in the script. Instead, she came up with it as a way to stand out during auditions. Read Rauch's full explanation below:

During the audition, I didn't plan on it. Initially, it was just for a guest star role, and I was feeling extremely nervous while waiting in the crowded room. I wanted to try something different and had just finished a phone call with my mother, who has a voice that is somewhat similar to Bernadette's. While they are not very alike, there were certain characteristics in the material I was auditioning with that reminded me of my mother. So, I ended up doing a slight imitation of my mom, but without the Jersey accent.

In an interview, Rauch acknowledges that her portrayal of Bernadette's voice in The Big Bang Theory was inspired by her own mother, even though they are not similar in any significant way.

Why Bernadette’s Unique Voice Is So Important To Big Bang Theory

Originally, Rauch's role as Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory was just intended to be a guest appearance in a few episodes. However, CBS decided to make her a full-time character in season 4 when the show's producers decided to expand the cast. Although Bernadette didn't always have a central role in the show's storytelling, she was crucial to the nerd-centric sitcom. Without her and her relationship with Howard, Simon Helberg's character could have remained sleazy for longer, which would have worsened criticisms about the show's brand of comedy.

Bernadette's presence greatly enhanced the overall quality of the show. Moreover, her distinct voice added a layer of emotion to the storytelling. Other than Bernadette, the only character known for her distinct voice on The Big Bang Theory was Mrs. Wolowitz. In later seasons, Bernadette even started to sound like her mother-in-law on occasion. While this may have been unsettling for some, it brought comfort to Howard after his mother's death, as he was very close to her. Despite their constant bickering, there was no doubt that he loved his mom. Bernadette having a similar voice likely aided in his grieving process.

The Big Bang Theory was famous for its numerous recurring jokes, such as Raj's struggle to communicate with women, Sheldon's peculiar habit of knocking, and his famous catchphrase, "Bazinga." However, as the sitcom progressed, many of these jokes were gradually phased out. One exception was Bernadette's voice, which remained consistent throughout the show's 12-year run, highlighting Rauch's impressive dedication to her character.