Stuart Bloom is the resident comic book store owner on The Big Bang Theory. He went from a side character to a lead thanks to owning a major hangout spot for Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj. Over the years, Stuart has grown from a shy and reserved shop keeper to a confident member of the friend group.
However, even after 12 seasons, there are plenty of small tidbits that fans forget when it comes to Stuart's private life. From his family name to his age, Stuart may not be suave, but he is, ironically, a man of intrigue on TBBT.
He Dated Howard's Cousin
In season 8's "The Prom Equivalency," the gang put together their own prom as adults. Stuart was shockingly invited and he even had a date — Howard's second cousin, Jeanie. As it turned out, Jeanie wasn't just Howard's cousin; she was also the first woman he slept with. Stuart clearly didn't know the drama that would ensue by bringing one of Howard's former lovers and family members... He ended up leaving at the end of the night when Mrs. Wolowitz called him.
He Shot His Shot With All Of His Friends' Ladies
Stuart was a completely different character in season 2 than later in the series. When fans first met him, he was confident enough to ask Penny out! Penny was so smitten by his flirtatiousness that she agreed to go on a date with him. Season 4 Stuart would never have had the gall to do such a thing.
But it wasn't just Penny whom Stuart chased after. It appears he went after a few of his so-called "friends'" crushes and partners. He asked Amy out when he realized she wasn't dating Sheldon; he attempted to pick up Alice but she had her eyes on Leonard; and he was jealous when Raj was able to scoop up Lucy at their Singles Only Valentine's Day Party. Friends don't go after friends' partners.
He Has An Important Uncle
In "The Excelsior Acquisition," Stuart dropped a bomb on the gang when he tells them famed comic book legend Stan Lee was coming to the store for a signing. As it turns out, Stuart had a prominent uncle in the area who's a dermatologist. Stan Lee was a patient of his and was able to hook him up with Stuart. (Stuart's biggest mistake was telling Sheldon Stan Lee's address, but that's for another time.) Having Stan Lee in his comic book store could have led to an amazing marketing opportunity, but it sadly didn't amount to much.
His Odd Family Nickname
Stuart may be a member of the gang, but he's not always treated with the amount of love and respect he deserves. He has said time and time again that he lacks money, a home, and a relationship but no one bats an eye.
Then again, Stuart made himself a bit of an easy target when he said his mother's nickname for him is "little possum." Looking like a possum isn't typically a compliment but no one tried to convince him otherwise.
How Old Is Stuart Anyway?
A long-running gag in the series is that no one truly knows how old Stuart is. Is he as old as Sheldon or is he older? Stuart is made fun of for his "gray skin" but his hair also starts to turn gray by the end of the series.
If the show followed real time, Stuart's birthday should be May 7th. This is proven when Howard and Bernadette tried to kick him out of their home, but he tells them it's his birthday. If this is correct, Stuart should be in his late forties.
He Has An Impressive Degree
When Stuart attempted to woo Penny in the second season, he drew a comic-style sketch of her. Instead of thinking it was creepy, Penny felt special and agreed to go on a date with Stuart as long as she could keep the drawing. Penny has done some pretty mean things to the guys over the years but genuinely being interest in Stuart for his artistic abilities was mature of her.
Fans later found out that Stuart had a real talent for drawing because he went to the Rhode Island School of Design. The only reason why he became a business owner is because no one was hiring artists when he graduated.
A Main Character Without The Acknowledgment
Stuart started out as a recurring character who only made appearances when the guys were at the comic book store but by season 6, he was popular enough to become a main character. With Howard in space, Stuart filled the void and started hanging out with the group outside of the store. After years of wanting to be included, he finally was — with a few roadblocks along the way. However, Stuart was the only male character who wasn't in all 279 episodes.
He Isn't Introduced Until Season 2
With the comic book store being as important as it is, it's shocking that the guys didn't visit on-screen until season 2. They talked about it in season 1 but the audience never saw them browse the shelves like in later seasons. Knowing how important the comic book store is to the guys, it's surprising that the show waited an entire season before introducing both Stuart and the physical store. After all, it's a safe space for many of the characters (especially Sheldon).
He's Team #LeonardAndPenny
With so many lovable couples on The Big Bang Theory, it's hard to pick the best. Each couple is unique in their own way and brings something special to the table that others don't.
Knowing Stuart went on dates with both Amy and Penny, and lived with Bernadette, it makes fans wonder which couple Stuart respected more. If fans can think back to "The Mommy Observation," Stuart admitted that Leonard and Penny were one of the best couples he knew. Leonard helped Penny broaden her horizons and later, Penny brought more color to Leonard's world. They had their toxic moments but they are proof that opposites attract.
Stuart Is Banned From The Wolowitz's Daycare
Mrs. Wolowitz would have been a phenomenal, hands-on grandmother to Howard and Bernadette's children. After her death, the couple needed some extra hands since they didn't have family around. Stuart and Raj lived with the couple from time to time, which proved to be incredibly helpful. But once Halley got old enough, they sent her to daycare. Oddly, Stuart made frequent visits to the daycare to check on Halley but since he's not blood-related, he was no longer allowed to visit when he wanted.