For the first time, Marisa Tomei comments on auditioning for the role of The Big Bang Theory's original female lead. Before Kaley Cuoco was cast as Penny, the nerd-centric sitcom looked very different. While Sheldon and Leonard were already included, it featured a different female lead named Katie. Portrayed by Amanda Walsh in the first pilot, the character is the original incarnation of Penny, but with a few differences that, in hindsight, were pivotal in The Big Bang Theory's popularity.
Although Katie and Penny have certain similarities, the response to the former wasn't nearly as good as to the latter. Based on what was revealed in the original The Big Bang Theory pilot, viewers thought that Katie was too mean and hardened, which made it difficult for Sheldon and Leonard to connect with her. The problem was by no means Walsh, as she simply played the part the way it was written. But, as recently revealed in the oral history book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, Tomei was also gunning for the role on the sitcom at one point.
Now, Tomei speaks with Insider about her experience auditioning for The Big Bang Theory. While she doesn't get into specifics about the actual audition she did with Jim Parsons as Sheldon, she says she really enjoyed the script, which was why she went ahead and tried for the role. Read Tomei's full quote below:
I thought it was a great script, and that's why we went so far as to check it out. And it's such an iconic kind of setup, all those archetypes, the scientists, and then the kind of little hottie and the whole thing. I certainly didn't know it was going to go on that long. It wasn't really the right fit for me at the time, but I really did enjoy the script itself.
Cuoco Was Perfect As The Big Bang Theory’s Penny
There's no denying Tomei's acting prowess, as proven by her long career in the industry. However, moving forward with Cuoco as Penny on The Big Bang Theory was ultimately the right choice. The fact that the sitcom's female lead had to be changed supports this notion, as a kinder, more mellow character paved the way for a better dynamic between her and Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, and Howard. In any case, Tomei was never up to play Penny. When she came in to audition, it was for Katie, so there was really no chance for her to join the final version of The Big Bang Theory.
What's worth wondering is whether CBS tried to bring Tomei back in some capacity later on in The Big Bang Theory. The show's extended cast features some actors who were originally gunning for main roles that ended up portraying supporting players, including Kevin Sussman, who was almost Howard. As fans know, he eventually played the show's most prominent side character, comic book store owner Stuart Bloom. If not for a supporting part, perhaps The Big Bang Theory could have brought in Tomei for a guest appearance instead.
Source: Insider