The Big Bang Theory had its fair share of guests over the years, and some of them struggled with their appearances according to Kaley Cuoco. The actor played main character Penny from the time the sitcom began all the way to its end after 12 seasons in 2019. As an integral part of The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco appeared in every episode, meaning she interacted with most of the actors who made cameos on the series.
During its run, The Big Bang Theory was a consistent ratings winner for CBS. While the show's main draw was always the chemistry among the Pasadena gang, it also took advantage of any narrative opportunity to bring in a guest stars. Over the years, The Big Bang Theory featured countless special appearances from Hollywood actors known for their franchise roles like Mark Hamill and William Shatner, as well as actual scientists like Stephen Hawking. While each of them played their brief part on the show really well, Cuoco shared that not everyone was comfortable with doing their scenes given the working environment they had.
Through Variety's Actors On Actors series, The Big Bang Theory actress bonded with Elizabeth Olsen, who just had her first big experience of what it's like to shoot a sitcom through WandaVision. This is despite Olsen growing up visiting the set of Full House where her sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, alternately played Michelle Tanner. Cuoco, who's starred in a couple of them, backed up Olsen's idea that it's such a different atmosphere filming in front of a live studio audience. Given that, some traditional dramatic actors who came to The Big Bang Theory struggled to find their footing at first. Cuoco explained:
Obviously, that’s my whole life. Especially with The Big Bang Theory, we’d have these guest stars come on, and some of them were wonderful dramatic actors or whatever, and they would feel so lost for a while. It really is so musical. Because I grew up with it, and I did it for so long, it’s so natural for me. It’s very different if you haven’t done it.
While sitcoms are typically lighthearted and considered easy-watches for many, making them poses their own challenges. The cast of WandaVision, headed by Olsen and Paul Bettany, often referred to the premiere, which was filmed in front of a live studio audience, as one of the most challenging parts of working on the show. Both actors have illustrious acting resumes and yet they still struggled with the outing. Given this, it's understandable why some of The Big Bang Theory guest stars faced similar hurdles when they made their cameos.
Cuoco didn't name anyone specific in her conversation with Olsen. However, her comments in no way disparage any of the guest stars who appeared on The Big Bang Theory. It's clear Cuoco was merely pointing out that contrary to what some might think, sitcoms aren't exactly easy to make, especially for actors who are not used to the format. Her words are meant to back up Olsen's comments and not to put down any one dramatic actor who appeared on the beloved CBS series. Plus, considering countless guest stars put in critically-acclaimed performances on The Big Bang Theory, it's clear most of them worked things out in the end.
Source: Variety