The Big Bang Theory cast have shared their initial shock at the departure of co-star Jim Parsons
(Picture: Getty Images)The Big Bang Theory cast have shared in a new book how they were left “blindsided” when their co-star Jim Parsons announced he was leaving the hit show.
The US sitcom centred on a group of nerdy friends ran from 2007 to 2019 and bowed out after the 12th season, following Parsons’s decision to exit the series.
Prior to this, Parsons’s castmates were shocked to learn in a meeting that, not only would he be leaving, but the show altogether would be ending as a result.
Jessica Radloff’s book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series recalls that traumatic day, as showrunner Steve Molaro said: "There was never a question about continuing on without him.
“The thought of doing some strange version without him didn’t seem right."
Molaro and co-creator Chuck Lorre called a meeting with the cast, where Parsons, 49, broke the news of his departure, and the fate of the show was revealed.
"I was shocked. We were just blindsided that day,” Johnny Galecki, who played Leonard, said.
“And not necessarily shocked by Jim’s decision, but that he hadn’t had that conversation with his castmates first to prepare us. So yes, it could have been handled better.”
Lorre recalled the situation being "a blow” and “didn’t know any other way to do it”.
Galecki, 47, added: “We’re a family; have a conversation. And I don’t even disagree with how Jim felt, because in many ways, I felt the same way. I just disagreed with how it was managed."
Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny, said the news “felt like a death”.
She said: “The shock of, ‘Oh my God, what is next?’, was scary. I mean, we cried for hours that day. We thought we were going to do another year, so all of the sudden your life kind of flashes before your eyes.
“I couldn’t breathe. It just felt like a death, but also a new horizon for everybody as well."
Kunal Nayyar, who played Raj Koothrappali recalled having "a very physical reaction in my body" afterwards, while Melissa Rauch, who played Bernadette Rostenkowski Wolowitz, saw that time as a "vulnerable moment" for Parsons.
“I saw how difficult it was for him as he was telling us how he felt,” Rauch explained.
"But Jim was so sweet about it and spoke from the heart, and it was totally understandable that he was ready to move on."
Despite the heartbreak at letting The Big Bang Theory go, Galecki realised then that it was the right decision.
"I don’t think I could have performed in the way I wanted to, or would want to, if we did continue. I was done myself, I think,” the actor said.
“I didn’t really know how to serve the character or the great writing anymore. But none of us — the actors, writers — were comfortable with doing the show without one of us. And we absolutely would not continue on without Jim."
