Some actors become synonymous with certain parts, but before the deal is signed, many others can become runner-ups. An upcoming book by Jessica Radloff, delivered through The Hollywood Reporter for a special peak, revealed that The Big Bang Theory almost saw Marisa Tomei take the role Kaley Cuoco had that shot her career to the moon. The book will release on October 11.
The book, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, included interviews with co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and the cast of the nerdy sitcom. In one section, Jim Parsons spoke about how before Kaley Cuoco had the Big Bang Theory role, he read with Marisa Tomei while he had hit part as Sheldon locked down.
Big Bang Theory role almost went to Marisa Tomei instead of Kaley Cuoco
The role of Penny ended up being held by Kaley Cuoco, but The Big Bang Theory star had other women come in to audition for the role before her or the Oscar-winner who read with Parsons. While the character was being worked as someone named Katie during those early days, Amanda Walsh (Lost Girl) said she went in, but although she was not cast, she had a “really positive first audition” and “loved the script.” Jodie Lyn O’Keefe (The Vampire Diaries) also went in for this version of the character but was fired 30 minutes after a table read. Valko explained that the star was “so good” but ultimately not right for the role as she brought “darkness, which just didn’t work.”
The whole cast found great success with the Emmy-winning sitcom that ran from 2007 to 2019. The Big Bang Theory was particularly huge for Kaley Cuoco. Since then, she has led the HBO series The Flight Attendant, which concluded its second season earlier this year. She also voices Harley Quinn in the character’s self-titled animated series. Recently, she starred with Pete Davidson in the rom-com Meet Cute. Next, she is lined up for Role Play, a thriller that will star Bill Nighy, Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman 1984), and David Oyelowo (Selma).
