Here’s a hilarious BTS story of Jim Parsons from the sets of The Big Bang Theory! (Photo Credit – Instagram)
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Who knew mastering the theremin was on Jim Parsons’ checklist while playing Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory? This quirky instrument, challenging to master, ideally suited Sheldon’s character. Parsons didn’t just wing it; he dove into music. “I had a very strong interest in music,” he said, feeling at home with the show’s musical rhythm.
Over twelve seasons, Parsons turned Sheldon into a household name. His portrayal garnered multiple Emmy wins and nominations, showcasing his knack for embodying such an intelligent, eccentric character. Ironically, Parsons had zero background in science before taking on the role, making his triumph even more impressive.
Like Sheldon, Parsons had to rattle off complex scientific jargon regularly. Whether he was outlining research projects or helping Penny (Kaley Cuoco) grasp physics concepts, Sheldon was the brainy friend we all loved. Yet, the real-life science behind the dialogue was no easy feat for Parsons.
Sheldon and Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) basked in glory in the series finale, winning a Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking Super-Asymmetry theory. Although Bialik might not have received that award in real life, her passion for science is genuine—she holds a doctorate in neuroscience.
For Parsons, the path to stardom was all about acting. He earned his master’s from The Old Globe and the University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program in 2001, then landed more minor roles before hitting it big as Rob Holbrook on Judging Amy. However, scientific lingo wasn’t part of his early training, so how did he pull it off on The Big Bang Theory?
Practice, practice, practice! In an interview with Fresh Air, Parsons explained his secret: “I really just [run] rampant around my apartment saying these words, this dialogue, over and over.” He even took it outside, reciting his lines while walking or standing. “I need to be able to trust myself to have these words come out,” he said.
Despite not sharing Sheldon’s physics obsession, Parsons could relate to his social awkwardness. As a child, he was so shy he wouldn’t talk to new classmates in kindergarten. This personal experience made it “surprisingly easy” to step into Sheldon’s shoes. “There’s undeniably part of myself that understands what it is to feel outsidery,” he remarked.
The Big Bang Theory brought in UCLA physics instructor David Saltzberg as a fact-checker to keep the science accurate. He made sure the scientific dialogue was spot-on. However, Parsons admitted that some of Saltzberg’s diagrams and inside jokes flew over his head. “He sends over this diagram on this whiteboard and throws in little inside jokes that I don’t find funny because I don’t know what the heck he’s talking about,” he quipped.
In the end, watching Sheldon discuss physics, you’d never guess that Jim Parsons wasn’t a physics prodigy himself. His relentless practice and relatable experiences blended perfectly, turning an eccentric character into a beloved icon. So, here’s to the theremin, the laughs, and a journey that left audiences in awe!
