The Big Bang Theory brought together a group of actors and actresses who soon became each other's family on-screen and off. The sitcom ran for 12 seasons and introduced viewers to the likes of Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny's world of science, friendship, and love.

The characters of Penny and Sheldon had a unique friendship that viewers loved watching because of their opposing personalities. The actors who played them, Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons, didn't have much in common with their characters, but they did share a real-life friendship.

Updated by August 25th, 2022, by Lynn Gibbs: Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco became household names after starring in The Big Bang Theory. Starring as Sheldon Cooper and Penny Hofstadter, their characters couldn't have been more different. At the same time, it was their differences that made their friendship grow. They learned a lot from each other and became close friends. In real life, Parsons and Cuoco were just as close. In a series of interviews and shout outs on social media, these two have let TBBT fans into their friendship.

A 2022 Update

When the series ended and the actors were on to their perspective future projects, fans wondered if Parsons and Cuoco would stay in touch.

In a 2022 interview with Metro, Kaley admitted that she's still in contact with her former costars. "Everyone is really doing great. It's wonderful to see, that's what you hope for, right? You hope you want all your friends to be successful," she said. She went on to say that "the texts are always happening" among the cast, which is sweet to know for fans.

Cuoco Was Shocked When Parsons Quit The Show

After 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory came to an end. The final season led the actors to earn over $1 million by the final season per episode, according to Looper, and created unbreakable bonds.

According to Variety, Cuoco was "in a state of shock" when she heard that Jim Parsons was leaving the series after 12 seasons. After Parsons told Cuoco that he didn't think he could "continue" with the show, Cuoco said, "I was so shocked that I was literally like, 'Continue on with what?' Like, I didn't even know what he was talking about. I looked at Chuck: 'Wow. I thought we were — I'm so blown away right now.'" Ultimately, she supported Parsons' decision, and season 12 was their last.

Cuoco Learned From Parsons' Acting

Cuoco may have been a more established actor than Parsons was at the start of TBBT, but it was her who learned about acting from Parsons the most. In an interview with Variety, she explained how amazing of an actor Parsons was.

"The stuff he did on that show was an out-of-body experience," she said. Without Parsons's incredible, raw talent, it's unknown if the show would have been as successful. After all, Penny's slow transformation wouldn't have been possible without Sheldon.

All About Those Outtakes

Since TBBT was filmed in front of a live audience, there are numerous stories about how much fun the actors have in between scenes and on set.

According to The Things, there was a funny outtake during a live filming that made viewers laugh. While filming 'The Electric Can Opener, Fluctuation,' Cuoco ad-libbed a moment that included a curse word. Cuoco said (as Penny), "Then they named stupid Valerie Mossbacher head cheerleader. Big old f***." Cuoco's F-bomb made Parsons (and everyone else) break character. Their playful banter was noticed by fans, and it showed how close they were.

Parsons Supported Cuoco's Golden Globe Nomination

After The Big Bang Theory ended, the actors went in different directions, pursuing new projects. Fans wanted to know what Cuoco was doing after TBBT, and she jumped into HBO's The Flight Attendant, which garnered a large following and award nominations.

Cuoco told Metro that after being nominated for best actress in a musical or comedy TV series at the Golden Globes, she woke up to a text from Jim Parsons: "Jim had sent me a text the morning of the Globes because he saw a video I posted. He was like, 'I just saw your video.' His message was very cute."

The Possibility Of A Reboot

In February 2022, Digital Spy noted thatKunal Nayyar was asked about the possibility of a reboot. While he's unsure it would happen, he did say "if that were to happen, then it's in the universe's hands but currently, I'm just enjoying spending time with them."

Likewise, Cuoco agreed, telling Cinema Bland, "I would definitely be open to some sort of reunion show. I can't wait for the Friends one, and so I'm definitely open to doing one ourselves as well. It does still feel like yesterday that we wrapped. I think everyone is kind of trying out their new paths and seeing what their next project is, and I'm excited to see how everyone flourishes." Seeing Sheldon and Penny back together again would be a treat for fans.

One Of Parsons' Favorite Episodes Revolved Around Sheldon And Penny

Sheldon and Penny's moments were some of the best on The Big Bang Theory. Their opposing personalities made most of their scenes hilarious as they tried to understand each other.

On a now-deleted Instagram post, Parsons added a still from an episode of The Big Bang Theory titled, 'The Adhesive Duck Deficiency." In its caption, he noted that in 2019, TBS was airing a few of his favorite episodes from The Big Bang Theory, and the one in which Sheldon took Penny to the hospital for slipping in the shower was one of his favorites. The episode did a great job of showing the unique bond between Sheldon and Penny.

Cuoco Knew Parsons Would Make A Great Sheldon

Sheldon Cooper is one of TV's most fascinating characters. His quirkiness, brilliance, and eccentricities were just a few of the things fans of The Big Bang Theory love about Sheldon.

Before the show entered production, Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons met each other during auditions. In an interview with Variety, Cuoco said, "I remember sitting next to Jim and I had never met him and I said, 'Hi I'm Kaley.' He had a Blackberry that he couldn't get working. We were in the waiting room and he's like, 'This Blackberry is a new technology and I'm unsure.' And I remember thinking that guy would make a hilarious Sheldon. I had an inkling about that one." Looking back at his award-winning performance, Cuoco was not wrong.

Cuoco And Parsons Support Each Other's Relationships

During their time on The Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco was married twice, in 2013 and 2018, and Jim Parsons got married in 2017. Throughout their respective relationships, they've often displayed their respect and affection for each other and the relationships they were in.

In a now-deleted Instagram post, Parsons offered a shoutout to Cuoco and her (now ex) husband, Karl Cook, after their wedding. "They're a truly well-matched pair with so much love between them... It's a beautiful thing to be around them, and I am so happy for them both," he said. It's unknown if Cuoco attended Parsons' wedding to his longtime partner, Todd Spiewak, but she has shown nothing but admiration for her co-star's relationship.

Parsons Loved Filming Scenes With Cuoco

In 2014, Kaley Cuoco was given her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ensemble cast of The Big Bang Theory also has a star, but it was special to earn a star on her own merit as an actress.

Jim Parsons was there to celebrate Cuoco and shared a touching speech with those in the audience. While talking about his filming experience with her, Parsons said, "The biggest treat for me was that, as much as I got to work with her at that point — this was early on, like season two — I just was floored at what an incredible scene partner she was and is." He noted their time together was amazing and that there were constant laughs when rehearsing.

Cuoco's Favorite Scenes With Parsons Were In Her Apartment

Early on in The Big Bang Theory, Leonard and Penny acted like Sheldon's parents. Although Sheldon was an adult, he had childlike tendencies where he needed Penny and Leonard to help him keep his life in order.

In the special Unraveling the Mystery: A Big Bang Farewell, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki (Leonard Hofstadter), took a retrospective look back at Cuoco's favorite memories from the show, and a few of those memories included Parsons. Cuoco said one of her favorite moments from the show is "the scene where Sheldon sleeps over and I have to sing him 'Soft Kitty.'" She added, "Another favorite of mine is when Penny breaks her shoulder in the shower and Sheldon has to dress me."

Cuoco and Parsons Spent Time Together Off-Set Too

Cuoco and Parsons proved that their friendship was real by hanging out together even when they weren't at work. As much time as they spent together every day while filming The Big Bang Theory, the twosome were also seen at dinner, NBA games, and even on a double date with their respective partners.

With the massive success of The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco and Parsons became wildly popular and highly visible actors, but the friendship they develop never seemed to waiver as they grew more and more famous.

Cuoco Presented Parsons' Golden Globe To Him

Cuoco and Parsons won numerous acting awards for their work on The Big Bang Theory, both individually and as parts of the ensemble cast. Just like their characters on the show, the two actors only got better over time.

In 2011, Parsons earned a Golden Globe nomination for best television actor, musical or comedy series. Coincidentally, Cuoco was the presenter for the award at the Globe's ceremony. When she read from the envelope that Parsons had won, she could barely contain her excitement. Cuoco hugged Parsons with tears in her eyes when he reached the stage, demonstrating her support and love for him. Like their characters, Cuoco and Parsons got better over time.