Jim Parsons himself revealed that he nailed the audition process for The Big Bang Theory. Still, as we'll reveal in the following, that almost wasn't enough to secure the career-changing role. We'll take a look at what went on behind the scenes, and why Chuck Lorre debated the decision to bring the actor onboard.

Ultimately, Jim Parsons ran with the opportunity, becoming the highest-paid actor in the world. However, as we're going to reveal, his successful year in 2017 wasn't just thanks to the sitcom. Parsons scored a major endorsement deal in 2017 that boosted his net worth, while others projects also aided in making him the highest-paid actor.

We'll take a look at what got him to the next level, and how he'll continue to make millions in the upcoming years for The Big Bang Theory.

The Big Bang Theory Creators Disagreed Over Jim Parsons' Big Bang Theory Casting At The Start

For creator Bill Prady, it was evident from the start, nobody had come close to Jim Parsons as Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. However, others had reservations about his audition, and that included the experienced show creator, Chuck Lorre. According to Prady alongside Digital Spy, Lorre wasn't exactly sure that Parsons could've kept duplicating such a performance that was so polished at the auditions.

"[Jim] left the room and I turned and I went, 'That's the guy! That's the guy! That's the guy!'" he recalled. "Chuck turned and he said, 'Nah, he's gonna break your heart. He'll never give you that performance again.'"

Prady proved to be right as the actor's level was unmatched, while he was able to bring the same performance during his next audition.

"You know, there were people who came in and you went, 'Okay, well, he's kind of okay,' 'Oh, he's pretty good,' 'Maybe he's the guy,' [but] Jim came in and he was just – from that audition, he was the Sheldon that you saw on television."

"Jim Parsons came back in the next day and gave us that exact same performance again," Prady added.

"It was like, 'This is Sheldon.'"

As they say, the rest is history and Jim Parsons took the role to the next level. The actor revealed in interviews that he knew the character was unique - but did not expect such success.

Jim Parsons Became The Highest-Paid Actor In 2017, Thanks To The Big Bang Theory, An Intel Commercial And His Involvement With An Oscar-Nominated Film

Back in 2017, Forbes issued its list of highest TV earners. The list featured several names from both The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family. Jim Parsons prevailed in the number one spot, earning a salary of $27.

5 million. However, according to Forbes, it wasn't solely due to The Big Bang Theory.

The publication explains, "Parsons edges them out in total earnings thanks to a seven-figure endorsement deal with Intel, a role in Oscar-nominated Hidden Figures and a short stint on Sirius radio."

Of course, the major number came from The Big Bang Theory, at a salary of $1 million per episode. Just two years later, Jim himself would say goodbye to that salary, deciding to step down from The Big Bang Theory. Nonetheless, he was still in for a major salary in these years that followed, especially thanks to his involvement with Young Sheldon.

Since The Big Bang Theory came to an end, Parsons continues to be bringing in the coin, however, it isn't due to TV, and primarily film projects and endorsement deals.

Despite the wealth accumulated thanks to TV, it seems like the actor's interests are elsewhere these days, away from a TV type schedule, which can be very demanding.

Jim Parsons Will Continue To Make Money Off Reruns For Years To Come

Jim's net worth currently sits at $160 million, and he doesn't have to do much to see this number increase in the upcoming years.

Once again, The Big Bang Theory is a major reason for the climb in salary as according to Cinema Blend, the actor was able to secure a deal off the backend profits, alongside co-stars Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki.

The profit is said to be 1% of the backend deal - which doesn't seem like much but given that the show still generates $1 billion per year, it is a sizable amount.

Cinema Blend suggests that the main stars are still bringing in a cool $10 million per year.

"According to a new report, at least some of the cast is on tap to receive around $10 million a year just from reruns once the show ends. We all already knew those folks had a solid gig, but I guess we really had no idea, did we," Cinema Blend writes.

Clearly, Jim's hard work from the sitcom has been rewarded with a sizable reward in recent years, and years to come.