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The cast ofThe Big Bang Theoryskyrocketed to worldwide fame and success with their acclaimed performances in the hit sitcom. However, Kaley Cuoco, known for playing Penny in the series, was especially amazed at how her co-star Kunal Nayyar landed the role of Rajesh Koothrappali on the show.
Unlike Cuoco, Nayyar was still quite new in the industry. However, despite a limited resume, the actor entered the audition and eventually landed the role, which has since become his most popular character. Reflecting on how Nayyar got his role, Cuoco expressed surprise, calling it extremely unusual and impressive.
Kaley Cuoco Reflected on Kunal Nayyar’s SurprisingThe Big Bang TheoryAudition
The Emmy-nominated actressKaley Cuocowas surprised to learn that her co-star Kunal Nayyar had landed his role inThe Big Bang Theoryin his very first audition. Cuoco reflected on the audition process during anAnna Farris Is Unqualified podcastappearance.
During the conversation, Farris shared that her audition forScary Moviewas her first after moving to Los Angeles, which ultimately launched her career.
Cuoco also shared a similar incident while talking about Nayyar’s audition for the show, saying,“You know Kunal Nayyar from Big Bang Theory… I believe that was his first audition.”
The actress also recalled advising him not to get used to such a smooth process in Hollywood because it’s rare for things to happen so effortlessly. She said,
I remember talking to him, going: “Don’t get used to that. That doesn’t happen!” I couldn’t believe that. That was very similar to what you said, that’s amazing.
The role made Nayyar a household name as Raj Koothrappali, and he has since earned praise for his work beyond the popular sitcom. Prior to the CBS sitcom, Nayyar had a few credits on his resume,includingthe role of a Pizza Man in a movie titled,S.C.I.E.N.C.E.along with an uncredited role onNCIS.
Kaley Cuoco’s Sheer Willpower Saved ‘The Big Bang Theory’ From Flopping After She Went Through a Horrific Experience – “She handled it with dignity”
Nayyar has shared that he went into the audition with modest expectations and was likely unaware of the pressures that come with such roles, as he reflected on his experience auditioning for the show.
Kunal Nayyar Reflects on Landing His Big Break inThe Big Bang Theory
Reflecting on his audition,Kunal Nayyaradmitted that he had very little expectations when he went in for the audition, considering he was still new to the industry.
“I’d just gotten my MFA in acting from Temple University and was high on life and just got back from the Royal Shakespeare Company in England,”he shared as perThe Hollywood Reporter.
Nayyar himself was surprised upon landing the role inThe Big Bang Theory,especially since he didn’t fully grasp the significance of the opportunity at the time. He recalled,
It was amazing. I had no idea I was going to get the role — I wasn’t jaded and didn’t understand the weight of the situation. This was my second job, I played a terrorist on NCIS. I didn’t understand the gravitas of the situation and just walked in. That was so dumb!
Despite his initial lack of understanding, Nayyar’s audition left an impression, as he managed to get a few laughs from the show’s co-creators, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, ultimately landing the role.
“She was like taillights”: ’The Big Bang Theory’ Cast Had One Huge Misconception About Kaley Cuoco Thanks to Her Outgoing Bombshell Persona in Their First Meeting
Nayyar went on to star on the show for 12 seasons. With the show getting another spin-off, fans are eagerly hoping to see him reprise his role as Raj in the newBig Bang Theoryproject.
The Big Bang Theoryis available to watch on Max.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3448
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
