October
29
'The Big Bang Theory': Get to know your favorite geek
"The Big Bang Theory" star Jim Parsons is set to answer your questions right here on Season Pass and we couldn't be more thrilled to get to know him better.
We're expanding our Q&A series to include actors and we're starting with a thesp whom we at Variety are big fans of. Parsons plays neurotic, socially challenged scientist Sheldon Cooper on CBS' hit sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," co-created by Bill Prady and Chuck Lorre.
My colleague Brian Cochrane and I were lucky enough to attend a taping of "Big Bang" last night on the Warner Bros. lot. Parsons and the entire cast are every bit as talented as we expected, reeling off the show's special brand of peculiar, rapid-fire scientific dialogue with very few dropped lines or re-takes.
Although we love the whole cast, Parsons has been a particular favorite of ours ever since we saw the pilot episode. He seemingly came out of nowhere - at least he was not on our radar - and became an instant star. He has great comic timing, excels at physical comedy and, let's face it, he's adorable.
If you're a fan too, this is your chance to learn more about this intriguing actor. Be clever and please don't ask things that you could learn from a simple search of his IMDB bio.
Here are the rules:
1) Hit the comment button below and ask your question. You have until Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.
2) You may ask more than one question but we are looking for quality, not quantity. Asking more will not guarantee that you'll see your queries answered. In the spirit of fairness, we try to give plenty of folks a chance.
3) Read through the other comments to make sure you're not repeating something that's already been asked.
4) On Friday, Nov. 7, I will have coffee with Jim and present him with the 20 best questions. He's agreed to answer between 10 and 20.
5) Visit Season Pass on Wednesday, Nov. 12 for the answers.
6) There are no restrictions on what you can ask but keep in mind actors are not always privvy to future story arcs.
7) Any change to this schedule due to unforseen circumstances or conflicts with Jim's schedule will be updated right here on this post.
Have fun and thanks for reading Season Pass. While you wait for the answers to this Q&A, please read our completed sessions with showrunners from your favorite series. Check out the menu there on the right for links.
Posted by Kathy Lyford
P.S.
We have lined up a Q&A with "Big Bang's" co-creator Bill Prady. So if you're a real fan of the show, keep checking back. We're aiming for late November or early December on that one. Bill had some fascinating stories about the show's development process, which we'd love to share with you.
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Hi Jim:)
I wanted to say I LOVE BBT, and yours is my absolute favorite character.
I was wondering what has been your favorite moment so far on the show, and/or if you have a favorite episode?
Thanks!
Posted by: Jessica | June 15, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I am a Chinese, do you know that your Chinese tone really confused me and other guys in china. haha,,,,
No one can sure that your exactly mean when you said in chinses restaurant SEASON1 EP17 sounds like "meng niu zai wo chuang shang"....what's your mean...thank u .Jimmy,
You know,,there are such a lot your fans in China, We call you "Shel Erdo"...hoho.
Posted by: Jt Princess | November 14, 2008 at 11:35 PM
I must admit that, although I like both shows, I prefer How I Met Your Mother to Big Bang Theory for a lot of reasons, one of the biggest being the continuous storyline that advances from episode to episode. Other than possibly Leonard's infatuation with Penny (which is more of a recurring theme and not a major storyline), has there been any thought of possibly stretching out a storyline over the course of multiple episodes? The Sheldon worshiper story was very clever but it was wrapped up way too quickly; I would've loved to see it continue for a few weeks.
Posted by: Anthony | November 05, 2008 at 03:08 PM
I really enjoy the show -- the smart writing and the excellent performances.
If you were told that the show was going to end and they wanted your input, how would you like to see the show finish?
Posted by: Trevor | November 04, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Jim- Sheldon is one of my favorite comedic characters in all of tv! I understand that you only know what the writers tell you about your character, so if you don't know for sure, would you just guess at an answer: Has Sheldon had any romantic experiences? Do you think he ever thinks about having a girlfriend or ever wants one at all? Or does he consider himself above all that?
Thanks for considering my question.
Posted by: Stephanie | November 04, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Are Sheldon and Leonard named after the brilliant Sheldon Leonard of The Andy Griffith Show
The Danny Thomas Show
The Dick Van Dyke Show
My Favorite Martian
I Spy?
Posted by: binnie hedge | November 04, 2008 at 08:41 AM
From playing Sheldon (with all of his neurotic "quarks" haha), is it funny when you see aspects of Sheldon in other people?
Do you like working with half of the Roseanne cast?
Posted by: Daria | November 04, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Will Penny and Sheldon hook up on the show?
Posted by: David | November 04, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Jim,
I am a special education teacher in Ohio and I wanted to know if your character was or will be identified as having Asperger's Syndrome or is autistic? I can see elements of both. Regardless, I have never laughed out loud as I have with BBT. As in regards to superheroes on the show, do you ever mention Marvel or is Sheldon a DC guy only. Spider-man was a science guy too.
Posted by: Paul | November 04, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Hi Jim, I'm from Czech republic. Even though in Big Bang was reference about "Czechoslovakia" I do hope you know that we aren't Czechoslovakia no more. But only Czech republic. ;-) Have a nice life! I like you. Bye Veronika
Posted by: Veronika | November 04, 2008 at 05:05 AM
1) I saw an interview you did and you mentioned having to memorize a lot of technical/science terminology for the show (since Sheldon is a physicist) - what has been the hardest term for you to learn to say correctly?
2) What aspects of Sheldon's character are the closest to yours?
3) What has been the hardest Sheldon one-liner to say with a straight face? How many tries/times did it take to get through it on set?
Posted by: Caitlan H. | November 03, 2008 at 05:57 PM
1) It seems that almost all tv-characters "evolve" as time goes on, and in some cases, become very different characters then what they were in the first episodes. How do you see your character changing so far, and how do you imagine he may evolve in the future?
2) Do you have any favorite funny moments of the show (or behind scenes) that you cant help but to smile or laugh every time you think back to it.
Posted by: Brian | November 03, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Hi Jim, I have two questions - Are you clever in ordinary life like Sheldon? Do you like Math? I don´t.:)
Sheldon is very clever but obnoxious and it´s good? Thanks for you answers. Bye
Posted by: Michael | November 03, 2008 at 02:10 AM
Hey Jim! Do you expect Big Bang Theory be nominated for an Emmy of Outstanding Comedy Series or yourself as Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series ? We really believe you deserve it!
With love, from Brazil.
Kiki
Posted by: Kiki (Brazil) | November 02, 2008 at 11:53 PM
If you had to choose in real life, would you believe in the String Theory or Loop Quantum Gravity?
Posted by: Lucas von Mecheln | November 02, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Jim, Is it true that you were the FEDEX robot in the film "I, ROBOT" ?
Posted by: Paulo Gorris | November 02, 2008 at 02:00 PM
are you dating kaley cuoco?
Posted by: richardska | November 02, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Do you like physical science in your normal live?
Posted by: Dominik | November 02, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Is Sheldon a character you have made up yourself or are there elements of people you know incorporated in his character?
Posted by: Petra | November 02, 2008 at 03:39 AM
Are you a gay?
Posted by: Daysi | November 01, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Hey, Jim, first of all, I just would like to say I think you make an amazing job with Sheldon. Now, the question, what's your favorite character on the show? And what's your favorite thing about Sheldon?
Posted by: Anita | November 01, 2008 at 12:02 PM
After doing an entire season so far, have you come across any fans who have crushes on your character and in turn have crushes on you because of who you play?
Posted by: Steph | October 31, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Jim, you were one of the best and brightest students we had at Klein Oak. Am getting the thrill of my old age seeing you on "The Big Bang Theory." Great show! Keep up the good work. Will you be inviting any of your old drama teachers to see the show? :-)
I'll never forget you and your sister in "Wait Until Dark."
Posted by: Brownie High MacKie | October 31, 2008 at 07:41 PM
1.
Will there be a resolution with the situation with "The Nemesis", Leslie? It bothers me a bit that she seems to often get the better of Sheldon.
2.
I love the episodes in which Penny became addicted to Age Of Conan, and the one in which she wrecks the guys in Halo. Do you play any online MMORPGs or video games in general?
Posted by: Emodius | October 31, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Did you get your assistant position at Microsoft Sidewalk due to some interest or education in computer science or other science? What was your undergraduate education?
Posted by: Elisabeth | October 31, 2008 at 01:03 PM
I imagine that every new table read is a real blast for everyone involved. What would you say about the group dynamics, the group atmosphere, and/or the personalities involved?
Do you pitch many jokes/ideas ? Are there any that you're particularly proud of?
Posted by: Tony | October 31, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Are you interested in the scientific theories you have to remember for the sitcom? Have you ever tried to learn more about them or really understand some of them?
Posted by: Phoebe | October 31, 2008 at 05:08 AM
What kind of girl do you like?
Posted by: wfylove | October 30, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Two questions:
Q: You put so much physical stuff into your acting -- ticks, movements, gestures, rubbery face and limbs. Is that something that has been a trademark of yours, or something honed for the Sheldon character specifically?
Q: Tell us about your background. How'd you get started? Anyone in your family an actor?
Posted by: Cynthia | October 30, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Is it true you are dating Kaley Cuoco?
Posted by: Bizzle | October 30, 2008 at 12:36 PM
What kind of comedy did you thrive on growing up? Were there any personal influences or TV Shows that shaped your awesome comedic talent?
Posted by: mikey | October 30, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Tell us about the audition process for the show. How many auditions did you have to go through?
Posted by: Kat | October 30, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Your comedic acting is great and seemingly effortless. When you perform Sheldon, to what extent do you rely on free-flow & intuition, and to what extent do you plan the details of your performance?
Follow-up question: now that the character has become so popular, are you making any conscious decisions to diminish/maintain/augment any of Sheldon's quirky traits?
Posted by: Tony | October 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
What is your favourite food? :)
Posted by: Jakub Kucmas | October 30, 2008 at 10:35 AM
How hard is it to memorize all the scientific facts and theories?
Posted by: Steve | October 30, 2008 at 03:48 AM
In regards to your character, do you think there is a romantic connection with Penny? or will there ever be a connection with Penny?
Posted by: Mega | October 29, 2008 at 10:46 PM