It Will Take An Actual Genius To Name All These Big Bang Theory Characters
- by Ben Sherlock
- – on
- in Movies and TV
The Big Bang Theory is finally doing a victory lap before calling it quits with a season finale episode that millions of people across the world have been eagerly awaiting for more than a decade. We'll finally get to see how these characters' stories end. Where will Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Howard, and Raj be when we leave them in a few weeks? Only time will tell.
For now, there is a rich tapestry of supporting characters that have drifted in and out of these nerds' lives over the past 12 seasons, so it takes a truly dedicated fan of the show to be able to name them all. Love interests have come and gone and work colleagues have segued in and out of the show from time to time over the years.
It will take a special kind of Big Bang Theory fan to name all of these characters, both minor and major, from the entire more than decade long history of the show. But since many people would consider themselves to be a big fan of this top rated hit show, a lot of people probably qualify as Big Bang Theory geniuses, so go ahead and give this quiz a go!
Who owns the comic book store?
The character who owns the comic book store that the guys frequent has become more and more of a main character in the years since he was introduced as a minor recurring role. He has been involved romantically with both Penny and Howard's mother, so it's safe to say that he has become sort of a major character. The actor who plays this character had a small role in the Coen brothers' comedy Burn After Reading. Who owns the comic book store?
What is Sheldon's mom's name?
As the prequel spin off series from The Big Bang Theory has come out recently, Young Sheldon, to tell the story of Sheldon Cooper's childhood, the character of his mother from Texas has been expanded quite significantly. We had gotten to know her a little bit in the original show, but she is one of the main characters in Young Sheldon and is more involved in Sheldon's life as he is a child. What is the name of Sheldon's mom?
Who is Leonard's on and off girlfriend from the early seasons?
In the earliest days of The Big Bang Theory, Penny is just the new girl who lives across the hall from the guys. Now, of course, she is Leonard's wife. But in seasons 1 and 2, Leonard becomes infatuated with her and she rejects his earliest advances. So, he turns to his on and off girlfriend who also works at the university with him. She's played by Sara Gilbert. Who is Leonard's on and off girlfriend from the early seasons?
Who is Howard's wife?
Howard Wolowitz has changed a lot as a character over the years. He has grown and matured as a human being. In season 1, he was a childish and immature and promiscuous guy, whereas now, he is a husband and father who is totally committed to his wife and his kids and being the head of his family. His wife worked at the Cheesecake Factory with Penny when they met. What is Howard's wife's name in The Big Bang Theory?
Who pronounces R's as W's?
This character is one of the various researchers and professors who work at the university with the guys. He doesn't have a particularly friendly relationship with any of the guys, especially Sheldon, although let's face it, Sheldon doesn't have a particularly friendly relationship with anyone. It is unfortunate for him that he is unable to pronounce the R sound, particularly because he has two R sounds in his name, and so he cannot properly pronounce his own name. Who pronounces R's as W's?
What is Professor Proton's real name?
In one of the most iconic episodes of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon and Leonard are disappointed to find that the children's entertainer who originally got them interested in science when they were kids with his Professor Proton character no longer has the enthusiasm for science that he once did. He was played by Bob Newhart, the standup comic who starred in his own sitcoms and also played the role of Buddy's stepdad in Elf. What is Professor Proton's real name?
Who is Raj's sister?
When Raj's sister came to visit during a story arc in The Big Bang Theory, she quickly struck up a romance with Leonard, which made things a little bit contentious with Penny. It was an interesting relationship, because it almost got serious enough for Leonard to move all the way to India just to be with her. But of course, Leonard was meant to be with Penny and that was never going to work out. What is the name of Raj's sister in The Big Bang Theory?
Which Star Trek actor does Sheldon have a long history with?
There is an actor from the Star Trek franchise who Sheldon has a long and complicated history with, both as friends and as enemies. He was an actor in Star Trek: The Next Generation in the role of Wesley Crusher, but he has also appeared in other projects are arguably just as well known. He was in the classic coming of age movie Stand By Me adapted from a short story by Stephen King. Which Star Trek actor does Sheldon have a long history with?
What is Leonard's mom's name?
The actress who plays Leonard's mom in The Big Bang Theory is one of the main cast of Mamma Mia! alongside Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, a movie that of course had its long awaited sequel this year called Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again. Her character in the Mamma Mia! movie franchise is a lot different from the character of Leonard's mother in The Big Bang Theory. Leonard has a complicated relationship with his mom. What is Leonard's mom's name?
Who is Howard and Bernadette's first baby?
The producers of The Big Bang Theory made a conscious decision that the audience would never get to see Howard and Bernadette's first baby as a kind of tribute to the late actress who played Howard's mom, because we never got to see her either. The baby's screeching is voiced by Pamela Adlon, who now stars in the show Better Things and used to play Bobby Hill in the show King of the Hill. What is the name of Howard and Bernadette's first baby?
Who is Raj's equally shy ex?
One of the hallmarks of the Raj character has always been his awkward relationship with women. He gets shy around them, and in the early days, he couldn't even speak to women. It's called selective mutism. He then discovered that if he is drunk, then he can speak to a woman. He's still shy around women, though, and then once he actually could speak to them, he met someone who was just as shy as him. Who is Raj's equally shy ex?
Who is this Marvel Comics founder?
A lot of the characters in The Big Bang Theory are actually real life people who are playing themselves, because it's a great way to get yourself some exposure. The Big Bang Theory is the highest rated comedy series on TV, so a lot of people want to get on there to get seen by an audience of that size. This character plays himself and is the founder of Marvel Comics who created most of the guys' favorite superheroes. He always does cameos in Marvel movies. Who is this Marvel Comics founder?
What is Bernadette's dad's name?
It is a well trodden area in the realm of sitcom television to have a father in law character who does not get along with his son in law. Howard is a comic book and science fiction nerd who works as an engineer at a university, for example, and his father in law is a huge sports fan, and so they have nothing in common and struggle to get along. What is Bernadette's dad's name in The Big Bang Theory?
Who is Sheldon's assistant who took a liking to Leonard?
Sheldon hires this graduate student to look through his kindergarten notebooks for Nobel Prize winning research. At first, Amy was the one who was jealous of her, because she was spending so much time around Sheldon and she was worried that she would steal him from her. But then she saw her flirting with Leonard and realized that's the guy who she was really interested in, and so Penny became the one who was jealous of her. Who is Sheldon's assistant who took a liking to Leonard?
Who is Leonard's dad?
Judd Hirsch, the star of Taxi and A Beautiful Mind, has made a name for himself in the past few years with a younger audience than he had before as he has reinvented himself as the guy who plays people's dads on sitcoms. In The Big Bang Theory, he plays the father of the Leonard character. He also played Marc Maron's dad in his self titled IFC sitcom Maron. What is the name of Leonard's father in The Big Bang Theory?
What is Meemaw's real name?
One of the most important people in Sheldon Cooper's life is his Meemaw and for many years of the show, we hadn't actually met her in person. But over the past couple of seasons, she has made the odd appearance. She is played by June Squibb, an actress from such movies as Alexander Payne's Nebraska. We have also been given her real name, as opposed to just the affectionate one that Sheldon has given her. What is Meemaw's real name?
What is the name of the dermatologist Raj dated?
Raj has had a lot of different girlfriends over the years, since he has never really been able to make a relationship with anyone work, and so he is responsible for bringing in a lot of supporting characters over the years. This dermatologist student is the only one so far who has stuck around for so long and been so important that she has actually joined the main cast of the show alongside the others. What is the name of the dermatologist student who Raj dated?
Who does Stephen Merchant play?
Stephen Merchant is a UK comedian and writer who has appeared on podcasts and radio shows with Ricky Gervais, co-created The Office and Extras, and also starred in his own show Hello Ladies. At one point during a story arc in The Big Bang Theory in which Sheldon and Amy had ended their relationship, Stephen Merchant came in to play a date of Amy's who Sheldon caught coming back from coffee with her. Who does Stephen Merchant play in The Big Bang Theory?
Who is the head of the Physics Department?
This guy is essentially the guys' boss. When Raj was featured in an article in People magazine for discovering a planet, this character got heavily involved to act favorably towards Raj and give him a lot of attention. He was also the host of the Physics Bowl quiz that Sheldon and the guys competed in on separate teams after Sheldon was kicked out. Who is the head of the Physics Department at the university where all of the guys in The Big Bang Theory work?
What is Penny's dad's name?
Occasionally, Penny's dad will show up. Even more rarely, her mother and her other family members will show up, but it's Penny's dad who we get to know best. He was not Leonard's best ally to begin with, but when Leonard and Penny got married, he showed up and he walked Penny down the aisle and he invited Leonard into the family and it was a very sweet moment. He is played by Keith Carradine. What is Penny's dad's name?
Who is Sheldon's twin sister?
In an early episode of The Big Bang Theory from way back in the show's first season, Sheldon's twin sister comes to visit and the guys instantly fall for her. Sheldon is at first against the idea of one of his friends dating his sister, but then he realizes that her DNA presents the opportunity to give birth to another him, so he gets on board with it. What is the name of Sheldon's twin sister in The Big Bang Theory?
Who is Penny's brother?
In the season 10 premiere episode of The Big Bang Theory, we meet Penny's brother. He is played by Jack McBrayer, who is best known for his roles as Kenneth Parcell in the satirical sitcom 30 Rock and Fix It Felix in Disney's animated kids' movie franchise Wreck It Ralph, the second movie of which will be released later this year with the title Ralph Breaks the Internet and it will be set literally inside the Internet. Who is Penny's brother?
Who is this geologist played by Brian Posehn?
This character was quite a late addition to The Big Bang Theory's roster of character, as he came in as a colleague of Amy. He is played by Brian Posehn, an alternative standup comedy who took part in The Comedians of Comedy tour with Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford, and Zach Galifianakis. He also did a lot of work with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross on the Mr. Show sketches in their early days. Who is this geologist character played by Brian Posehn?
Which Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles cast member do the guys meet on a train?
There have been a lot of lucrative guest stars to appear on The Big Bang Theory, but this actress from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles was pretty much the first one. She appeared in a season finale episode in which Sheldon went through some major character development with Amy while the other guys tried to talk to the celebrity at the back of the train. Which Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles cast member do the guys meet on a train?
What is the name of Howard and Bernadette's second baby?
The astronaut that this baby was named after recently received the biopic treatment as a movie telling his life story was released called First Man starring Ryan Gosling as him. The movie was directed by Damien Chazelle of Whiplash and La La Land, it has been highly acclaimed by critics, and it tells the story of how this man came to be the first man to walk on the Moon. That's why Howard and Bernadette named their baby after him. What is the name of Howard and Bernadette's second baby?
What is this nurse's name?
This nurse character is not a particularly major role, but she does appear in the show a lot, and at some of the most pivotal moments in the characters' lives, from when Howard had an allergic reaction to a peanut bar to when his wife gave birth to his first child. The same actress appears in the role of a different nurse in Young Sheldon, the spin off prequel series from The Big Bang Theory that was set in 1989. What is this nurse's name?
Who is Penny's mom?
Penny's mom in The Big Bang Theory is played by Katey Sagal, who had previously played the mother of a Kaley Cuoco character in the sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. She also played the roles of Peggy Bundy in Married... with Children, Leela in the Matt Groening sci fi animated comedy series Futurama, and Gemma Teller Morrow in the FX network's biker drama series Sons of Anarchy, so she has had a wide ranging bunch of acting roles over the years. Who is Penny's mom?
Which famed physicist did Sheldon play Words with Friends against?
A lot of famous scientists have appeared as themselves in The Big Bang Theory like actors and directors play themselves in Entourage. It's a science show, so scientists are on it. This one appeared as himself more times than anyone else. Sadly, this famous scientist lost his life recently. He was the subject of the movie The Theory of Everything, for which Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for playing him back in 2014. Which famed physicist did Sheldon play Words with Friends against?
Who is the president of the university where the guys work?
There is a running joke in The Big Bang Theory in which Sheldon will call this man in the middle of the night to get some information from him. He is played by an actor named Joshua Malina, who is best known for his roles in the other TV shows The West Wing and Sports Night, which were both created by the great Aaron Sorkin, as well as a roles in Shondaland shows. Who is the president of the university where the guys work?
Who is this ex-boyfriend of Penny's?
Penny has a few ex boyfriend characters in The Big Bang Theory. This is the guy who steals Leonard and Sheldon's pants when they try to get Penny's TV back. This is also the guy who sees Penny kissing Leonard when he's dressed as Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings for a Halloween party and Leonard tells him, "That's how we roll in the Shire!" before frantically locking the door out of fear. Who is this ex boyfriend of Penny's?
Which billionaire did Howard meet in a soup kitchen?
The holidays are a time when people who would not normally feed the homeless and work in a soup kitchen and give a little bit back to the community will actually go out and volunteer to do it. When Howard Wolowitz decided to do it in an episode of The Big Bang Theory, he met one of the highest profile guest stars in the show's history playing a version of himself. Which billionaire did Howard meet in a soup kitchen?
Which Caltech grad student obsesses over Sheldon?
This character is introduced in one of the most iconic episodes in the history of The Big Bang Theory. She first came into the show all the way back in season 2 when she became infatuated with Sheldon and thought that he would do some ground breaking research. So, she refused to let him have any fun or go out with his friends or read comic books as it was distracting him from his scientific work. Which Caltech grad student obsesses over Sheldon?
Who is Bernadette's usurping co-worker?
This character is a relatively new addition to The Big Bang Theory as she hasn't been with the show since the beginning. She showed up a couple of years ago as a co worker of Bernadette's who Raj begins dating. She is from India, just like him, and they initially hit it off and got along very well. However, she doesn't believe in love and sees it as a science, so she breaks up with him. Who is Bernadette's usurping co-worker?
Who is this ex-boyfriend of Penny's?
The boyfriends of Penny's who are big and muscular and cool are generally not kind towards her nerdy friends, but this one was, despite the fact that they insult his intelligence a lot. Thanks to the fact that he is in good shape, he dressed as Superman when the guys wanted to play the Justice League. Sheldon was the Flash, Leonard was Batman, Howard was Green Lantern, and Raj was Aquaman with a built in seahorse on his costume. Who is this ex-boyfriend of Penny's?
What is Mrs. Wolowitz's first name?
We never got to see this character on screen, but since Howard lived with her for so many years, she became a very major part of the show. When Carol Ann Susi, the actress who provided this character's voice, lost her life, the producers decided that the character would also lose her life in the show and that episode was put into the eighth season of The Big Bang Theory. What is Mrs. Wolowitz's first name in The Big Bang Theory?
Who is this comic book store patron?
There are two characters who can be seen browsing in the comic book store every now and then in episodes of The Big Bang Theory. In Seinfeld, there was a character named Ruthie Cohen who appeared in almost every scene in Monk's Cafe sitting at the counter by the door, and while she didn't generally have any dialogue, she appeared in more episodes than anyone outside the main four cast members. These two guys are kind of like her. Who is this one?
Who is the other comic book store patron?
These two guys don't just appear in scenes set in the comic book store. They also appear at Howard's bachelor party and are shown to also be friends with Star Trek: The Next Generation actor Wil Wheaton (seriously, in The Big Bang Theory universe, how many random fan boys is Wil Wheaton friends with?). Who is the other comic book store patron out of the two who appear in minor roles in almost every scene set in the comic book store?
Which surgeon did Leonard date for a while?
This character is a very talented surgeon and well regarded medical doctor. At first, when she was introduced on the show, Howard was the one trying to woo her, but in the end, she found herself more attracted to Leonard and they dated for a while. Of course, given that he is now married to Penny and has been with her for years, it didn't work out. But they had a good run. Which surgeon did Leonard date for a while?
Who is Stuart's replacement at the comic book store?
This character fills in for Stuart at the comic book store whenever Stuart is unable to make a shift. He has not appeared very often, but he is memorable. When Stuart throws a Valentine's Day party, he can be seen in attendance. He was played by Josh Brener, who is better known for his roles as Big Head in the HBO sitcom Silicon Valley and Kyle in the IFC sitcom Maron. Who is Stuart's replacement at the comic book store?
Which Star Wars actor is this?
This actor is known for playing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise in a voice capacity only, and he reprised his role recently in the prequel spin off movie Rogue One for one of the most celebrated scenes in the movie. He also played Mufasa in The Lion King. This actor will be reprising his role as Mufasa in the upcoming live action remake of The Lion King, because no one else would be able to portray Simba's father with as booming a voice as his. Which Star Wars actor is this?
Which other Star Wars actor's house did Sheldon go to?
This actress who played Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars franchise is more than just an accomplished actor. She is also a hugely successful writer, with published novels, including Postcards from the Edge, and memoirs that have been critically acclaimed best sellers. Sadly, she lost her life back in 2016 and made her last Star Wars appearance in The Last Jedi. Which other Star Wars actor's house did the actor from the previous question take Sheldon to when they met?
Which cosmonaut did Howard go to space with?
Remember when Howard went to space? It was so long ago, but it is still pretty incredible that Howard Wolowitz actually went into orbit and was floating around in outer space! When he came back from space, it became a running joke that his friends were sick of him talking about going to space all the time. One of his colleagues on the space mission was a cosmonaut. What was the name of the cosmonaut he went to space with?
Who proposed to Raj on the first date?
The culture of Raj's native country of India dictates that he should consider entering into an arranged marriage at a certain point when it seems like he is running out of options, and that is exactly what he did when his parents arranged for this first date in which the girl ended up proposing to him. Raj has always struggled in his relationships with women, not least because he can't speak to them. Who proposed to Raj on the first date?
Who interviewed Raj on the local news?
It is arguable that, even though Howard is the one who has actually been into outer space, Raj is the most famous one of the four guys. He was featured in an article in People magazine alongside the likes of Ellen Page to promote and celebrate his scientific discoveries. He also went on the local news where he was interviewed by this woman about an event out in space that was coming up. Who interviewed Raj on the local news?
Who is this friend of Sheldon's?
This is a friend of Sheldon's who came to stay with him and then immediately began flirting with all of his friends. She was played by Judy Greer, who has appeared in pretty much everything. She plays the ex wife of Scott Lang in the Ant Man movies and she played the mom of the kids who face the dinosaurs' wrath in Jurassic World and she was in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Who did she play in The Big Bang Theory?
Who is this Firefly actor?
Sheldon believes that this actor would have been a better choice for the role of Hal Jordan / Green Lantern in the 2011 movie rather than Ryan Reynolds, who did get the role. He has starred in TV shows such as Firefly and Castle and he has done a lot of work with Avengers director Joss Whedon. He is a fan boy favorite and is tipped to play the role of Nathan Drake in the Uncharted movie. Who is this Firefly actor?
Who is the co-founder of Apple?
This renowned man founded Apple, Inc. with Steve Jobs and was played by Seth Rogen in the Danny Boyle directed 2015 biopic that starred Michael Fassbender in the role of Jobs. The guy made a cameo appearance as himself in the season 4 episode "The Cruciferous Vegetable Amplification." The title of the episode comes from the fact that Sheldon replaces pizza with cruciferous vegetables in his diet in an attempt to extend his life. Who is the co-founder of Apple?
Who is Sheldon's wife?
This character has become one of the most prominent characters in The Big Bang Theory since her introduction, but she was not always a part of the show. She was introduced as the female counterpart to Sheldon after a few seasons and then she became his girlfriend after a while and eventually they have moved in together and gotten married. They took baby steps with their relationship, but it ended with an eternity of happiness, so it was worth it. Who is Sheldon's wife?
Who cuts in line in front of Sheldon at the movies?
There is an episode of The Big Bang Theory where it is hard to disagree with Sheldon as he takes someone to task for cutting in front of him in line at the movies. He is played by Blake Anderson from the Comedy Central series Workaholics and the recent Netflix action comedy movie Game Over, Man!, in both of which he starred alongside his former Mail Order Comedy sketch troupe pals. Who cuts in line in front of Sheldon at the movies?
Who is Sheldon's former roommate?
The guy who lived in the apartment with Sheldon before Leonard moved in was played by Steven Yeun who is best known for playing the role of Glenn Rhee on the AMC survival series The Walking Dead. His character lost his life in a controversial episode of the show that opened the seventh season. He has since appeared in the Netflix science fiction movie Okja and signed on to star in comic book adaptation Chew. Who is Sheldon's former roommate?