Stephen Hawking outshined Stan Lee in cameos, featuring in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Big Bang Theory.
Stan Lee was a legendary American comic book writer who played a significant role in bringing some of the iconic Marvel superheroes such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and the Fantastic Four. His outstanding work along with his beloved public persona established him as an influential figure in pop culture.
He continued his public appearances through several cameos in Marvel films and beyond such as The Big Bang Theory. Despite his immense influence, another notable figure went ahead of him in having a cameo in two popular series, who is none other than Stephen Hawking.
Stephen Hawking Had a Cameo in Both Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Big Bang Theory
In the expansive universe of science fiction, only a few have achieved the cultural phenomenon of the Star Trek franchise and The Big Bang Theory series. Both presented a unique blend of science with storytelling, creating a strong franchise that continues to be on audiences’ favorite lists.
Many wanted to be featured in that iconic saga since it has cemented an indelible mark in the entertainment world. And to anyone’s surprise, one notable figure has already made the series more iconic with their presence – Stephen Hawking. Well-renowned as a theoretical physicist, and cosmologist, he has given the shows more depth with his presence.
But, many might be unaware of the fact that the late author was an avid Star Trek fan. According to The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years book, which documented Star Trek’s history after the original series, also wrote about Hawking’s interest in the project.
He would visit the set and ask through his voice synthesizer, “Would you lift me out of my chair and put me into the captain’s seat?” The crew would entertain him with pleasure, which only glimpsed about his positive and playful personality.
In his later years, Hawking’s amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) significantly restricted his mobility, limiting his ability to speak and move. However, this did not diminish his lively spirit, as he made a cameo in Star Trek: The Next Generation, where he played himself.
In a 1993 episode titled Descent, Part I, Hawking appears in a holographic simulation, where he plays poker with Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, both portrayed by actors.
According to THR, he also made a guest appearance in The Big Bang Theory Season 5, where Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) meets the notable figure, whom he idolized. Although Stan Lee couldn’t appear in the Star Trek saga, he, too had made a cameo in the sci-fi sitcom.
Stan Lee’s Cameo in The Big Bang Theory
The legendary comic book writer too made a memorable cameo appearance in the show’s third season. The episode titled, The Excelsior Acquisition premiered in 2010, featuring the late legend where he plays himself.
The storyline revolves around the main characters, particularly Cooper, who gets excited to attend Lee’s comic book signing event. It happens all thanks to Stuart (Kevin Sussman) whose uncle happens to be Stan Lee’s dermatologist.
He convinces the author to grace the event but a legal issue prevents Sheldon from attending the event. Getting disappointed in missing the opportunity to meet the iconic personality, Penny takes him to Lee’s house, where they unexpectedly meet him.
However, their unexpected encounter ends up taking a hilarious turn as Lee gets somewhat annoyed due to uninvited guests, making the episode more memorable for fans.
