The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons stood his ground to protect Mayim Bialik’s Amy if the showrunner decided to axe her.
The Season 3 finale of the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory introduced Amy Farrah Fowler as a potential companion for Jim Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper, after Howard and Raj discover a match for him on the dating website. The character was initially perceived as being very similar to Sheldon.
However, the character did not resonate well with fans who were wary of any changes to Sheldon Cooper. Despite the mixed reception, Parsons was determined to keep the character in the show, as he believed that Amy added significant value to the show.
Jim Parsons Defended Mayim Bialik’s Amy Despite Negative Reception
In The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, Jim Parsons acknowledged that introducing a character with a vision for a “female version of Sheldon” couldn’t remain static and would need to evolve to maintain the show’s appeal.
And he seemed interested in developing the character as such, as he was willing to challenge the writers if they ever considered writing her off the show. The actor said, as per Entertainment Weekly,
And at some point in season four—I don’t know if something caused it or not—I remember saying to Todd, “I will not let this character go without a fight.” That was notable for me, only in that I almost never disagreed with the writers.
Over time, he felt strongly about Bialik and was ready to talk to the writers anytime the character appeared to be weaning off of the show.
But at some point I felt a certain way about working with Mayim that I was like, If for whatever reason we seemed to be weaning her off of this show as a character, I would go and talk to them.
The actor also praised the writers for their strategic decision to introduce Bernadette and Amy early in the series. He believed that it was a smart move to add new characters before the existing storylines and dynamics became stale, avoiding more desperate or gimmicky plot additions later on.
Chuck Lorre Strongly Advocated For Amy Farrah Fowler
Talking about Mayim Bialik’s character, showrunner Steven Molaro discussed how Chuck Lorre also stood his ground for the character. He shared that they initially had no plans regarding how the character would develop or her relationship with Sheldon and others would progress.
However, despite concerns regarding fans’ discomfort with Sheldon being involved with a female character. Lorre felt strongly about the character and was adamant to keep her in the show. Molaro recalled,
Chuck was the biggest early adopter and proponent of Mayim. Even when we felt that the character may be polarizing—because some viewers weren’t comfortable with the idea of Sheldon being involved with a female—Chuck was like, “I don’t care, you put that face on TV!”
Molaro also shared that despite their initial presumptions regarding the character, writers were optimistic and committed to making the character engaging. Over time, Amy was able to grow beyond being seen as just a “female Sheldon” and become a fully developed character in her own right.
