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Since The Big Bang Theory concluded, its beloved cast members have taken diverse paths in Hollywood, each carving out a new niche while showcasing their talents beyond their iconic sitcom roles. Here’s what Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg, Mayim Bialik, and Melissa Rauch have been up to.
Kunal Nayyar: From Shy Raj to Bold New Roles
Kunal Nayyar, who played the shy and lovable Raj Koothrappali, has been anything but reserved in his career choices since the show ended. He’s embraced voice acting, playing the character of Guy Diamond in the Trolls franchise, and continued to appear in live-action roles. His filmography includes Sweetness in the Belly, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, and How to Date Billy Walsh. Nayyar also starred in the Netflix film Spaceman and joined the Apple TV+ series Suspicion.
Looking ahead, Nayyar will take on a festive role in Christmas Karma, a Bollywood musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, slated for a December 2025 release. This project will pair him with Eva Longoria, adding a fresh chapter to his versatile career.
Simon Helberg: Charting a Unique Path
Unlike some of his Big Bang co-stars, Simon Helberg, known as Howard Wolowitz, has taken a less conventional route post-sitcom. He’s focused on quirky, independent projects that reveal his range beyond Howard’s eccentricities. Helberg starred as The Accompanist in the film Annette and made appearances in Peacock’s series Poker Face and the film As They Made Us, directed by Big Bang co-star Mayim Bialik.
Helberg has also embraced the California theater scene, performing in productions at the Pasadena Playhouse and the Geffen Playhouse, where he’ll appear in The Witch in late summer 2024. Additionally, he’s dabbled in voice acting, voicing Dr. Revanche in American Dad!.
Mayim Bialik: From Sitcom Star to Game Show Controversy
Mayim Bialik, who played the brainy Amy Farrah Fowler, has had a particularly eventful time since the show concluded. She starred in and produced the sitcom Call Me Kat, which ran for three seasons before being canceled. However, it was her role as co-host of Jeopardy! that placed her in the center of a media storm. Controversies surfaced around past comments on the #MeToo movement and vaccination, and her endorsement of a supplement that critics called “snake oil” further fueled public scrutiny.
In 2023, Bialik stepped back from Jeopardy! during the SAG-AFTRA strike, with Ken Jennings assuming full-time hosting duties. Despite this, she continues to connect with fans through her podcast, Bialik Breakdown, where she explores mental health topics with various guests.
Melissa Rauch: From Bernadette to Night Court Judge
Melissa Rauch, who brought the fiercely bubbly Bernadette Rostenkowski to life, has continued to find success in sitcoms. She currently stars in and produces NBC’s Night Court revival, playing Abby Stone, the daughter of the original series’ Judge Harold T. Stone. Night Court has been renewed for a third season, set to air in fall 2024.
Rauch has also ventured into voice acting, with roles in Robot Chicken, Animaniacs!, and Disney Junior’s Chicken Squad and Firebuds. Fans can even hear her as Gwen the Cat in Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite, highlighting her ongoing versatility in the entertainment industry.
Moving Beyond The Big Bang Theory
Each cast member has navigated the post-Big Bang landscape with unique projects, proving their range as performers and their ability to reinvent themselves. As they continue to explore new roles and take on fresh challenges, it’s clear that the stars of The Big Bang Theory are far from finished making their mark in Hollywood.
