The Big Bang Theory became famous not only for its main cast but also for the notable guest stars who graced the series over the years, including Star Trek alumni, the late James Earl Jones, and Bob Newhart. However, some stars who wanted to appear never made it to the show. Pop icon Selena Gomez was one of those stars who almost played a unique role on the series.
According to Jessica Radloff’s book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, Gomez, who had publicly shared her love for the show, was on executive producer Steve Molaro’s radar. “After I heard she liked the show, we approached Selena’s team a couple of times to have her on, but it never worked out due to scheduling reasons,” Molaro said. “I’m a fan of hers and would have loved to have had her on.”
Molaro had a specific character in mind for Gomez: a stepsister of Amy Farrah Fowler (played by Mayim Bialik). He had envisioned a storyline where Amy would rant about her “terrible stepsister.” The twist would reveal this stepsister as a beautiful, charming character that everyone in Amy’s life would adore, leaving Amy feeling insecure. Unfortunately, the character idea was scrapped before it could even be pitched due to Gomez’s availability and a shift in Amy’s family dynamics on the show.
How The Big Bang Theory Developed Amy’s Character Without a Stepsister
Although Gomez’s stepsister character didn’t make it to the screen, Amy’s character evolved meaningfully through her friendships with Penny and Bernadette. When Amy first joined the series, her personality mirrored Sheldon’s, with a similar focus on intellectual pursuits and social awkwardness. But as series creator Chuck Lorre shared in Radloff’s book, Amy’s friendships with Penny and Bernadette brought out a more relatable, emotional side.
“One of the best discoveries of the series was when Amy, who is a lonely character, found friendship and camaraderie with Penny and Bernadette,” Lorre explained. “Her love for Penny and Bernadette may have been more important than her romance with Sheldon because it deepened her character.”
As Amy’s friendships with Penny and Bernadette grew, she blossomed into a multidimensional character who could navigate friendships, romance, and personal growth. While Gomez’s character could have added an interesting dynamic, the writers still managed to give Amy a satisfying arc of growth and connection.
Gomez’s Path to Comedy Stardom
Although Gomez never got her cameo on The Big Bang Theory, she has since joined another wildly popular comedy series. In 2021, Gomez landed a leading role in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, alongside comedy icons Steve Martin and Martin Short. In the show, Gomez plays Mabel Mora, a witty, independent young woman who helps uncover murder mysteries in a New York apartment building. The role has showcased Gomez’s comedic talents, proving she would have fit seamlessly into The Big Bang Theory’s world.
With a role as both lead actor and executive producer, Gomez has helped make Only Murders in the Building a hit. The show, now in its fourth season, is loved for its chemistry between Gomez, Martin, and Short, whose comedic synergy has kept fans coming back season after season.
While we’ll never get to see Gomez as Amy’s stepsister, fans can still enjoy her sharp humor and engaging presence in Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.
