Although The Big Bang Theory is a light-hearted sitcom that centers around quirky nerds and their romantic escapades, it does include a few major character deaths throughout its 12-season run. These deaths, though mostly off-screen, had a significant impact on the characters and the overall story. While not as shocking as the bloodshed in shows like Game of Thrones, these moments were still memorable for fans. Here are the three major character deaths in the series that left a lasting mark.
1. Professor Tupperman
In Season 6’s “The Tenure Turbulence,” the death of Professor Tupperman is the catalyst for a hilarious and somewhat morbid storyline. While the professor’s passing happens off-screen, his sudden death sends Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj into a competition for his vacated tenured position at Caltech. The gang shows little regard for the professor, hardly remembering him, and their focus quickly shifts to securing the job he left behind. Sheldon’s own ambition to grab the position leads him to charm (or fail to charm) the tenure committee, including Janine Davis (Regina King), a no-nonsense HR administrator. While Professor Tupperman’s death serves as a mere plot device for laughs, it shows how the gang’s ambitions often overshadow more somber events.
2. Mrs. Wolowitz
Mrs. Wolowitz, Howard’s larger-than-life mother, was never seen on-screen, but her distinctive voice, provided by Carol Ann Susi, was a constant presence throughout the series. In Season 8’s “The Comic Book Store Regeneration,” Howard receives the devastating news that his mother has passed away in her sleep while visiting her sister in Florida. Though the relationship between Howard and his mother was often contentious, Howard is deeply affected by her death. The episode is a poignant moment in the series, especially as the gang reflects on Mrs. Wolowitz’s impact on their lives. Stuart, who had lived with Mrs. Wolowitz after Howard moved out, also pays tribute to her in his own way, while Sheldon, surprisingly, shows unexpected kindness. This death was written into the show after Carol Ann Susi passed away from cancer in 2014. The show’s creators opted to honor both Susi and her character by addressing her death on-screen, rather than replacing her.
3. Professor Proton
Arthur Jeffries, aka Professor Proton, was a beloved character played by comedy legend Bob Newhart. Professor Proton was Sheldon’s childhood hero, and his appearances in The Big Bang Theory served as both comedic and heartfelt moments. The character’s death is announced in Season 7, and Sheldon is left mourning the loss of the man who had such a profound influence on his youth. In the later seasons, Arthur continues to appear as a “Force Ghost”-like figure in Sheldon’s dreams, offering guidance and wisdom in his typically quirky manner. Bob Newhart’s portrayal of Professor Proton became iconic in the series, and after his real-life passing in 2024, Chuck Lorre, the show’s creator, paid tribute to the comedic legend on social media. Newhart’s character remained a touching part of Sheldon’s journey, even after his death.
Conclusion
While The Big Bang Theory is mostly known for its humor and light-hearted storytelling, the series didn’t shy away from addressing the death of key characters. Whether it was the off-screen death of a professor or the heartfelt goodbyes to beloved figures like Mrs. Wolowitz and Professor Proton, these moments added depth to the show and reminded fans that life—and death—plays an important role, even in sitcoms.
