While The Big Bang Theory brought astronomical paychecks for stars like Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons, not everyone on set shared the financial spoils. Kevin Sussman, who played the lovable yet hapless comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, faced a very different reality. Despite being a fan-favorite supporting character, Sussman grappled with low pay and some less-than-pleasant filming experiences that highlighted the stark contrast between Hollywood’s top-billed actors and their lesser-known counterparts.
Dirty Work: The Scene Kevin Sussman Will Never Forget
Not all laughs on The Big Bang Theory came easily for its actors. Sussman had his share of unpleasant moments, including one memorable and rather unsavory scene in Season 10. In this episode, Stuart and Raj (played by Kunal Nayyar) take a dip in Howard and Bernadette’s backyard hot tub. The comedic catch? The hot tub was visibly dirty—and not just on screen.
For Sussman, the experience was more than just acting discomfort. Speaking at a 2017 Comic-Con panel, he admitted:
“It was a little disgusting… The hot tub was slightly dirty. I don’t like putting my head underwater ever… A bunch of people had to coach me, you know, ‘it’s going to be okay… we have a lot of people around.’”
Even Nayyar agreed that the scene wasn’t exactly their favorite to shoot. While the moment added to the humor of the episode, it underscored how far supporting actors often go for the sake of a laugh.
Paycheck Problems: The Reality of Residuals
Despite The Big Bang Theory’s staggering success, Kevin Sussman’s earnings didn’t reflect the show’s profitability. While lead stars Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons were cashing million-dollar checks per episode, Sussman’s paycheck was modest by comparison.
The disparity became even more apparent after the show moved to streaming platforms like Max and Amazon Prime. Speaking about the dramatic decline in residuals for streaming shows, Sussman revealed:
“For me, the big issue is residuals for streaming. I’ve seen residuals for my own shows absolutely tank once they go to streaming. I’m lucky because I was on The Big Bang Theory, which was on a broadcast network for years. Since it moved to streaming, it’s night and day. I don’t see how it’s possible for an upcoming actor these days to actually be able to make a living.”
While The Big Bang Theory continues to generate significant revenue, supporting actors like Sussman see only a fraction of the financial rewards. His candid remarks highlight the broader challenges faced by actors in the streaming era, where residual pay often pales in comparison to traditional network royalties.
Stuart’s Rise: How an Improvised Line Changed Everything
Though Stuart Bloom was originally a minor character, Kevin Sussman’s comedic instincts turned him into a standout presence on the show. Introduced in Season 2 as the unassuming comic book store owner, Stuart’s trajectory shifted in Season 3, Episode 7 (The Guitarist Amplification), thanks to a single unscripted line.
During the scene, Sussman ad-libbed a quiet “I love you” to Penny, a moment that caught everyone off guard and had the writers reimagining Stuart’s role. His character’s “undying love of Penny” and his hilariously unlucky streak became recurring themes.
From failed romances with both Penny and Amy to running the gang’s favorite comic book store, Stuart evolved into a fan-favorite tragicomic figure. His improvised charm and awkward humor solidified his place in the main cast and left a lasting impact on the series.
Closing Thoughts
Kevin Sussman’s journey on The Big Bang Theory offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of being a supporting actor on a hit show. While he brought humor and heart to the series, his experiences also shine a light on the disparities in Hollywood. From grueling scenes in dirty hot tubs to modest paychecks compared to his co-stars, Sussman’s story is a reminder that even in a world of laughs, the realities of the entertainment industry aren’t always so glamorous.
