Not everyone gets a happily ever after.
One of the best things about The Big Bang Theory finale is the fact that all of the fan-favorite characters got their happy endings. Sheldon and Amy were awarded the Nobel Prize, Bernadette and Howard were happy with their family life, Raj escaped the prospect of a loveless marriage, and Penny and Leonard got their romantic happy ending.
However, real life did not imitate art for Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco, who felt the spark playing Leonard and Penny and tried to make their relationship work behind the cameras. Unfortunately, The Big Bang Theory, which was the reason for the relationship to blossom, was also the catalyst for its end.
Why Did Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco Break Up?
Speaking with Jessica Radloff for her book, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, Johnny Galecki opened up about the behind-the-scenes romance he had with co-star Kaley Cuoco and how the show affected them in the worst possible way.
Turns out, in an attempt to protect the fans of the show and their perception of beloved characters, the actors ended up at odds with each other.
“I think one of the things that created a chasm between us was my strict policies of privacy, and Kaley being very, very open about her life. <…> It certainly wasn’t because I was embarrassed of her or our relationship, but I wanted to be protective of the audience’s acceptance of Penny and Leonard, without distraction from the tabloids,” he said.
While the desire to keep the relationship private for as long as possible is completely understandable, it created the rift between Galecki and Cuoco, and the longer they went on as a couple, the harder the break-up ended up being.
Though they managed to stay civil and friendly, and Penny and Leonard weren’t affected by their relationship at all, the atmosphere on the set must have been altered by the change in the actors’ dynamic.
Anyway, props to both Galecki and Cuoco, The Big Bang Theory went on for several more years, ending naturally with Jim Parson’s exit without any major behind-the-scenes drama. If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to revisit the show, be sure to stream all 12 seasons on Max.
