The Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular and longest-running sitcoms on television right now, so star Simon Helberg is undoubtedly glad he didn’t follow his instincts to pass on the show back in 2007. Helberg stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to talk about what was almost a huge mistake for his career.
“I said, ‘I don’t want to play nerds anymore… so I’ll pass on the nerd show,'” Helberg recalled. “But I just got convinced to go in and I think I made a good choice.”
At the time, Helberg was recurring on the Aaron Sorkin dramedy Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip as Alex Dwyer, a cast member of the fictional live sketch show-within-the-show. The actor admitted he was enjoying the work he was doing on Studio 60, but unfortunately the series was canceled after one season due to lackluster ratings.
The Big Bang Theory, however, has lasted much longer than one season. The hit comedy is preparing to start its 10th season next month, and Helberg promised Colbert he’s happy to continue with the series as long as people are still watching and enjoying it.
The Big Bang Theory returns on Monday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Check out Helberg’s full interview with Colbert below.
