Simon Helberg is best known for his role as the quirky, yet lovable Howard Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory, but there’s much more to the actor than just his comedic chops. Helberg is an accomplished musician, particularly skilled at playing the piano, a talent that played a crucial role in his standout performance in the critically acclaimed film Florence Foster Jenkins, starring Meryl Streep.
Though he’s been playing the piano since childhood, it wasn’t until his role as Cosmé McMoon in Florence Foster Jenkins that his musical skills were given the spotlight. While Helberg was already a proficient pianist, the role pushed him to explore new musical styles, especially classical opera—something he hadn’t previously tackled.
Music and Acting: The Connection Simon Helberg Sees
Before diving into the world of acting, Simon Helberg was a passionate pianist, spending much of his teenage years playing music. His musical background gave him an edge when transitioning into comedy. Helberg believes rhythm is a vital part of both music and acting, especially in the world of comedy.
“There’s probably something more physiological going on,” Helberg explained. “Rhythm is a huge part of being an actor, and particularly in comedy, it’s pretty essential. I have a good ear for music and voices and dialects, and I’m sure that plays into everything I do.”
This rhythmic sensibility is what helps Helberg excel in his performances, whether he’s delivering a comedic line on The Big Bang Theory or playing a dramatic piano role in a movie alongside one of Hollywood’s legends.
Helberg’s Challenge in Florence Foster Jenkins
Despite being an experienced musician, Helberg’s role in Florence Foster Jenkins wasn’t without its challenges. The actor admitted that he had no formal training in classical or opera music, areas essential to his role as Cosmé McMoon, a real-life pianist who played for the eccentric Florence Foster Jenkins, known for her disastrous singing voice.
“I played in rock and jazz bands. That’s what I thought I was going to do,” Helberg recalled. “Then I started acting, and I’d never played classical music, especially opera. Playing accompaniment is a whole other art form. And playing with Meryl Streep? That’s something no one can really prepare for.”
Despite his initial apprehensions, Helberg’s performance alongside Meryl Streep was nothing short of brilliant. His ability to blend his musical talent with his acting skills helped him bring the character of Cosmé McMoon to life on screen. Not only did he impress audiences with his musical abilities, but his performance also highlighted his versatility as an actor, capable of both comedy and drama.
Conclusion
Simon Helberg’s journey from playing Howard Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory to starring in Florence Foster Jenkins shows that his talents go far beyond what viewers may have originally thought. With a deep understanding of music and rhythm, Helberg brought a unique energy to both his acting and piano performances, earning critical acclaim for his role in the film. Who knew that the actor who made us laugh so hard on The Big Bang Theory could also deliver such an inspiring and heartfelt musical performance alongside Meryl Streep?
