Jim Parsons explains why he was ready to leave The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons has revealed why he was ready to say goodbye to Dr. Sheldon Cooper. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty for Vulture Festival)
The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons has discussed the reason why he was ready to bid farewell to the character he’s been playing on the show for the past 12 years, Dr Sheldon Cooper.
The 45-year-old actor appeared on the latest cover of Entertainment Weekly (EW) along with co-stars Kaley Cuoco (Penny) and Johnny Galecki (Leonard) and discussed the reason why he was unwilling to keep playing Sheldon.
It was reportedly Parsons’ decision that prompted Warner Bros and CBS to put an end to the long-running sitcom.
“Not that we couldn’t keep doing it, but it feels like we’ve chewed all the meat off this bone.”
— Jim Parsons
The actor told EW that he felt there was little left to explore for Sheldon—a character whose narrative arc has included overcoming his discomfort with intimacy to the point he got married at the end of Season 11.
“There is no negative reason to stop doing Big Bang. It felt like we have been able to do this for so many years now, it doesn’t feel like there is anything left on the table. Not that we couldn’t keep doing it, but it feels like we’ve chewed all the meat off this bone,” Parsons said.
The actor—who came out in 2012 and wedded his long-term partner Todd Spiewak in 2017—also felt he was getting too old to keep playing the character.
Jim Parsons penned an emotional message to The Big Bang Theory cast, crew, writers and fans in August, (Frazer Harrison/Getty)
He said: “I guess at a personal level, it feels like the right time in my life. I don’t know what’s next for me. It’s not like there is something specific I am aiming for. I’m firmly in my middle age now. I don’t know how much longer I can wear [the T-shirts] without looking really long in the tooth.”
After The Big Bang Theory, what is next for Jim Parsons?
Parsons said he is not sure what will happen after The Big Bang Theory ends, although his production company That’s Wonderful Production has reportedly begun working on a new gay-themed comedy series along with NBC.
“In a way, it’s exciting. What is this next chapter of life? What is this next chapter for all of us? It will be very, very sad when it does end, even knowing [I am] okay with it,” Parsons told EW.
“People are okay when they graduate but there are frequently tears at graduation. It’s hard to say goodbye to people that you have worked with for so long,” he added.
Parsons had previously discussed his feelings about the upcoming end of the show in a message posted on Instagram in August.
In the message, he thanked The Big Bang Theory fans, writers, cast and crew.
“You are all my playmates that I have fallen in love with and who have become a part of my life on set and off,” he wrote. “I will miss all of you and all of this more than I can say and more than I can know at this time.”
