Then vs. Now: The cast of “The Big Bang Theory” 10 years later

The Big Bang Theory is one of the most successful shows on television, not to mention one of our personal favorites. We can’t believe it’s been on our television sets for going on ten years. But while our love for the show has not changed, the actors have. Of course, that doesn’t make them any less lovable. If anything, they’ve grown in our esteem.

Jim Parsons — Dr. Sheldon Cooper

Jim Parsons has won a myriad of awards for his portrayal of beloved idiosyncratic scientist Sheldon Cooper, including four Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a TCA Award, and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards. As the cast embarks on the tenth (and possibly last) season, Sheldon remains memorable thanks to Parsons’ unique portrayal.

Johnny Galecki — Dr. Leonard Hofstadter

Johnny Galecki is quite the hunk, which makes his portrayal of delightful nerd Leonard Hofstadter all the more impressive.

Kaley Cuoco — Penny

We feel like we’ve watched watched Penny grow up and mature before our eyes. We adore Kaley Cuoco, her spritely style and bubbly spirit can’t help but make us smile.

Mayim Bialick — Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler

Mayim Bialick first stole our hearts in the early ’90s when she played Blossom, and she once again won our admiration (not to mention Sheldon Cooper’s) in season 3 of Big Bang Theory when she joined the cast as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler.

Melissa Rauch — Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz

Melissa Rauch is America’s sweetheart. With her brains and sweet (yet feisty) temperament, it’s no wonder Howard wanted to marry her.

Simon Helberg — Howard Wolowitz

Simon Helberg had quite the comedy career even before The Big Bang Theory. He has appeared on the sketch comedy series MADtv and is also known for his role as Moist in Joss Whedon’s web miniseries Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. But, of course he is most well known as Howard Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory.

Kunal Nayyar — Dr. Rajesh Koothrappali

Raj may not be able to speak to women without the helping hand of alcohol (well, until season six, that is), but the actor who portrays him does not have that problem. Kunal Nayyar is quite the charmer, not to mention a writer.