Kaley Cuoco has revealed she loves Penny in The Big Bang Theory just as much as fans do.
Cuoco, 38, told People in an interview published on Saturday, October 19, that her role in the hit CBS sitcom made a significant impact on her life.
“I spent 12 years playing that role, and it really set off my career. I owe a lot to that character, to that show, to [creator] Chuck Lorre,” she told the outlet. “It was some of the best years of my life, and some of the most fun I’ve ever had.”
She then added that she’d love to revisit her part in The Big Bang Theory, which premiered in September 2007 and aired for 12 seasons, wrapping in 2019. “I would absolutely reprise that role,” she told the outlet. “One hundred percent. I love that character, and I always will.”
Cuoco starred alongside Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar in the TV series, which followed a group of self-confessed nerds as they navigate life and romance. It garnered 10 Emmys during its run and sparked a spinoff prequel, Young Sheldon, based on Parsons’ character, Sheldon Cooper.
Young Sheldon’s success resulted in its own spinoff, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which premiered on October 17.
Cuoco, who now stars in the Peacock series Based on a True Story, is enjoying plenty of personal triumphs, recently announcing her engagement to Tom Pelphrey.
On August 14, Cuoco shared via an Instagram Story that she had been proposed to, posting a photo of herself showing off an engagement ring and writing, “Amazing weekend.” The pair share a daughter, Matilda, 18 months. Cuoco shared news of Matilda’s arrival via Instagram in March 2023.
“Introducing Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey, the new light of our lives! We are overjoyed and grateful for this little miracle 💓,” Cuoco wrote alongside a carousel of photos of the newborn. “Thank you to the doctors, nurses, family and friends who have helped us immensely over the last few days. We are blessed beyond belief.”
The actress recently shared that she and Pelphrey, 42, are excited to grow their family even further one day.
“We’re gonna go way out of order. That’s our plan,” Cuoco told People in an interview published on September 22. “I have four dogs now, and a [1-year-old baby], and a Tom — it’s a lot.”
Cuoco and Pelphrey were set up by their mutual manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, who thought they would be “perfect for each other,” with the pair hitting it off at the final season premiere of Ozark in April 2022.
