Taking on the role of Penny in the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco became a fan favorite on the show. And the actress also earned the respect of the showrunner and the audience by making a swift comeback to the show after suffering a terrible accident while horseback riding.
Kaley Cuoco in The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS
In 2010, the Emmy-nominated actress suffered numerous injuries during a horse riding session, when the horse got spooked and accidentally landed on her leg. Despite facing the possibility of a leg amputation, Cuoco’s unwavering willpower and composure under pressure earned praise from the showrunner who also highlighted her role in ensuring the show’s continued success.
Kaley Cuoco’s Determination Kept The Big Bang Theory on Track
Kaley Cuoco, a skilled equestrian, suffered an unfortunate accident in 2010. After a horse got spooked and accidentally landed on her left leg during a session, the actress had to sign a waiver for a potential leg amputation.
Kaley Cuoco | Credit: @kaleycuoco via Instagram
And the news horrified the showrunners of The Big Bang Theory, as they feared losing one of the leading stars of the show. “That was the darkest, most frightening time in all 12 years,” Chuck Lorre said.
Following surgery, doctors warned Cuoco that she would not be able to walk for months. Fortunately, she was able to leave the hospital just two weeks later in a walking boot.
The incident caused her character Penny to be written off for two episodes before she eventually returned to the show. Showrunner Chuck Lorre praised her determination and resilience, noting that Cuoco’s fierce commitment helped save the show.
“She handled it with dignity and determination,” Lorre recalled as per Emmys.com. “She was just fierce, ‘I’m coming back. I’ll be there,'” he added, praising Cuoco, who returned with a full leg cast to continue with the show.
How Did The Big Bang Theory Hide Kaley Cuoco’s Leg Injury?
Following the accident, the show initially handled Kaley Cuoco’s absence. However, when it came to her return, they had to get creative in concealing her leg injury, which was still in a cast.
One solution was giving Cuoco’s character, Penny, a new job as a bartender at The Cheesecake Factory. In Jessica Radloff’s The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, Lorre and Cuoco revealed how they hide the injury on the show.
The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS
Lorre said that making her the bartender not only helped to mask the cast but also kept her off her feet during extended scenes. Additionally, the actress also shared that they used a body double to further hide the injury in some of the sequences.
The incident also resulted in Lorre introducing a new set of rules for the cast of the show, which included bans on activities such as horseback riding, motorcycle riding, and boating, to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The Big Bang Theory is available to watch on Max.
