Jim Parsons: ‘I found it tremendously amusing’ on Spanking His Big Bang Co-Star That Left Everyone Stunned

Jim Parsons was undoubtedly the heart of The Big Bang Theory. He portrayed Sheldon Cooper, the brilliant and socially awkward physicist, with such finesse that he has quite literally become synonymous with the character. Despite his condescending tone and unintentional sass, Sheldon became everyone’s favorite in no time.

At the show’s beginning, Sheldon is single because he believes romantic relationships are illogical and unnecessary. Despite this, he eventually begins to develop feelings for Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), whom he meets in the third season. Their relationship gradually deepens, but much slower than any conventional relationship.

One scene that is particularly monumental in their relationship is when Sheldon spanks Amy. That scene left the viewers quite surprised, and the actors were equally surprised, if not more, after there was a sudden change in plans.

Jim Parsons Found Spanking His Co-star “Amusing”

With a BA degree in Theater from the University of Houston and a Master in Fine Arts degree from the University of San Diego, Jim Parsons started his career with off-Broadway productions and TV appearances. He auditioned for more than a dozen TV pilots, and often even after being hired, the show never took off.

That was until he auditioned for The Big Bang Theory whose creator Chuck Lorre could not help inviting Parsons for a second audition. The rest, as they say, is history. It is one of the most beloved sitcoms ever and was aired for twelve seasons. Not to mention the spin-off series Young Sheldon, which is just as successful, if not more.

Sheldon’s relationship with Amy is one of the most intriguing parts of the show. In episode 10, The Fish Guts Displacement, of Season 3, the neurobiologist manages to convince Sheldon to spank her as a punishment for lying about her illness.

An unsuspecting Sheldon does it, but all of this was originally not supposed to be shown to the audience. Even so, at a convention held by The Paley Center for Media, Parsons said:

It was, I would say, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do because I found it tremendously amusing.

He seemed to be saying it in a joking way and also expressed how off-guard they were caught by the sudden turn of events with the scene getting taped. Co-star Kaley Cuoco also weighed in on the fact that it was supposed to happen off-camera.

Jim Parsons on Being Caught Off-guard By the Sudden Change in Plans

The initial plan was that it would happen off the camera and the audience would only hear the sounds of the spanking Sheldon doles on Amy while she unsuccessfully tries to contain her pleasure. However, when they got on the set, they were told it would be recorded and it took them by surprise.

Speaking about this on Conan, Parsons revealed how the entire thing threw him off because he was unprepared to do it on-screen.

I’m fine with [performing the scene], I don’t mind spanking somebody. But I can’t tell you how hard it was … When you’re concentrated on making a noise all week, it’s like doing a radio play. Once the camera was on me and I realized I haven’t worked at all on what my face or the rest of my — I don’t know how to handle myself during this.

This incident could have gone sideways if it had not been for the fact that the actors had a strong off-screen bond. They trusted each other, which gave them the confidence to do the on-screen scene without preparation.

The Big Bang Theory is available for streaming on Max.