Kevin Sussman Reveals Why He Couldn’t Play Jim Parsons’ Rival ‘Kripke’ in Big Bang Theory: “I used to work at a comic book store”
There is no way that The Big Bang Theory fans can ever imagine someone else in the role of Sheldon Cooper besides Jim Parsons. And in that case, all the other cast members too with their respective roles. However, it was revealed by John Ross Bowie that there was once a chance of Kevin Sussman getting the role of Sheldon Cooper. And aside from his role as Stuart Bloom, he had also been a possible choice for multiple roles in the show. But very fittingly everyone ultimately got set with the roles that fans have since come to love them in.
Kevin Sussman Could Have Been Cast in the Role of Sheldon Cooper
As happens with film and tv roles, multiple choices of actors are kept at hand for a particular role. And the makers need to choose the perfect fit especially when it comes to a recurring role or the main cast. Therefore the makers of The Big Bang Theory also had other people in their minds while casting their characters reportedly. As John Ross Bowie shared in a 2012 blog post. He had almost been cast in the role of Leonard in the show. But he ended up playing the character of Kirke.
Moreover, according to Bowie, even Kevin Sussman who plays Stuart Bloom was once a potential choice for Sheldon Cooper’s role. Ultimately he did not get the role. But his early experience of working in a comic book store came in handy for his role as Stuart. Sussman shared,
“I used to work at a comic book store. I worked at Jim Hanley’s Universe in New York City while in acting school”
Seemingly, Stuart Bloom was a good choice and a perfectly fitting role for the actor to play.
As for Sheldon Cooper, by now everyone knows, the role ended up with Jim Parsons. He undoubtedly nailed the role perfectly. And now no one can even imagine someone else in place of Parsons as the well-loved nerdy character of the show.
How Did Jim Parsons Land the Role?
It seems that Landing the role of Sheldon Cooper was not a smooth process for Jim Parsons. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the thing that made the role so challenging had been all the lines. Parsons had to memorize tons of them for his audition reportedly. Those familiar with the show will understand how complicated jargon the character of Sheldon Cooper uses constantly. Parsons shared his experience saying,
“I remember getting through the first one and it went just like butter.”
However, even though he was successful at landing the role there were initial doubts from Chuck Lorre (creator). But that was reportedly sorted out by Bill Prady.
Source: The Things
