The Big Bang Theory Role Marisa Tomei Almost Played

In October 2022, The Hollywood Reporter shared an excerpt from Jessica Radloff’s tell-all book, “The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series,” detailing the casting process for the series. The excerpt revealed that “Spider-Man” star Marisa Tomei was almost cast as Penny, whose character name, at the time, was Katie. The role, of course, ended up going to Kaley Cuoco.

Casting director Ken Miller explained that they saw Cuoco early on and liked her, but her bubbly personality didn’t fit the original idea for the character — the writers originally imagined Katie as cynical — and also thought that a 20-year-old was a little too young to fit the experience of Katie. Tomei ended up being one of the contenders for Katie — and even read with Jim Parsons. Parsons said, “I remember going to the snack room after we were done and telling [casting directors] Ken and Nikki [Valko], ‘I’ve never been in someone else’s audition before!’ … But oh my gosh what a different world that would have been.”

Other contenders for the role included “American Pie” actor Tara Reid and “Saved by the Bell” star Elizabeth Berkley. Additionally, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe and Amanda Walsh were actually offered the role at various points in the process. However, the part eventually came back around to Cuoco.