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In an alternate universe,Marisa Tomeiwon the role of Penny onThe Big Bang Theoryinstead ofKaley Cuoco.
An excerpt of Jessica Radloff’s soon-to-be-released oral history of the CBS sitcom shared withThe Hollywood Reporterreveals that theMy Cousin Vinnystar was one of several actresses under consideration for the beloved character.
According toThe Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, the show’s creators initially had a very different Penny in mind — for starters, her name wasn’t even Penny.
The character was originally called Katie, and Cuoco was so incompatible with the role that she almost missed out on it completely.
“[Cuoco is] so sunny and bubbly, and [the network] just loved her, but she just didn’t bring the dark qualities,” said casting director Ken Miller. “She just wasn’t the essence of Penny in that first incarnation.”
Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty
Though “bummed” after initially losing out on a role she “loved,” Cuoco, now 36, made peace with the situation, telling Radloff, “I kind of have a way of moving on because you have to.”
At that point, Tomei, now 57, entered the picture and read for the role withJim Parsons, who had already been cast as Sheldon.
“Oh my gosh what a different world that would have been,” said Parsons, 49.
Big Bang Theoryco-creator Bill Prady says that bothTara ReidandElizabeth Berkleyalso pursued the role of Katie/Penny.She’s All Thatstar Jodi Lyn O’Keefewas ultimately cast as Katie and went as far as starring in the original pilot alongside Parsons andJohnny Galecki.
Valko said O’Keefe was “so good” as Katie, but things just hadn’t fallen into place yet.
Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty.
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ThoughTHR’s excerpt doesn’t include what exactly went down to lead to Cuoco landing her signature role — and anoff-screen romance with GaleckiduringBig Bang’s run — it’s sure to be included in Radloff’sThe Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, which will be available everywhere books are sold on Tuesday.
source: people.com
