Top 30 Memorable The Big Bang Theory Guest Stars
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the guest stars and celebrity cameos that made the biggest bang on “The Big Bang Theory”. Do you have a favorite “Big Bang” cameo? Let us know in the comments.
#30: Eliza Dushku
When an FBI agent came to interview Leonard in season 4, he made a joke about expecting Mulder but getting Scully. Now, while it wasn’t actually Gillian Anderson playing the FBI agent, his point that she was a smart and attractive female agent still held true for Eliza Dushku. Rather than seeking out vampires as she did during her turn on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, Dushku spent her time on “The Big Bang Theory” seeking background information on Howard Wolowitz as part of his security clearance for a project with the Department of Defense. This includes FBI Special Agent Angela Page asking Leonoard, Raj and Sheldon about Howard - and you can imagine how well that goes!
#29: Octavia Spencer
Top 10 Most Badass Octavia Moments on The 100
Octavia Spencer had her breakthrough in 2011’s “The Help” - a role that saw her take home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. However, three years prior to “The Help,” Spencer had helped Sheldon get his learner's permit. At the Department of Motor Vehicles, Spencer was the lucky employee who had to deal with Sheldon and his questioning of the testing material. And by “helped” Sheldon get his learner’s permit - we are of course referring to her stamping his test in order to just get rid of him. At least she didn’t bake him a pie.
#28: Rick Fox
Top 20 Celeb Cameos On Rick And Morty
Given how athletically inclined the “Big Bang” gang all were (except for Penny, of course), you may not have expected - or even noticed - a cameo from a professional athlete. But there was one. Rick Fox is a former NBA player who played with the Boston Celtics in the 90s and earned 3 championship rings during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers in the early aughts. But in season 4 of “The Big Bang Theory,” he didn’t play an athlete. Instead, Fox showed up at a science conference they all attended as Glenn, Bernadette’s ex-college professor… and ex-boyfriend. His height and good looks sends Howard reeling with intimidation and self-doubt. Unable to keep his insecurities over Glenn to himself, he also quickly lands in hot water with “Bernie.”
#27: Charlie Sheen
Good Luck Charlie Cast: Where Are They Now?
We all know about Charlie Sheen’s personal issues and his very, very vocal exit from “Two and a Half Men” in 2011. However, in 2008, Sheen was one of the highest paid stars on one of TV’s highest rated shows. This is a fact that made his “Big Bang” cameo in season 2 very funny. As Raj sits around bragging about being in People magazine, Sheen is there to knock him down a peg, telling him to [“call me when you're on the cover.”] Years later, Sheen would bash “The Big Bang Theory” calling words like "stupid," and worse. But we’re going to chalk that up to his hate-filled feud with the creator of both those sitcoms, Chuck Lorre… and regardless of what he thinks, it was still a great cameo moment.
#26: Christopher Lloyd
You’d have thought that Christopher Lloyd might’ve showed up in season 8 when the guys were trying to explain the time-travel logic behind “Back to the Future Part II”. But alas no. It wasn’t until season 10 that Lloyd made his cameo on the show - and he didn’t play himself. Instead, Lloyd appeared as Theodore - a man to whom Sheldon sublets his room as revenge against Leonard during their dividing up of the apartment. He even provides some unappreciated advice regarding Sheldon and Leonard’s feud and compliments the painting of Amy and Penny.
#25: Danica McKellar
With a reported IQ of 154, Danica McKellar must’ve felt right at home on a show about geniuses. However, she didn’t actually need to put her super math skills to work in order to play Abby on the season three episode, “The Psychic Vortex”. For that, she just had to fall for Raj’s accent and suave game. And that she did. So much so that by the second date, they were making out on the sofa chair like a couple of teenagers while Sheldon admirably performed his wingman duties with Abby’s friend, Martha.
#24: Nathan Fillion
Top 10 Unhinged Nathan Fielder Moments
Nathan Fillion played himself on “The Big Bang Theory” in a season 8 episode. Well, actually he played himself pretending to not be himself when Raj and Leonard walked over to him and asked him if he was Nathan Fillion. Eventually, he does admit to them that he is in fact who they think he is, although at that point Raj isn’t sure if he believes him. The back and forth is great and Fillion seems to have a whole lot of fun playing a sitcom’d version of himself.
#23: Brent Spiner
It might’ve been somewhat surprising to see Sheldon dressed up as Data for the guys’ expedition to the Bakersfield comic-con, given that just a season earlier he’d declared the man who originated the role of Data his mortal enemy. In season five, the guys get invited to a party at Wil Wheaton’s house. At that point, Wheaton was Sheldon’s mortal enemy and he refused to go and was quite angry at Leonard for wanting to. His attitude changed thought when he found out Brent Spiner was going to be there. But events at the party ended up transferring mortal enemy status from Wheaton to Spiner.
#22: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Top 10 Times Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka Made Us Believe in Love
Neil deGrasse Tyson made a couple appearances on the show - and his relationship with Raj was quite different in both cases. In season 4, they’re on obviously friendly terms as Raj introduces him to Sheldon. If Raj had any jealousy towards Tyson at that moment, he kept it hidden. Skip to season 12 and Raj gets asked to do a local news piece. However, when he finds out that they asked Tyson first, his green-eyed jealousy monster comes out live on air. After reading a negative tweet about him post-broadcast, Raj dives into an ill-advised Twitter feud with the famous astrophysicist. It’s a feud that doesn’t go his way, as Tyson gives him a good “deGrass kickin’”.
#21: Sarah Michelle Gellar
Top 10 Grossest but Hilarious Sarah Squirm Skits on SNL
After Raj and Anu broke up in one of the last episodes of the series, it looked like he was going to have to go stag to Sheldon and Amy’s Nobel Prize ceremony. But as luck would have it, he ended up sitting next to Sarah Michelle Gellar on the plane. Now, we’re not sure how he convinced her to go to the ceremony with him, but he did it. So, rather than going solo, he went with Buffy - talk about an upgrade! Though the Vampire Slayer did make sure to point out that this wasn’t a date, it didn’t seem to dampen Raj’s mood too much.
#20: Bill Nye
Top 10 Times Bill Hader Broke The SNL Cast
Long before “The Big Bang Theory” was mixing science and comedy, Bill Nye had perfected the formula. Turns out Professor Proton predated the self-proclaimed Science Guy, at least within this sitcom’s universe. When Sheldon’s childhood idol seeks out Leonard instead of him for a peer review, he attempts to make them both envious by enlisting another TV scientist. Enter a blindsided Bill Nye, who thought Sheldon wanted him to do a guest lecture. Despite being more famous, Nye is star-struck to be in the presence of Professor Proton, who doesn’t reciprocate with the same enthusiasm. It’s too bad that Bill didn’t stick around to help with the nano-vacuum tubes. He does know a thing or two about atmospheric pressure.
#19: Summer Glau
Top 10 Differences Between The Summer I Turned Pretty Books & TV Series
In addition to “The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” Summer Glau rose to popularity playing River on the tragically short-lived “Firefly.” That cult show was notoriously aired out of order, premiering with the second episode, “The Train Job.” So, we guess it’s fitting that the gang encounters Glau on a train. With the exception of Sheldon, each guy tries striking up a conversation with her. Raj is the first to muster the courage, stealing Howard’s pickup line. Howard gets his chance after Raj realizes that he hasn’t been drinking his cool juice. While Summer kind of dug Raj, Howard is an easy swipe left. As for Leonard, timing isn’t on his side, but we imagine Glau would rather talk to him than hear more about Howard’s disturbing dreams.
#18: Buzz Aldrin
Upon returning from the International Space Station, Howard makes a habit of reminding everyone that he’s an astronaut. Howard doesn’t realize just how obnoxious he’s being until Raj sends him a video of a certain astronaut named Buzz. No, not Lightyear. Despite being one of the first individuals to walk on the moon, Aldrin still finds the time to pass out candy on Halloween. Then again, that’s probably because Aldrin will take any opportunity to brag about his space exploits. He does so by using conveniently-named treats as a segue. We’re surprised that Aldrin didn’t break out a packet of Starburst. As if gloating isn’t bad enough, Aldrin makes fun of a kid for being less accomplished than him. Should’ve gone to Jim Lovell’s house.
#17: Steve Wozniak
Top 10 Times Steve Carell Broke the Office Cast
Considering much of this show’s humor revolves around tech, it was only a matter of time until Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak dropped by. The gang encounters the Great and Powerful Woz at the Cheesecake Factory. Sheldon, who has decided to live his life through a mobile virtual presence device, can’t resist saying hello. Wozniak is impressed with Sheldon’s robot and even offers to sign his 1977 Apple II. Sheldon rushes to deliver the computer to his 15th favorite technological visionary, but sadly trips going down the stairs. The Apple II breaks and Sheldon hurts his ankle. The cameo may have been brief, but it was unexpected, funny, memorable… and an excuse to hear soft kitty!
#16: Bob Newhart
Top 10 Most Memorable Big Bang Theory Guest Stars
Despite being a television legend, Bob Newhart had never won an Emmy until he appeared on “The Big Bang Theory.” In 2013, he took home a well-deserved Outstanding Guest Actor award for his performance as Arthur Jeffries, aka Professor Proton. The former host of a science TV show, Arthur is taken aback when Sheldon and Leonard hire him to perform at their apartment. Although he’s reluctant, Arthur evolves into something of a father figure for Sheldon. The character might’ve passed away towards the end of Season 7, but he still occasionally appeared in Sheldon’s dreams as a Jedi Master. Arthur offers sage-like advice, which is only made funnier by Newhart’s trademark deadpan delivery.
#15: LeVar Burton
This “Star Trek: The Next Generation” actor has made a few fun cameos over the years. First, when Sheldon invites Burton to a party, he actually shows up. Of course, he immediately leaves upon seeing the state of things. Thankfully, Burton would later return as a guest on Sheldon’s online video series, “Fun with Flags,” only to be criticized by Amy. In season 8, Sheldon invites Burton back, and Burton accepts, albeit with one condition. Sheldon then proceeds to show him his George Washington Carver impersonation, and later asks Burton to dress as a swastika. Between Sheldon and Troy from “Community,” LeVar should probably stop meeting his biggest fans, however hilarious the results may be.
#14: William Shatner
Top 10 William Shatner’s Captain Kirk Fight Moves
It took almost twelve years, but Captain James T. Kirk himself finally made an appearance. He’s introduced to Sheldon through a mutual friend, Wil Wheaton, who we’ll discuss in greater detail later. While Sheldon has met no shortage of sci-fi icons over the years, he isn’t prepared to make first contact with the Captain. Being in Shatner’s presence stirs up so many emotions that Sheldon throws up all over him. Meh, at least he didn’t break Shatner’s tooth. Shatner is just one of Wheaton’s famous friends, as the two are part of a Dungeons & Dragons group with Kevin Smith, Joe Manganiello, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Having two generations of “Star Trek” actors together is one thing, but the episode went all out with this impressive lineup.
#13: George Takei
10 Times George Cooper Sr Was Nothing Like Sheldon Described on The Big Bang Theory
Another “Star Trek” alumnus, George Takei unexpectedly pops up in Howard’s fantasy. Although Howard’s sexual orientation is briefly questioned, Takei and Katee Sackhoff help him to realize that it’s ex-girlfriend Bernadette he truly harbors feelings for. After Howard wins Bernie back, Takei and Sackhoff resurface. Sackhoff tells Howard to make the move, but Takei advises him to take things slowly - and despite being interested in men, Takei seemingly knows a thing or two about romancing the ladies. We’ve got to say that, platonically speaking, Takei and Sackhoff have serious chemistry. Any chance of them getting their own spin-off? That’s a series sure to have audiences saying, “Oh my!”
#12: Billy Bob Thornton
Most of the familiar faces on this list star as themselves. Like Bob Newhart, though, Billy Bob Thornton got to create a wholly original character. Thornton mentioned in an interview that he was a fan of the show, paving the way for a surprise guest spot. Of course, you’d think a group of fanboys would notice the resemblance between Thornton’s character and the NASA guy from “Armageddon.” Thornton plays Dr. Oliver Lorvis, an awkward doctor who misreads Penny’s flirtations. The episode takes some surprisingly dark turns as Lorvis traps the guys in a basement to win over Penny, only to spontaneously fall for Amy… and then Bernadette. We’ve seen Thornton play creepy characters before, but Lorvis strikes a unique balance of pathetic, dorky, and strangely sympathetic.
#11: Adam West
Top 10 Best Mayor Adam West Moments on Family Guy
Batman didn’t show for Sheldon’s sixth birthday, but the series booked the real deal for episode 200. In one of his final TV appearances, Adam West is hired for Sheldon’s big day. As the guys engage in a debate over who the definitive Dark Knight is, West gives his two cents. While he champions Michael Keaton, almost every option is considered: Christian Bale, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and even Lego Batman. Wait, where’s the Kevin Conroy love? In terms of who’s the funniest Batman, West puts himself at the top. West also takes pride in knowing that he didn’t need any kind of muscle suit. The Batman legend wishes Sherman/Sheldon a happy birthday, but we wish West could’ve come back for his bachelor party.
#10: Wil Wheaton
Top 20 Most Memorable Big Bang Theory Cameos
Of all the “Star Trek” actors that have appeared on the show, Wil Wheaton has got to be the most memorable. This is largely due to his ongoing rivalry with Sheldon. Wheaton became Sheldon’s mortal enemy after he missed a sci-fi convention in 1995. Sheldon’s hatred for Wheaton only grows stronger after he tricks him into losing a card game. Becoming one of the show’s funniest recurring antagonists, Wheaton would go on to troll Sheldon for the next couple years. He finally makes peace, however, by giving him a Wesley Crusher action figure. Since then, Wheaton has continued to show his friendly side. Just don’t tell him that “Star Wars” is better than “Star Trek.”
#9: Katee Sackhoff
Before joining forces with Takei in the aforementioned episode, this “Battlestar Galactica” actress served as Howard’s fantasy - although for a fantasy, she was pretty effective at shooting him down. Appearing in Howard’s bathtub, Sackhoff not only acts as a great comedic foil for Howard, but also - despite being make-believe - serves as a real voice of reason. She tells the lonely fanboy that he needs to stop dreaming about fictional characters and acknowledge the real girl in his life. As if that’s not enough to kill the mood, Mrs. Wolowitz interrupts and causes Katee to disappear. Frak!
#8: Mark Hamill
Top 20 Mark Hamill Voice Performances
No offense to Wil Wheaton, but we can’t think of a more legendary sci-fi icon than Mark Hamill to officiate Sheldon and Amy’s wedding. After finding Hamill’s lost dog, Howard books Luke Skywalker himself! And no, the “Star Wars” actor sadly doesn’t have a dog named Bark Hamill in real life. Still, it’s appropriate that Howard is the common link here, as actor Simon Helberg has known Hamill since age 9. He went to school with his son, Nathan Hamill, who designed the awesome t-shirt Mark wears in the episode. What is that symbol anyway? Mickey Mouse with vampire fangs? In any case, the wedding inevitably turns into a Q&A session, but Hamill eventually unites the bride and groom in matrimony.
#7: Leonard Nimoy
Top 20 Penny & Leonard Moments on The Big Bang Theory
Ever since season one, fans have wondered if Leonard Nimoy would beam down for a guest spot. Mr. Spock made his long-awaited appearance during Season 5… in toy form. While only a voiceover cameo, Nimoy is nonetheless cleverly utilized. Besides, Sheldon couldn’t get too close to the real Nimoy due to the restraining order. A Spock action figure serves as both the devil and angel on Sheldon’s shoulders—albeit in his dreams. First, Spock tempts Sheldon to play with his transporter toy. After breaking the vintage collectible, Sheldon swaps it with Leonard’s. Small Spock isn’t done with Sheldon though, transporting him to planet Vulcan for a lesson in honesty. Although it’s unfortunate that Nimoy never appears on-screen, seeing Sheldon talk to a toy is arguably funnier.
#6: Carrie Fisher
Top 10 Memorable Carrie Bradshaw Boyfriends
Hitting the town with James Earl Jones, Sheldon arrives at Carrie Fisher’s house. Ringing her doorbell, Jones and Sheldon make a run for it. Armed with a bat, Fisher answers the door to find nobody there. It’s clearly not the first time he’s pulled this routine. Now… the idea of Darth Vader ding-dong ditching Princess Leia is downright hilarious, but what makes this moment especially noteworthy, however, is that Fisher and Jones had astonishingly never met before. While they both had key roles in “Star Wars,” Fisher performed on a set while Jones recorded all his lines in a sound booth. Leave it to Sheldon to finally bring two sci-fi legends together.
#5: Bill Gates
Top 10 Times Bill Hader Broke the SNL Cast
In a classic screwball setup, Penny has an opportunity to meet Bill Gates, but can’t bring anyone along. After Leonard, Raj, and Howard figure out where Gates is staying, they decide to instigate a “chance encounter.” This is actually the second time that the teary-eyed Leonard has met the Microsoft co-founder, although it takes Gates a moment to remember him. Matters get complicated, however, after Penny tells Leonard that he can meet Gates, forcing him to play sick. This ruse blows up in Leonard’s face when he winds up on a video call with Penny and Gates. Leonard winds up owing apologies to both Penny and Sheldon, having given the latter the wrong address. He also probably owes Bill Gates a new tie.
#4: Elon Musk
Being an aerospace engineer and a former astronaut, Howard has always looked up to Elon Musk. He likely didn’t picture their first meeting in a soup kitchen doing dishes, however. Then again, the SpaceX founder is an eccentric fellow. Volunteering on Thanksgiving, Musk turns out to be a humble person. Although Howard fakes his charitable nature, the two do form a bond over space travel… and pumpkin pie that somebody else already nibbled on. Honestly, we could imagine the real Elon Musk doing all of this. We don’t know if Elon ever got back to Howard about going to Mars, but he should at least bring Sheldon aboard. He has been stealing notes from Young Sheldon’s old notebook, after all.
#3: Stan Lee
Top 20 Worst Things Stan Smith Has Done on American Dad
Anyone who’s seen a Marvel movie knows that Stan Lee was no stranger to epic cameos. There’s only one word to describe his cameo on “The Big Bang Theory” however, and that’s “excelsior.” Sheldon isn’t at all pleased when he misses an opportunity to meet Stan the Man, so, with some help from Penny, Sheldon finds Lee’s house. Answering the door in a “Fantastic Four” bathrobe, the comic book legend feels, understandably, that his personal space has been invaded. Beyond irritated, Lee sarcastically invites them to come inside and Sheldon, as oblivious to social cues as ever, accepts. Instead of an autograph, he goes home with a restraining order, which is pretty cool too!
#2: James Earl Jones
Another Top 10 James Corden Carpool Karaoke Performances
On any given occasion, Sheldon Cooper is easily the most unpredictable person in the room. After crossing paths with James Earl Jones, though, Sheldon suddenly becomes the stable man. At first feigning annoyance, Jones quickly takes a liking to Sheldon. Bonding over their mutual love of “Star Wars,” Jones takes Sheldon to a carnival, a karaoke bar, and a spa. Even Sheldon is mystified by Jones’ eccentric behavior, and eventually grows weary of the iconic actor’s attention. Before seeing this episode, we never would’ve pegged Jones as a party animal either, but now we’ll never look at Darth Vader the same way again, that’s for sure.
#1: Stephen Hawking
Top 10 Best Stephen King Easter Eggs in Castle Rock
It IS called “The Big Bang Theory” after all, so it should come as little surprise that for series co-creator Bill Prady, Stephen Hawking was always a “dream guest star.” In season 5 however, it became a reality, when Sheldon got to meet the world’s most famous theoretical physicist. While Hawking is happy to meet Sheldon, he does point out an embarrassing error in his thesis. Adopting a hilarious on-screen persona across a few episodes, Hawking proved to be a skilled, albeit kind-hearted troll - feigning having a big ego and mocking Sheldon, but also taking the time to wish him a happy birthday. It turns out that he’s not only brilliant, but seriously funny too.
