Mayim Bialik revealed which former Big Bang Theory co-stars remained closest to her years after the sitcom ended. Her answer notably focused on supporting players rather than major ensemble names like Jim Parsons or Kaley Cuoco.
The actress instead singled out John Ross Bowie, Kevin Sussman, and Melissa Rauch as her strongest remaining connections. Those friendships have also followed her back into the franchise through the new spinoff “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.”
Mayim Bialik snubbed the main ensemble to single out guest stars as her only real friends
Speaking to PEOPLE, Mayim discussed returning as neuroscientist Amy Farah Fowler in the new series. When asked about her former colleagues, she immediately named John Ross Bowie. The actor played Barry Kripke throughout “The Big Bang Theory” and returned for the spinoff. “I guess I’m closest with John Ross Bowie,” Mayim said.
Kevin Sussman also made Mayim’s very short list of closest former co-stars. Sussman returned as Stuart Bloom, the comic-book store owner who now leads the spinoff. “I have such respect for Kevin Sussman and the work that we got to do together,” Mayim said. She also praised how “effortlessly” he had stepped into a leading-man role.
Mayim described those friendships as having a deeper emotional connection. “I like being able to reach out to John and to Kevin,” she explained. She added that their excitement about each other’s work felt especially memorable.
Melissa Rauch also remained an important part of Mayim’s life. “I’m very close with Melissa Rauch,” she said. The actresses reunited while filming their respective appearances for the new show. Mayim called seeing Rauch again on set “really, really special.”
Their friendship also reflected the relationship between Amy and Bernadette. Both characters worked in science but brought wildly different personalities to the screen. “We were two women in science, both with very different personalities,” Mayim said.
She believed The Big Bang Theory helped audiences view scientists differently. The sitcom also gave female scientists greater visibility in mainstream entertainment.
Mayim ultimately welcomed any opportunity to revisit the Chuck Lorre universe. She said working again with Kevin, John, Lauren Lapkus, and Brian Posehn made the return worthwhile.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe released new episodes on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.
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