Over the course of The Big Bang Theory, more and more characters join, without whom one can hardly imagine the series later. Amy and Bernadette brought new dynamics and further possibilities for character development. However, the actress playing Amy didn’t know for a long time whether she would be allowed to stay for more than a few episodes.
Originally, The Big Bang Theory consisted of the four well-known nerds and Penny, who turned the friends’ world upside down as an outsider. Over the course of the series, Amy and Bernadette joined, who were not just love interests but characters that evolved as well.
For Mayim Bialik, the actress of Amy, a significant role in the series was still uncertain. In a book, we learn that she was sure she would disappear from the show after a few episodes.
Just like Amy, Penny is also an important part, but it almost turned out differently: The Big Bang Theory: Before Penny, there was actually another female lead character, but everyone found her terrible
Bialik’s Fear Was Unfounded
What was the original plan with Amy? As Entertainment Weekly reported, Mayim Bialik did not have a fixed contract. Originally, she was hired for the finale of season 3, with no prospect of further episodes. In the book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, she talks about it.
After filming, she didn’t know if she would return. But she was lucky that Jim Parsons, the actor who played Sheldon, and Chuck Lorre, the co-creator of the series, liked her very much. She was extended. Parsons mentions in the book that he would never have argued with the show’s writers, but he would have for Amy.
I thought if we were to remove her from the show for any reason, I would talk to them. I said this years ago, but now I believe even more that it was one of the smartest things the writing team ever did, to introduce Bernadette and Amy.
Jim Parsons on the characterAmy(Source: Entertainment Weekly)
When Bialik learned that she would become a recurring character, she realized that her fears were unfounded. At the beginning of filming, she was even still teaching neuroscience and giving piano lessons.
Bialik also mentions that there were negative voices when she joined the series because people were afraid she would change Sheldon. Ultimately, however, both Sheldon and Amy contributed to character developments.
Did the show help her acting career? Not really. While there were good roles for Kaley Cuoco, Bialik was hardly seen in other series or films. She has done voice work, but major roles were scarce. Despite her fears, she remained one of the most important characters until the finale of the series. A recurring aspect is also the elevator. Here you can find out why it is broken: In The Big Bang Theory, the characters had to take the stairs for 12 years – but the explosion in the elevator is not to blame
