The Big Bang Theory is well known for its hilarious writing, lovable characters, and long list of memorable guest stars. Over the years, we’ve seen the likes of Bill Nye, Stephen Hawking, and even Mark Hamill grace the set of the show. But which guest stars truly stole the show?
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most talked-about guest stars on The Big Bang Theory and rank them based on their performances, humor, and impact on the show.
Stephen Hawking – Himself
Stephen Hawking is one of the most recognizable names in the science world, and his guest appearance as himself on The Big Bang Theory was a huge moment for the show. He made several hilarious appearances throughout the show and never missed a beat.
The writers always gave him great lines, poking fun at him and the show. “I have an equation tattooed on my amygdala which predicts the rate at which you’ll eat yourself to death,” he tells Sheldon. His wit and willingness to joke around made him an instant fan favorite.
Neil deGrasse Tyson – Himself
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a well-known astrophysicist who not only makes science accessible but also entertaining, and his cameo on The Big Bang Theory is no exception.
The episode sees him playing a more serious version of himself as he helps Raj and Sheldon’s quest to figure out the meaning of life. He reels the audience with fascinating insights into physics and the cosmos, making his guest appearance memorable.
William Shatner – Himself
William Shatner’s guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory was nothing short of a spectacular homage to his iconic character, Captain Kirk, on Star Trek.
Leonard and Sheldon competed to get a chance to meet him at a convention, which provided lots of chances for laughs. Shatner’s humorous and graceful performance made his character’s revelations about Kirk more moving than expected.
Bob Newhart – Dr. Arthur Jeffries (Season 6)
Bob Newhart’s appearance as Professor Proton quickly became one of the most iconic guest roles on The Big Bang Theory. He brought his classic deadpan humor to the role of Sheldon’s childhood hero and mentor and quickly became a fan favorite.
Unsurprisingly, Newhart won an Emmy for his role in this episode, delivering countless unforgettable one-liners. “What’s life without whimsy?” he asks Sheldon. Fans love this guest spot so much that he returned for more episodes, proving how much we all love the comedic veteran.
Mark Hamill – Himself
A most unexpected but intriguing choice for a guest spot, Hamill played himself on a season 11 episode of The Big Bang Theory. The episode saw him acting as a Repo Man repossessing items of Howard’s after he couldn’t get a loan for his start-up.
It’s a testament to how much influence The Big Bang Theory had when one of the biggest stars in the galaxy still agrees to cameo in its later seasons.
