„I Was Doing What I Had to Do”: Jim Parsons Responds to Criticism from Colleagues That He Left The Big Bang Theory
Jim Parsons' decision to leave The Big Bang Theory led to the series ending earlier than planned. Here's how the actor responded to criticism from his fellow cast members.
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The Big Bang Theory is a show that had — and still has — many fans. The decision to end the production in 2019 was a disappointment for a big group of viewers. It was Jim Parsons' decision to leave The Big Bang Theory that led to the series ending earlier than planned.
The Big Bang Theory was prematurely ended because the Sheldon Cooper’s actor refused to extend his contract. The artist no longer wanted to portray the mentioned character. Although officially his colleagues respected his decision, behind the scenes the atmosphere was less pleasant.
In the 2022 book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series it was revealed that Parsons' decision deeply disappointed both Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco. The actress even avoided eye contact with Cooper’s actor.
We cried for hours. We thought we were going to do another year, so all of a sudden your life kind of flashes before your eyes – the actress revealed.
In an interview with Yahoo Jim Parsons admitted he was surprised by his colleagues' reactions to his departure. Although he was not happy that his decision affected the fate of the entire series and saddened friends he could not have acted otherwise.
It's never nice to hear that you've done anything that's even accidentally made somebody angry or feel bad. But I was doing what I had to do, and that was the best way for me to handle it. To be honest, we weren't the kind of group that I felt needed to have a group meeting in that way.
Fans could only make them feel better by watching the spin-off series Young Sheldon. Parsons reprised his role in two episodes of the spin-off.