James Earl Jones' Big Bang Theory Guest Role Didn't Go As Expected For The Show's Biggest Star

Given that it was the most-watched comedy on TV at the time, appearing on The Big Bang Theory was a major deal for any guest star. However, Kaley Cuoco admitted the ugly truth of guest-starring on The Big Bang Theory. According to Kaley Cuoco, certain stars failed to adapt given how different the format of acting is on the series. Not only are episodes shot in front of a live audience, but the comedy is all about proper flow, and perfectly timing your lines. It was musical in a sense, and needed rhythm, according to Kaley.

The late James Early Jones thrived on the show during his guest role while receiving strong reviews from fans. However, one individual in particular struggled, and was definitely starstruck throughout their scenes together.

Let's take a look back at the iconic episode from season 7.

James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93.

Jim Parsons Struggled During His Scenes With James Earl Jones On TBBT

Throughout its 12 seasons, Jim Parsons was spoiled on The Big Bang Theory, getting to work alongside some of the most brilliant faces in the industry. High on that list was none other than the late James Earl Jones, who appeared in season 7, during the episode, The Convention Conundrum. The episode sees the group of guys trying to get Comic-Con tickets, while Sheldon decides to have his own convention, leading to a night alongside James Earl Jones. The episode scored positive reviews, with an 8 out of 10 rating over on IMDb. However, Jim Parsons himself admits filming the episode with the late actor was "unsettling" given how much he admitted him.

"I knew [James Earl Jones], obviously, as the voice of Darth Vader, and CNN. But more than that, I knew of him from his long legacy of the highest art of acting ... this inspirational orb of valiant actors that are floating out there, where you’re like, ‘One day I hope I get to be an orb like that."

Jim continued, "So there was something unsettling about the fact that he was there on our set in a weird way to me!"

The result was a positive one in the end. But still, Jim had a hard time dealing with the fact that such a legend was willing to do the show.

"He was so kind! And so game to play! But it was that weird feeling of, ‘Are you sure you want to play with me? I don’t know if this is the right fit for you. It’s not because you’re not doing it well; it’s me! I blame myself!’”

Jim added that he should have "seen a therapist" prior to the show. We don't blame him! Not only did Jim shoot scenes with the late legend, but he was shirtless with the Star Wars star in a sauna. A moment he won't ever forget!

James Earl Jones' final credit came in Coming 2 America, reprising the role of King Jaffe Joffer.

Was James Earl Jones The Guest Star Jim Parsons Was Most Starstruck By?

Surprisingly, he was not. Was it Stan Lee? Stephen Hawking? Another Star Wars alum, Carrie Fisher? No, instead it was none other than the late great legend, Bob Newhart. Similar to Jones, it took time for Parsons to get over the fact that he was shooting scenes with Newhart.

"I guess the closest to like a freak out was Bob Newhart. just admired them. Bob, partly due to his age, partly due to his, um, related to that, the longevity of his career. It was the first person who walked on that I finally got that sense of, "Uhhh, I can't believe you're real.'"

The chemistry between the two stars really spoke for itself. Jim was devastated after Professor Proton was written off the show. At the very least, Bob got a wonderful send-off.

Bob Newhart passed away in July at the age of 94.

James Earl Jones Was Praised For His Big Bang Theory Cameo

Over on Reddit, users discussed the impact of James Earl Jones on The Big Bang Theory, and if the episode lived up. From a general standpoint, fans were thrilled that the actor agreed to appear on the show, and brought his sense of humor with it. One user described the cameo as, "fun."

The user wrote on Reddit, "The implausibility is what added to the comedy," the fan said about Sheldon getting to hang out with James Earl Jones. "Also, James Earl Jones was just a lot of fun in that episode. The fun fact out of that episode is that James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher met in person for the first time when they came in to do that episode. They had never met during the filming of Star Wars."

Another user wrote, "I like Star Wars too! It’s so NOT serious James Earl Jones that it makes me happy when he says that. People who don’t like TBBT don’t see the unbelievable acting of Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik, and the rest of the cast. Amy and her tiara, Penny and Sheldon making Penny blossoms, etc., are so well done!"

Surreal to think that, as the first user pointed out, it was the first time Carrie Fisher and James Earl Jones had met despite their iconic history together in Star Wars. Who could have predicted that a comedy series would bring the two late legends together? Fans will always have this memory of seeing the two actors in a scene together and, once again, Jim Parsons was the biggest beneficiary of it.