Jim Parsons Admitted He Was Secretly Sober During An Interview With Craig Ferguson

Summary

• Jim Parsons struggled with drinking issues but made a personal choice to quit and prioritize his well-being.
• Parsons revealed to Craig Ferguson that he decided to stay sober when he received the script for The Big Bang Theory.
• Parsons won numerous awards for his portrayal of an out-of-character drunk Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory.

Looking back on the success of The Big Bang Theory during its 12-season run, it produced some of the most important scenes in TBBT's history. Jim Parsons' reference to Taylor Swift and the iconic scene between Kaley Cuoco and Parsons that ended in a lawsuit, were part of its pop culture influence.

Parsons has grown his fortune to $160 million since leaving TBBT. However, some fans may not know that Parsons almost quit acting or that he had drinking problems before his big break as Dr. Sheldon Cooper.

Did Jim Parsons Struggle With His Drinking Issues?

Jim Parsons was a familiar face as one of Craig Ferguson's regular guests on The Late Late Show. Parsons made multiple appearances on Ferguson's late-night program, including one episode in September 2012 when they discussed Parsons' Broadway Musical, Harvey.

During their conversation, the topic shifted to alcoholism and sobriety, given that Parsons' character in the musical was depicted as a heavy drinker. Opening up about his personal experiences, Parsons shared with Ferguson:

"Yeah, I always think it's a bit of a kind of parable about alcoholism in that play. Well, you know, he is a heavy drinker. That being said, he talks about a bar, but the whole thing is really about that imaginary rabbit."

At some point, Parsons and Ferguson discovered common ground after confessing to having enjoyed drinking in the past. Parsons reminisced about the time he decided to quit drinking, mentioning that it wasn't part of a formal rehabilitation process but rather a personal choice to prioritize his well-being. "I don't even like to call it getting sober, I just quit drinking," he stated.

When Did Jim Parsons Decide To Stay Sober?

At the age of 33, Jim Parsons' breakthrough role as Dr. Sheldon Cooper, completely transformed his life. Prior to the pilot of the show, Parsons was known within theatrical circles of New York but was not yet a recognized name in the television or film industry.

The Scotsman reported that when Parsons received the script for The Big Bang Theory during the Oscar night festivities, he chose to stay at home and diligently wrote and revised his lines to commit them to memory.

Jim Parsons' TV Shows:

• The Big Bang Theory - 2007 to 2019
• The Normal Heart - 2014
• Michael Jackson's Halloween - 2017
• Young Sheldon - 2017 to present
• Hollywood - 2020

Around this time, Parsons also decided to abstain from alcohol and has remained teetotal ever since. Parsons doesn't harbor issues with alcohol but made a conscious choice to maintain focus during the shooting of the pilot episode. Parsons told The Scotsman:

"Then when they picked it up, I thought, 'Well, it's going well, why jinx it?' And eventually I kind of became superstitious about it."

After he wrapped the pilot of TBBT, Parsons had his last drink on New Year's Day 2007 at the Spotted Pig in Manhattan. He felt that he was in a gray, confusing place while awaiting CBS's decision to pick up the show.

Parsons told Vanity Fair that he quit drinking for clarity, "Whether I was drinking to excess or not, drinking only makes foggy things foggier."

Parsons also detailed his history as a cigarette smoker and how he overcame his undesirable habits during a 2013 conversation with Late Show host David Letterman. Parsons revealed the clever approach of what he thinks is hypnosis, a doctor used to help him quit smoking.

In an interview with Glamour Magazine, Parsons shared his simple wind-down process after wrapping up an episode on set. He mentioned that he enjoys a small amount of whiskey because it positively affects his sleep.

"...I don't recommend drugs for sleeping, but I will tell you, for many years of this show, I didn't drink at all, and I had so much trouble sleeping at night. I don't mean to give a good ad towards alcohol, that's not what I'm trying to do here!"

Jim Parsons' Drunk Scenes In The Big Bang Theory Earned Him Numerous Awards

Jim Parsons secured four Emmy wins in the lead actor category for his role as Dr. Sheldon Cooper in CBS' The Big Bang Theory.

In the episode 'The Pants Alternative', Parsons portrayed Sheldon when he overcame his fear of public speaking. Parsons' ability to portray Sheldon's out-of-character behavior in a hilarious drunk stand-up while staying true to the character's personality earned him recognition.

In 'The Agreement Dissection' episode, Parsons showcased Sheldon's range of emotions without breaking character. He emphasized Sheldon's erratic and cautious behavior, narcissistic personality, and a hint of empathy towards his on-screen girlfriend. Parsons' mastery of Sheldon's complexity contributed to his Emmy win.

List of Awards Received by Jim Parsons:

• TCA Awards - 2009
• Online Film & Television Association - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014
• Primetime Emmy Awards - 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014
• Critics' Choice Television Awards - 2011, 2014
• Golden Globes Awards - 2011
• TV Guide Award - 2013
• Teen Choice Awards - 2013
• People's Choice Awards - 2016, 2017, 2018
• Kids' Choice Awards - 2016
• Satellite Awards - 2016
• Screen Actors Guild Awards - 2017
• GLAAD Stephen F. Kolzak Award - 2018
• Gold Derby TV Awards - 2020

In 'The Habitation Configuration' set, Parsons delivered another award-worthy performance as Sheldon failed to recognize hurting Amy's feelings. With a Texas accent and a different persona, Parsons skillfully added layers to Sheldon's character. He combined scientific jargon with humor and showcased Sheldon's multidimensional personality.

Finally, in 'The Relationship Diremption', Parsons had an energetic portrayal of Sheldon's research struggles in String Theory. His entertaining vocal range, from a mechanical monotone to wild jokes left on Stephen Hawking's voicemail after a drunken escapade, highlighted the episode's dynamic nature. Parsons' skillful portrayal of Sheldon outside his conservative character contributed to his well-deserved Emmy success.