The Big Bang Theory was one of the most successful TV shows of the modern era because millions of fans found it funny. That allowed the show to become so successful that one actor played a different character on The Big Bang Theory and both of its spin-offs. That is only one of many interesting The Big Bang Theory behind-the-scenes facts. For example, there are other facts, like that Crag Ferguson had an unofficial cameo, Mayim Bialik did something gross behind-the-scenes, and that the show traumatized a teen star.
Years after The Big Bang Theory aired, the show's stars continue to reveal more about the series. On top of Jim Parsons explaining why he agreed that a scene should be banned, Kunal Nayyar also apologized for his behind-the-scenes behavior on the show that left him "quite embarrassed."
Kunal Nayyar Publicly Apologized To His The Big Bang Theory Co-Stars For Breaking So Much Because Of Simon Helberg
Throughout television history, there have been a small number of shows that made a huge impact on pop culture. When a show pulls off that incredible feat, many fans continue to want to know more about that series even years later.
Since The Big Bang Theory was a show that deeply affected pop culture at the height of its success, it remains relevant today. For that reason, the stars of The Big Bang Theory stars continue to be asked about the show even though it stopped filming years ago.
A perfect example of that is the fact that Kunal Nayyar was recently asked about The Big Bang Theory during an interview. That allowed Kunal to publicly apologize for some of his conduct on The Big Bang Theory's set.
In June 2025, Kunal was interviewed by The New York Post. During that conversation, Kunal was asked about The Big Bang Theory, and he had a fascinating thing to say.
How Funny The Big Bang Theory Main Characters Are Ranked by Collider | |
---|---|
The Big Bang Theory Main Character | Rank |
Stuart Bloom | #8 |
Leonard Hofstadter | #7 |
Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz | #6 |
Rajesh "Raj" Koothrappali | #5 |
Amy Farrah Fowler | #4 |
Penny | #3 |
Sheldon Cooper | #2 |
Howard Wolowitz | #1 |
As fans will no doubt remember, Kunal filmed many of his The Big Bang Theory scenes with his co-star, Simon Helberg. While talking to The New York Post, Kunal apologized to the cast and crew of The Big Bang Theory for how he reacted to Simon.
While talking to the outlet, Kunal praised Simon for being an incredibly funny person.
After The Big Bang Theory ended, Kunal Nayyar reunited with one of his most noteworthy co-stars on TV. In 2024, Kunal had a cameo appearance in the revival of Night Court, which was a show that starred Melissa Rauch.
However, while talking to The New York Post, Kunal admitted that he would consistently break character because Simon was so funny.
"You know, Simon Helberg, who played Wolowitz, is still the funniest human to have ever lived. Any time I’m in a scene with him, he would just do something that would set me off."
Kunal then explained to The New York Post that he wasn't sure if he made people around him angry by breaking character so many times.
The Funniest 2000s Sitcoms, According to Collider | |
---|---|
2000s Sitcom | Rank |
The Big Bang Theory | #10 |
How I Met Your Mother | #9 |
Malcolm in the Middle | #8 |
Scrubs | #7 |
Community | #6 |
Parks and Recreation | #5 |
30 Rock | #4 |
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia | #3 |
Arrested Development | #2 |
The Office | #1 |
However, Kunal stated that he felt "quite embarrassed" that he wouldn't be able to stay in character.
"I’m not sure I was pissing them off, but we show up in front of a live audience. You have to get it right. You can’t mess around. I was quite embarrassed because I would always break."
Amazingly enough, Kunal came up with a way to deal with his inability to stay in character around Simon.
While speaking to The New York Post, Kunal explained how he found a way to break character without ruining a take.
"I would wait for the camera to turn to the other actor, and then I would break and come back.”
Despite the brilliant way that Kunal was able to continue filming after laughing, he still made it clear he felt bad about being unprofessional. During his The New York Post interview, Kunal apologized to his The Big Bang Theory co-stars for regularly breaking character.
“But I was terrible so I’m apologizing to everyone."
After apologizing, Kunal expressed gratitude for how great the environment on The Big Bang Theory's set was. “We were very lucky to have a really loving and happy set for 12 years.”
Kunal Nayyar Explained Why He Couldn't Keep A Straight Face While Filming With Simon Helberg
In May 2025, People republished a Nostalgia article that summarized Kunal Nayyar's appearance on Jessica Radloff's "The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast." During that podcast episode, Kunal explained what made Simon Helberg so uniquely funny.
During the podcast appearance, Kunal explained that Simon could be hilarious even when saying something completely mundane.
“Just the cadence in which [he said] ‘Friday works for me.’ Like, it was so beautifully musical and just ridiculous."
During that podcast episode, Kunal again admitted that Simon would make him break character regularly. However, Kunal was much more explicit about how much the situation annoyed his co-workers.
“I was the worst in the beginning on the show. I broke all the time. It really pissed everyone off, but I couldn't help it. I don't know why.”
Based on that remark, it makes more sense that Kunal decided to apologize for laughing at Simon's performance.

The Big Bang Theory
- Release Date
- 2007 - 2019-00-00
- Network
- CBS
- Showrunner
- Mark Cendrowski
- Directors
- Mark Cendrowski
- Writers
- Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady
Cast
- Leonard Hofstadter
- Sheldon Cooper
- Penny
- Howard Wolowitz
- Franchise(s)
- The Big Bang Theory
- Seasons
- 12
- Story By
- Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady
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