‘The Big Bang Theory‘ fans have laughed and loved to see the chemistry develop between Penny and the two socially awkward physicists next door. Throughout the 12 seasons, fans see the beautiful Penny marry Leonard and become an extremely close friend to Sheldon Cooper.
However, fans might be taken aback to learn that Kaley Cuoco was not the original cast for Penny in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. In fact, Penny’s character was not a part of Chuck Lorre’s original script. If it’s making you wonder who the original female protagonist for the role was, we are here to answer your questions.
Who Was The Original Actress Chosen To Play Penny In ‘The Big Bang Theory’?
Writers Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady wanted to maintain the plot of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ with an attractive female lead entering the lives of two socially awkward physicists. But the original pilot of the sitcom included Katie, played by Amanda Walsh, instead of Penny. Leonard and Sheldon meet Katie on the sidewalk of the street, while the latter is crying to her mother about her broken relationship.
Chivalrous and inelegant as ever, Leonard offers Katie to join the two for dinner. Katie has a similar irresponsible and reckless approach to her life as Penny. If Walsh were to continue with the character, she would have been the “freeloader” on the roommates’ wi-fi and food.
The original pilot had many variations from the aired sitcom. For instance, Leonard and Sheldon lived in a different, relatively smaller apartment. Sheldon was more aware and vocal about his sensual desires. However, the original pilot never aired on television.
Why Was The Original Plot Changed?
Since the characters of Katie and Penny are not very dissimilar, it makes fans wonder why was the original pilot scrapped. Show creators revealed that the response to the character of Katie and the overall pilot was negative. Viewers found Katie to be rough and harsh to Leonard and Sheldon. Hence, Katie was replaced by a sweeter, chipper character Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco.
Although Walsh could have returned as Penny, it did not work out as she was much identified with the original character, Katie. Walsh’s performance was per the way the character was written.
In case you missed it: ‘The Big Bang Theory’: 5 Reasons Why Penny And Leonard Were Toxic And 5 Reasons Why Their Relationship Was Perfect
It seems Walsh had a run of bad luck with ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Nonetheless, we cannot imagine the beloved sitcom without Penny challenging the Caltech scientists to come out of their geek shells. Moreover, Penny’s character is more open and understanding of Leonard and Sheldon’s quirks.
