DJ Qualls was nearly cast as Sheldon Cooper instead of Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory, with both actors reaching the final audition stage.
Today, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Jim Parsons playing the iconic role of Sheldon Cooper. However, during the final audition process, two actors were considered. It all came down to two DJ Qualls and Parsons.
Interestingly, Qualls eventually made an appearance on the show, but in a different role. He guest-starred as Sheldon’s cousin, a character with a unique backstory as a drug addict. Here is what happened behind the scenes.
Jim Parsons Almost Lost Sheldon Cooper to DJ Qualls
DJ Qualls had a memorable encounter with The Big Bang Theory. He revealed that he auditioned alongside Jim Parsons for a role, and despite making it to the final round, he ultimately lost out.
Reflecting on the nerve-wracking experience of reading in front of CBS executives, Qualls joked that it was so intense that it marked the end of his auditioning days. He explained to TVLine,
I studio-tested against Jim Parsons for that role. It came down to me and him. And they made us read, before all of the CBS studio executives, in front of each other. He went before me. And I turned to [creator] Chuck Lorre afterward and I was like, ‘I’m not going to get this part. I can’t read.’ And he was like, ‘Oh no, you’re not going to get this part – but you have to read.
Jim Parsons is often praised for his portrayal of Sheldon because he perfectly captures the character’s unique quirks and mannerisms. His way of bringing authenticity to Sheldon’s genius intellect, social awkwardness, and comedic timing, makes him synonymous with the role.
Why DJ Qualls Left The Big Bang Theory Abruptly
Despite losing out on the main role, the actor returned to the series yet again as Sheldon’s cousin. According to a Reddit user, DJ Qualls’ stint on the show turned into a tumultuous experience behind the scenes. Originally slated for a significant storyline arc, Qualls unexpectedly departed after just one episode. The Reddit user said,
I also learned he and Johnny are really good friends and have known each other for 20 years and it sucked to have to quit a show that good with one of his friends. He was actually supposed to be in 10 episodes. He was going to live with them for a while and have a full story arc. He said Chuck was such an abusive a******e to him for no reason he quit after the one week because he cant work for someone like that
He later confessed in interviews that he regretted accepting the role, even admitting to being in tears the night before shooting, hoping for a delay.
I try not to take things that I feel that can’t rise to, And I’ve only taken one job, and I won’t mention it … it was on Big Bang Theory … that I shouldn’t have taken it. That’s not me. That presentational style of acting is so not me. And I took it and regretted, I cried. I cried that night. The day I remember driving to Warner Bros praying to God and I don’t do that, that here would be a fire at Warner Bros and there was! Isn’t that crazy? Don’t f–k with me. But it wasn’t big enough for it to delay taping.
Despite the hurdles, fans were relieved that DJ Qualls persevered, and his episode provided a fleeting delight for viewers, albeit not on the same scale as other guest stars of the show. Nevertheless, the series remains a beloved favorite among many, often enjoyed via binge-watching sessions.
The Big Bang Theory is streaming on Max.
