CHARACTER: Penny
Just over two years after the series finale of 8 Simple Rules, Kaley Cuoco landed the role of Penny on The Big Bang Theory. During the show’ run, Cuoco won trophies from the Critics’ Choice and Teen Choice Awards. In 2010, Cuoco revealed to CBS Watch that she and Galecki privately dated for two years before ending their relationship in 2009. The co-stars remain close friends, with Galecki posting a sweet birthday tribute to Cuoco in December 2021.
Cuoco has earned two Emmy nominations for The Flight Attendant, which she also executive-produces, and voices Harley Quinn in the beloved DC Comics character’s eponymous animated series. She stars in the Peacock rom-com Meet Cute opposite Pete Davidson and is set to portray Doris Day in an upcoming limited series about the iconic performer.
Following her split from second husband Karl Cook in September 2021 after three years of marriage, Cuoco and her boyfriend Tom Pelphrey made their red carpet debut at the 2022 Emmy Awards.
“I took a lot of time to myself and spent the year kind of figuring myself out,” Cuoco told E! News at the Meet Cute premiere. “That’s why I’d never want actual time travel because it would really mess with the real time of what your life needs to be. And then, I met Tom, and everything changed.”