Kaley Cuoco Recalls Being in a “State of Shock” Over Jim Parsons Ending Big Bang Theory

“It was a feel-good silly show, and these guys really were the heart of it,” Cuoco told Variety this week. “They made the nerd thing cool and popular and sexy and fun. It was silly and people loved it. And I really loved my time on it.”

She later told Entertainment Tonight she was satisfied with the ending for her character. ”I’m thrilled with [Penny’s] ending, yet beginning. It’s beautiful. There’s not anything catastrophic, it’s just beautiful. And the characters are gonna live on in your minds and in your hearts, and I think that’s what is so special about it. It’s really touching,” the star shared.

But after Big Bang wrapped its Emmy-winning run, the cast went their separate ways. For Cuoco, that included more time with her equestrian husband, Karl Cook. They moved in together at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, at which point they’d been married for two years.

She’s moved on to other projects as well, namely HBO’s The Flight Attendant, which she executive produced and starred in. It centers on her troubled character, Cassie, whose life gets turned upside down when one of the passengers on her plane is mysteriously murdered.

Cuoco’s performance scored her her first Golden Globe nomination for best Actress in a TV Musical or Comedy. Winners will be announced on Sunday, Feb. 28.