Courtney Henggeler (Missy Cooper)
Missy is Sheldon’s twin sister, but she’s also his complete opposite. She’s a charming social butterfly, and when she comes to visit, she makes Leonard, Howard, and Raj fight over who gets to date her. They all try to make their advancements, but they strike out one by one.
Courtney Henggeler, who plays Missy, is currently starring in the YouTube Premium show Cobra Kai, based on The Karate Kid movie series, alongside Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. And in real life, she’s just as stunning as she is on-screen.
Laura Spencer (Emily Sweeney)
Laura Spencer brought Emily Sweeney to life with a nuanced performance that balanced the character's sweetness and darker side.
Spencer's portrayal made Emily a memorable character, even though she wasn't part of the main cast. Outside of The Big Bang Theory, Laura Spencer is known for her roles in other TV shows like Bones and Lizzie Bennet Diaries, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Alessandra Torresani (Claire)
Alessandra is known for playing Zoe on the sci-fi drama Caprica.
She was also featured as a Maxim girl – and we totally understand why.
April Bowlby (Rebecca)
April Bowlby's career extends well beyond her brief appearance as Rebecca on The Big Bang Theory.
Her role as Kandi on Two and a Half Men is one of her most recognized performances, spanning multiple seasons and providing her with significant exposure. In Doom Patrol, she portrays a more complex character, Rita Farr, showcasing her range as an actress who can handle both comedic and dramatic material.
Margo Harshman (Alex Jensen)
Alex is portrayed as a bright, ambitious young woman trying to navigate the challenges of working with Sheldon while also dealing with her feelings for Leonard. Despite her intelligence and professional demeanor, Alex’s storyline is relatively short-lived, as her crush on Leonard does not lead to a lasting relationship, and her character eventually fades from the show.
Margo Harshman, as an actress, has a well-rounded career with a variety of roles that showcase her talents beyond her appearance on The Big Bang Theory. Her portrayal of Alex Jensen, while effective and memorable, is just one of many roles in her career. Harshman brings depth to Alex, making her more than just a love interest, but ultimately, the character’s impact on the show is limited.
Christine Baranski (Dr. Beverly Hofstadter)
Baranski's career is characterized by her ability to play strong, intelligent, and often sophisticated women, with a flair for both comedy and drama.
Beverly Hofstadter is a character defined by her intellect, emotional coldness, and lack of traditional maternal instincts, traits that are often played for both humor and pathos on the show. While Beverly is a fascinating and well-crafted character, she is just one aspect of Baranski.
Riki Lindhome (Ramona Nowitzki)
There's a significant contrast between Lindhome's diverse career as an actress and comedian and the specific, quirky role of Ramona Nowitzki on the show.
Ramona is introduced as a graduate student and a huge fan of Sheldon Cooper's work. She first appears in Season 2 and later in Season 10. Ramona is characterized by her intense admiration for Sheldon, bordering on obsession. In her first appearance, she inserts herself into Sheldon's life under the guise of being his assistant, though her real intention is to push him to focus solely on his work. This behavior leads to humorous yet awkward situations as Sheldon becomes increasingly uncomfortable with her overbearing presence.
Ramona's character is portrayed as intelligent but socially awkward, with a single-minded focus on Sheldon. Her infatuation with him leads to some of the show's funnier moments, particularly because of Sheldon’s obliviousness to her advances. Despite her brief appearances, Ramona leaves a memorable impression due to her quirky and persistent nature.
Riki Lindhome, as an actress and comedian, has built a diverse career that allows her to showcase her range and creativity across different mediums. Her work in Garfunkel and Oates, in particular, highlights her skills as a comedian and musician, which differ significantly from her portrayal of Ramona Nowitzki.
Eliza Dushku (Angela Page)
Her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Tru Calling, and Dollhouse have made her a recognizable figure, especially in the sci-fi and action genres. Dushku's ability to play strong, complex characters has been a hallmark of her career.
Angela Page, on the other hand, is a minor character in The Big Bang Theory, with a role that primarily serves to advance a specific plot point related to Howard's character. While Angela is portrayed as competent and composed, her impact on the show is limited compared to the more central characters.
Kate Micucci (Lucy)
Micucci has made a name for herself with various roles in television and film. She has appeared in shows like Scrubs, Raising Hope, and DuckTales, where she voices Webby Vanderquack.
Her distinctive voice and offbeat comedic timing make her a standout in both live-action and animated roles. In addition to her acting and music, Micucci is an accomplished artist, with her work often reflecting her quirky, humorous style.
Becky O’Donohue (Siri)
After American Idol, O'Donohue transitioned into acting and modeling. She has appeared in a variety of television shows and films, often in supporting roles. Some of her notable appearances include roles in shows like How I Met Your Mother, The Mentalist, and Glee.
In addition to her acting work, O'Donohue has also done modeling, appearing in various commercials and print campaigns. Her career is characterized by her versatility and her ability to take on a wide range of roles, often leveraging her strong screen presence and looks.
Kelli Goss (Chelsea)
Kelli Goss is a versatile actress with a career that includes a mix of television dramas, comedies, and youth-oriented programming. Her role as Chelsea on The Big Bang Theory is a notable part of her career but is relatively minor in the context of the show.
Chelsea serves a specific purpose in advancing Leonard’s romantic storyline, while Goss's career as a whole showcases her talent and range in various acting roles.
Courtney Ford (Alice)
Courtney Ford, as an actress, is known for her dynamic performances in both drama and comedy. Her role as Alice on The Big Bang Theory is a small but notable appearance that allows her to showcase her charm and chemistry with the main cast. However, it is a minor role compared to her other work.
Alice is a straightforward character designed to fit into the show's broader narrative, primarily focusing on Leonard's dating life. The character’s purpose is to provide humor and explore Leonard's interactions with potential romantic interests, but Alice does not have a significant impact on the show's long-term plot.
Analeigh Tipton (Vanessa Bennet)
Analeigh Tipton appears twice on the on the Big Bang Theory. First as herself, where she is a contestant on America’s Next Top Model (because this was the case in real life).
Years later, she appeared as Vanessa, a mysteriously intelligent woman who solves Sheldon’s intricate scavenger hunt, knocking on his door and causing him to wonder if he’d met his match. In both of these appearances, you can bet your bottom dollar that viewers at home were quite pleased.
Lauren Lapkus (Denise)
We all love Stuart on the Big Bang Theory, for his awkwardness and his endearing hopelessness. And yet it’s almost perfect when he finds an assistant named Denise that converses with him well, played by the talented Lauren Lapkus.
She works at his comic store for a little while, which is appropriate because she is a total comic book nerd as well. As far as Lauren, you may recognize her from Jurassic World, a thriller which she has recently appeared in.
Elizabeth Bogush (Dr. Catherine Millstone)
Dr. Catherine Millstone is gets hired by Dr. Laughlin in an episode called “The Pirate Solution,” which took place in the third season. Played by the lovely Elizabeth Bogush, Raj is originally expected to work with the both of them.
The problem is that Raj is still unable to talk to women unless he’s intoxicated, so he gets drunk when he sees her. This leads to him making an inappropriate comment, which she eventually files a complaint about.
Emma Degerstedt (Emma)
Her role as Emma on The Big Bang Theory is a small but notable part of her career, providing a glimpse into her ability to contribute to different types of storylines.
While Emma's character serves a specific comedic function within the episode, Degerstedt’s broader career showcases her talents in a wider range of roles and contexts.
Tania Raymonde (Yvette)
So, Tania Raymonde pops up on The Big Bang Theory as Yvette. She appears in a couple of episodes, and her role is pretty memorable, even though it’s not super big.
Yvette is a waitress who catches Leonard’s eye in Season 4. She’s got that laid-back, cool vibe that seems to attract Leonard. They hit it off, and it’s a fun little subplot in the series.
Even though Yvette isn’t a major character and doesn’t stick around long-term, she’s memorable because of the way she’s involved in Leonard’s story. It’s always fun to see guest stars bring a fresh dynamic to the main cast’s lives.
Summer Glau (as herself)
It’s one thing to strike up a conversation with a random girl on a train, but it’s another thing to initiate a conversation with your favorite sci-fi actress.
It’s no easy task at all, but Leonard, Raj, and the boys do it anyway while they are on a long train ride, and they notice Summer Glau is actually sitting there in a nearby booth. Of course, the Firefly star is very amused by the antics of the boys – even as they strike out one by one.
Rachel Cannon (Patty)
Rachel Cannon’s role as Patty on The Big Bang Theory is a nice little guest spot that adds some humor and a bit of romance to the mix.
Cannon’s got a great way of bringing her characters to life, and Patty is no exception. While Patty isn’t a major character, she definitely leaves an impression with her interactions with Howard.
Ally Maki (Joyce Kim)
Even though Joyce Kim isn’t around for too long, she’s important because she highlights Sheldon’s struggle with relationships and adds a layer of humor to his character development. Her brief appearance is memorable because it shows a different side of Sheldon and adds some fun to the show.
Ally Maki’s role as Joyce Kim on The Big Bang Theory is a standout guest spot that adds some comedy and a bit of romance to the mix. Maki’s portrayal of Joyce is charming and memorable, even if she only sticks around for a short while. Joyce Kim’s interactions with Sheldon offer a glimpse into his dating life and provide some funny moments, making her role a fun part of the show’s early seasons.
Maria Canals-Barrera (Issabella)
Isabella’s role is mostly about adding a touch of humor to Howard’s dating life. She’s involved in a situation where Howard is trying to impress her, and their interactions are played for laughs. The subplot revolves around Howard trying to balance his awkwardness with his attempts to be charming.
Maria Canals-Barrera’s role as Isabella on The Big Bang Theory is a fun guest spot that adds to the show’s humor. Canals-Barrera brings her charm and comedic skills to the role, making Isabella a memorable character even in her short time on the show. The character’s interactions with Howard are a great way to showcase his dating mishaps and provide some laughs, making Isabella a nice addition to the show’s ensemble.
Tiffany Dupont (Angela)
Angela appears in Season 4, Episode 7 ("The Apology Insufficiency"). She’s introduced as a character who’s dating Raj Koothrappali. Angela is a part of a subplot where Raj is dealing with the complexities of his romantic life.
Angela’s role mainly serves to highlight Raj’s struggles in relationships. She’s part of the show’s exploration of Raj’s dating issues and adds a bit of humor to his character. The interactions between Raj and Angela showcase his usual awkwardness and the comedic challenges he faces in his romantic pursuits.
Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (Mikayla)
Jodi Lyn O’Keefe’s role as Mikayla on The Big Bang Theory is a fun guest spot that adds a bit of humor to Raj’s romantic escapades.
While Mikayla is a memorable part of that episode, O’Keefe’s broader career spans a range of significant roles in both drama and supernatural genres. Her experience and versatility are highlighted in her more substantial roles, while Mikayla represents a lighter, comedic turn in her diverse acting career.
Swati Kapila (Ruchi)
Ruchi’s character helps to highlight Raj’s dating difficulties and adds comedic value to the episode. Her interactions with Raj provide a lighthearted touch and contribute to his character development.
But her appearances on shows like NCIS and Bones demonstrate her versatility and talent across different genres and formats, showcasing her ability to handle various types of characters and storylines.
Kaley Cuoco (Penny Hofstadter)
Kaley Cuoco is a big deal in TV land. She’s best known for her role on The Big Bang Theory, but she’s done a lot of other cool stuff too. Penny is super important on The Big Bang Theory. She’s not just there for laughs; her character development and relationships are key to the show’s success.
Penny’s character brings a lot of heart and humor to the series. Her interactions with the main cast and her own personal growth keep viewers invested in the show.
Kaley Cuoco’s role as Penny on The Big Bang Theory is definitely the highlight of her career. Penny’s charm, humor, and growth throughout the series make her a standout character. While Penny’s a huge part of Cuoco’s success, she’s also done a bunch of other cool stuff that shows off her range as an actress. All in all, Penny’s role really put her on the map and gave fans a lot to love about The Big Bang Theory.
Aarti Mann (Priya Koothrappali)
While Raj is dating his girlfriend Emily, he meets a cool artist named Claire at the comic book store.
Raj is immediately taken with her and begins to pursue her, even though he’s already dating Emily. After dating both of them at the same time, he eventually ends it with both of them and remains alone (hey, that’s what you get for playing the field).
Erin Allin O’Reilly (Cheryl)
Cheryl is a waitress who Penny works with at the Cheesecake Factory, and she’s an active participant in a number of solid comedic moments. One of these moments is when she meets Raj at a Halloween party that Penny throws.
She later gets together with him romantically after calling him a “good listener,” not realizing that Raj is unable to speak to women. Portrayed by the lovely Erin Allin O’Reilly, she has also appeared in the comedy film, Dumb and Dumber To.
Sara Rue (Stephanie Barnett)
Sara Rue plays Dr. Stephanie Barnett, one of Leonard’s girlfriends on the show. While she initially goes on a date with Howard, she ends up dating Leonard, which causes a temporary tear in Leonard and Howard’s relationship.
But when she promises to introduce Howard with one of her girlfriends, he immediately forgives everything. Sara played roles in shows like teen dramedy Popular and the sitcom Less than Perfect. And judging by her Instagram page, she’s as fashionable as she is gorgeous.
Sara Gilbert (Leslie Winkle)
Sara Gilbert used to play opposite Johnny Galecki (who plays Leonard) in the sitcom Roseanne. The two also dated in real life, so the fans were excited to see her get a role on The Big Bang Theory.
On the show she plays Leslie Winkle, a pragmatic scientist working with the guys in Caltech. She dates both Leonard and Howard on the show, but both of these brief relationships end. Sara is also the creator and host of the CBS talk show The Talk.
Valerie Azlynn (Alicia)
Alicia is a new neighbor who moves into the upstairs apartment of Leonard and Sheldon’s building. Like Penny, she’s charismatic and attractive, so she immediately gets the boys undivided attention.
Penny, who is already used to being the center of the group, becomes extremely jealous of Alicia, and resents the way she gets the boys to do things for her. Like on the show, Valerie Azlynn is a real stunner, but she seems much nicer than the character she plays.
Charlotte Newhouse (Joy)
Charlotte Newhouse appears on the show as Joy, a woman who is set up with Leonard on a blind date by Howard and Bernadette. She’s a fitness-crazed woman who shows up at the restaurant wearing workout clothes, and behaves very crassly.
Leonard doesn’t enjoy the date at all, but still agrees to go with her to a wedding when she says there maybe something in it for him. Charlotte Newhouse also plays Billie on the comedy Idiotsitter, and seems much lovelier in real life than Leonard’s date.
Brooke D’Orsay (Christy Vanderbilt)
Played by Brooke D’Orsay, Christy is Penny’s friend from Nebraska who comes into town. Penny lets her stay in her apartment, but she overstays her welcome when she starts dating Howard, and the two take over Penny’s apartment.
She makes Howard buy her things, which eventually leads his mother to threaten to cut him off of the inheritance if he continues dating her. Like April Bowlby, she was also on Two and a Half Men and the dramedy Drop Dead Diva. And doesn’t she look lovely in this picture?
Laurie Metcalf (Mary Cooper)
Mary Cooper, played by actress Laurie Metcalf, is Sheldon’s pious and stern mother. The complete opposite of Leonard’s mother, Mary is nurturing and loving, and knows how to put her son in his place for his own good.
She’s not always politically correct, and often relies on silly superstitions, but viewers fell in love with her as soon as she appeared. Mary is an elegant woman, but in reality Laurie has a certain glam that only adds to her beauty.
Alice Amter (Mrs. Koothrappali)
You might only know her as an image on a screen, but Raj’s mother provides a great comical relief to the show. Raj often talks to his parents on video calls, which are usually hilarious.
Eventually, his parents get divorced, and Raj plays both of them in order to get more money and luxurious things out of his rich parents. In real life, Alice Amter who plays the character looks totally different than Mrs. Koothrappali, and we’re loving her style.
Megan Heyn (Natalie)
Megan Heyn appears in a Big Bang Theory episode where Stuart is having trouble getting attractive women to come to his comic book store. Penny and Bernadette help him out in that regard, helping out his confidence in the process.
In an episode that centers around stunning women, it is fitting that Megan is introduced, for obvious reasons. She portrays the role of Natalie, and although her role was minor, her impact wasn’t forgotten.
Morgan Hewitt (Lizzy)
When you gaze upon the picture of the lovely young Morgan Hewitt, you might have trouble wondering why she only appeared in one Big Bang Theory episode – “The Itchy Brain Stimulation,” from season eight.
We have no doubt in our minds that fans of the show would’ve been very pleased to see more of sweet Liz (the character she played), but what can you do. In addition to acting, Morgan is a very successful model.
Sierra Edwards (Escort girl)
Sierra Edwards is an actress who’s made appearances in a few notable TV shows and movies. She might not be a household name, but she’s got some interesting roles under her belt.
Sierra Edwards’ role as the escort girl on The Big Bang Theory is a fun guest spot that adds some humor and awkwardness to the show. While her appearance is relatively short, it’s a memorable part of the episode and highlights her ability to bring humor to her roles. Edwards’ broader career includes a range of guest spots that show off her versatility, making her a skilled actress with a knack for adding a unique touch to her characters, even in brief appearances.
Sarah Buehler (Sarah)
The Big Bang Theory is a show that is known for its ability to stick with a concurrent theme, while still exploring a wide range of genres and topics. One of these themes is the style of goth, and this is when we meet a young woman by the name of Sarah.
We see her in an episode called “The Gothowitz Deviation,” and her catchphrase is “not that anyone cares.” For the brief time she’s on the show, she certainly gets a fair share of laughs.
Beth Behrs (Nell)
Nell is a guest character on The Big Bang Theory who adds some fun and humor to the convention episode. She’s not a central character but provides a nice boost to the episode’s comedic moments.
Nell’s role contributes to the overall comedic tone of the episode and helps to showcase the show’s trademark humor. Her interactions with the main cast add to the fun and chaos of the convention storyline.
Samantha Potter (as herself)
Samantha Potter is an actress and a model who used to be on America’s Next Top Model. We see her because Sheldon, Leonard, and the crew, are big fans of the show America’s Next Top Model.
But after they lose Wifi, they decide that they would rather meet the models in person. Somehow, they manage to track down the house where they all live together, and drive all the way there and meet them in person.
Danica McKellar (Abby)
McKellar’s career includes a mix of classic TV roles, like Winnie Cooper, and newer work, like her Hallmark movie series. She’s shown she can handle both dramatic and comedic roles with ease.
Her role as Winnie Cooper is probably her most iconic, but her work in Hallmark movies and her involvement in math education and writing have also contributed to her career.
Katee Sackhoff (as herself)
Katee Sackhoff appears as herself in a make-believe daydream that Howard is imagining for himself.
One of the most common themes we find ourselves witnessing in the Big Bang Theory is fantasy, and given that our main characters love comics and science fiction, it stands to make sense that Howard would think of Sackhoff – who is known for her portrayal of Lieutenant Kara “Starbuck” Thrace on the hit sci fi show Battlestar Galactica.
Melissa Rauch (Bernadette Wolowitz)
Everyone loves the sweet and spunky Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory, who’s been a fan-favorite ever since she joined the show. She starts out as a timid waitress and Microbiology student who dates Howard Wolowitz, and slowly comes to her own working at a pharmaceutical company. Bernadette is absolutely adorable, thanks to her high-pitched voice and always rocking a pretty dress.
Melissa Rauch, who plays Bernadette on the series, seems to have more of an edge on her Instagram account. She’s definitely not afraid to dress up in glamorous dresses and show off her spunky attitude. And she’s certainly looking sizzling in the picture below, in a dark purple dress and high heels.
Regina King (Janine Davis)
A prominent actress in Hollywood, Regina King appeared in a total of five Big Bang Theory episodes, which is actually a lot more than we can say for a lot of girls on this list.
She plays the role of Janine Davis, Caltech’s Human Resources administrator, and she certainly has her share of awkward run ins with Sheldon and the crew. One of these cringeworthy moments is when Howard is sent to her office for making inappropriate comments about intimacy.
Judy Greer (Dr. Elizabeth Plimpton)
We’re guessing that you must have seen Judy Greer before, because she’s an actress who’s appeared in countless other places on screen, such as Jurassic World, and the TV show Two and a Half Men. In the Big Bang Theory, she plays the role of Dr.
Elizabeth Plimpton, a brilliant scientist who even Sheldon is impressed by. She is very forward from a romantic standpoint, making advances to all the boys, and eventually gets together intimately with Raj.
Sara Erikson (Gwen)
When Penny starts working as a pharmaceutical sales rep, she meets all kinds of new people. But there was one scene where she runs into a couple of old friends from her acting days, and one of these friends is Gwen, played by Sara Erikson.
Although Penny doesn’t seem too happy about her current job, Gwen comforts her by saying that she heard it pays “good money.” Nothing like an old friend to raise your spirits by giving some outside perspective.
Sarayu Blue (Lalita Gupta)
If you’re someone who’s familiar with the earlier seasons of the Big Bang Theory, you’ll recognize this Sarayu Blue, who portrayed Lalita Gupta in the first season. A childhood friend of Raj’s, she is seen attempting to date him until he ruins it by getting hammered on the outing.
She later takes a liking to Sheldon, who tells her that she reminds him of a princess. Sarayu is best known for her portrayal of Angela on the Fox sitcom Sons of Tucson.
Ashley Austin Morris (Laura)
Ashley Austin Morris plays the role of Laura, a young woman who manages to spark a solid amount of jealousy in the heart of Penny, when she sees Leonard flirting with her.
After Leonard feels under-appreciated by Penny at a bar, he decides to introduce himself to Laura, and begins to lie about many things about himself. Penny ends up coming over and spills the beans on Leonard, at which point Leonard accuses Penny of being hypocritical.