Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons Headshot

Actor

Birth Date: March 24, 1973

Age: 51 years old

Birth Place: Houston, Texas

American actor Jim Parsons rocketed to fame on the strength of his unforgettable performance as a socially awkward scientist in the hit sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS, 2007-19). Born in Houston, Texas, he moved to New York to pursue a stage career after earning an MFA from the University of San Diego. He eventually returned to the West Coast and found small roles in the television series "Ed" (NBC, 2000-04) and the film "Garden State" (2004).

He earned a recurring role in the Amy Brenneman legal drama "Judging Amy" (CBS, 1999-2005). After that show ended, Parsons found the role of a lifetime when producer Chuck Lorre cast him opposite Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco in "The Big Bang Theory." His Dr. Sheldon Cooper became one of the most easily recognized characters in pop culture. The show would go on to become one of the biggest hits in television history and earned the actor four Emmy Awards.

During breaks in filming, the actor frequently returned to New York to make appearances on Broadway. Openly gay, Parsons starred in the Tony-winning revivals of the LGBTQ classics "The Normal Heart" and "The Boys in the Band." He went on to star in a TV film version of "The Normal Heart" (HBO, 2014) with Mark Ruffalo. Before the end of "Big Bang," the actor partnered with Lorre to produce a spinoff series about his character's childhood named "Young Sheldon" (CBS, 2017- ).

On the big screen, Parsons joined singer Rhianna to provide the voices for the animated film "Home" (2015). He also appeared with Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Kevin Costner in the Oscar-nominated drama "Hidden Figures" (2016). Parsons rejoined his stage co-stars Zachary Quinto and Matt Bomer for Ryan Murphy's film adaptation of "The Boys in the Band" (Netflix, 2020).

Credits

Bob Newhart: A Legacy of Laughter

Self
Special
2024

Spoiler AlertStream

Actor
Michael Ausiello
Movie
2022
86%

Spoiler AlertStream

Producer
Movie
2022
86%

CBS Mornings

Guest
News
2021

Call Me KatStream

Executive Producer
Series
2021

EqualStream

Executive Producer
Docuseries
2020
86%

The Drew Barrymore ShowStream

Guest
Talk
2020

HollywoodStream

Actor
Henry Wilson
Series
2020
59%

The Boys in the BandStream

Actor
Michael
Movie
2020
84%

Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation

Voice
Truman Capote
Movie
2020

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Guest
Talk
2019

The Big Bang Theory: Couple Goals

Actor
Sheldon Cooper
Show
2019

The Big Bang Theory: Your Takeover

Actor
Sheldon Cooper
Show
2019

SpecialStream

Executive Producer
Series
2019
98%

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Actor
Florida Prosecutor Larry Simpson
Movie
2019

Geniale Köpfe

Actor
Paul Stafford
Show
2018

Today 3rd Hour

Guest
Show
2018

Pete the Cat

Guest Voice
Show
2018

The 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

Actor
Show
2018

The Van Jones Show

Guest
Show
2018

A Kid Like Jake

Actor
Greg
Movie
2018

A Kid Like Jake

Producer
Movie
2018

Michael Jackson's Halloween

Voice
Special
2017

Young SheldonStream

Actor
Adult Sheldon
Series
2017

Young SheldonStream

Executive Producer
Series
2017

Young SheldonStream

Guest Star
Sheldon Cooper
Series
2017

Young SheldonStream

Narrator
Adult Sheldon
Series
2017

Young Sheldon: Extras

Actor
Show
2017

Last Chance Hospital

Producer
Show
2017

First in Human

Executive Producer
Show
2017

First in Human

Narrator
Show
2017

Live with Kelly and Ryan

Guest
Talk
2017

ChelseaStream

Guest
Talk
2016
41%

Sunday Today With Willie Geist

Guest
Talk
2016

Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows

Guest
Show
2016

Hollywood Medium With Tyler HenryStream

Guest Star
Reality
2016

Hidden FiguresStream

Actor
Paul Stafford
Movie
2016
93%

SuperMansionStream

Voice
Mr. Skibumpers
Series
2015

The Late Show With Stephen ColbertStream

Guest
Talk
2015

The Late Late Show With James Corden

Guest
Talk
2015

Who Do You Think You Are: Extras

Actor
Show
2015

Home

Voice
Oh
Movie
2015

Visions

Actor
Dr. Mathison
Movie
2015

Now That's Funny! On Set With TV's Hottest Comedies: A Paley Center for Media Special

Guest
Show
2014

Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas

Voice
Buddy
Show
2014

Extra Big Bang

Actor
Show
2014

Late Night With Seth MeyersStream

Guest
Talk
2014

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonStream

Guest
Talk
2014

Wish I Was Here

Actor
Paul
Movie
2014

The Normal HeartStream

Actor
Tommy Boatwright
Movie
2014
94%

The Big Bang Theory: Cast and Creators Live at PALEYFEST

Guest
Show
2013

The Big Bang Theory: Extras

Actor
Show
2013

Live! With Kelly and Michael

Guest
Talk
2012

Live! With Kelly and Michael

Host
Talk
2012

Coldplay Live 2012

Producer
Show
2012

CBS This Morning

Guest
Show
2012

Sunset Stories

Actor
Prince
Movie
2012

LIVE with Kelly

Guest
Show
2011

LIVE with Kelly

Host
Talk
2011

Long Island MediumStream

Self
Reality
2011

CBS Fall Preview

Host
Show
2011

Dish NationStream

Guest
Talk
2011

The Big Year

Actor
Crane
Movie
2011

ConanStream

Guest
Talk
2010

The TalkStream

Guest
Talk
2010

George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight

Guest
Show
2010

On the Red Carpet

Guest
Show
2010

Who Do You Think You Are?Stream

Guest Star
Reality
2010

Lopez Tonight

Guest
Show
2009

Watch What Happens Live With Andy CohenStream

Actor
Talk
2009

Watch What Happens Live With Andy CohenStream

Guest
Talk
2009

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Guest
Talk
2009

The Bonnie Hunt Show

Guest
Talk
2008

Free Radio

Guest Star
Show
2008

The Big Bang TheoryStream

Actor
Sheldon Cooper
Series
2007
81%

Today With Kathie Lee & Hoda

Guest
Show
2007

The Better Show

Guest
Show
2007

Gardener of Eden

Actor
Spim
Movie
2007

etalk

Guest
Show
2006

10 Items or Less

Actor
Receptionist
Movie
2006

The Martha Stewart Show

Guest
Reality
2005

The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson

Guest
Talk
2005

Tavis Smiley

Actor
Talk
2004

Tavis Smiley

Guest
Talk
2004

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Guest
Talk
2003

Real Time With Bill MaherStream

Guest
Talk
2003

Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream

Guest
Talk
2003

Live With Regis and Kelly

Guest
Show
2001

The Early Show

Guest
Show
1999

Judging Amy

Guest Star
Series
1999

Family Guy

Guest Voice
Sheldon Cooper
Show
1999

Family GuyStream

Guest Voice
Sheldon Cooper
Series
1999

The Daily Show With Jon StewartStream

Guest
Talk
1999

The View

Guest
Talk
1997

Access Hollywood

Guest
News
1996

Inside the Actors Studio

Guest
Talk
1994

Late Show With David Letterman

Guest
Talk
1993

The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

Guest
Talk
1992

The SimpsonsStream

Guest Voice
Self
Series
1989
85%

Entertainment Tonight

Guest
News
1981

CBS News Sunday MorningStream

Guest
News
1979

Good Morning America

Guest
News
1975

Saturday Night LiveStream

Host
Series
1975

Sesame StreetStream

Guest
Series
1969

Today

Guest
News
1952

News aboutJim Parsons

Oscar the Grouch in 'Sesame Street,' Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in 'The Big Bang Theory,' and NBC/Courtesy: Everett Collection

Grinch Alert! 11 TV Characters Who Hate Christmas

The Big Bang Theory - Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons

‘Big Bang Theory’ Reunion! Kaley Cuoco Joins Jim Parsons to Support His Broadway Run

Stephen Colbert on The Late Show

Stephen Colbert Jokingly Announces New ‘Sheldon’ Crossover Spinoff With ‘Ghosts’

13 Most Successful Spinoffs, Ranked

Jim Parsons in 'Young Sheldon'

Jim Parsons Talks ‘Big Bang Theory’ Sequel & ‘Young Sheldon’ Finale

Mayim Bialik and Jim Parsons in 'Young Sheldon's series finale
Spoiler Alert

‘Young Sheldon’ Boss on Series Finale’s ‘Big Bang Theory’ Flash Forward With Sheldon & Amy

Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez, Jonathan Groff

20 TV Stars Nominated at the 2024 Tony Awards

Mayim Bialik and Jim Parsons in 'Young Sheldon'

‘Young Sheldon’: Jim Parsons & Mayim Bialik Return in Finale First Look (PHOTOS)

Jim Parsons and Iain Armitage

‘Young Sheldon’: Jim Parsons & Iain Armitage Team Up for Cute Series Finale Video

Jim Parsons in 'The Big Bang Theory' Season 7 Episode 17

Jim Parsons Talks ‘Weird’ but ‘Beautiful’ Return to ‘Big Bang Theory’ Role for ‘Young Sheldon’ Finale

Mayim Bialik and Jim Parsons in 'The Big Bang Theory'

‘Young Sheldon’: Jim Parsons & Mayim Bialik Reprising ‘Big Bang Theory’ Roles in Series Finale

Tracee Ellis Ross, John Stamos, Hannah Waddingham

10 Sitcom Stars Who Would Make Great Villains

'Reportin' for Duty: A Tribute to Leslie Jordan'

‘Reportin’ for Duty: A Tribute to Leslie Jordan’: Mayim Bialik, Jim Parsons & More Head Star-Studded Show

'The Big Bang Theory' cast
Q&A

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Tell-All: Author Jessica Radloff Talks the Book’s Juiciest Bits

Simon Helberg and Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory

‘Young Sheldon’: Simon Helberg Reprises His ‘Big Bang Theory’ Role as Howard (VIDEO)

2011 Emmy Winners Quiz

How Well Do You Remember the 2011 Emmy Winners?

The Big Bang Theory Jim Parsons Kaley Cuoco Johnny Galecki

Why You Should Rewatch ‘The Big Bang Theory’s Series Premiere

The Big Bang Theory cast

‘The Big Bang Theory’: Catch Up With the Cast & Their Latest Roles

Alyssa Milano Dwayne Johnson Hugh Grant

13 TV Stars Reveal Their Harrowing COVID-19 Experiences

Young Sheldon - Zoe Perry, Iain Armitage, Annie Potts
Spoiler Alert

‘Young Sheldon’: How ‘Big Bang Theory’s [Spoiler] Ended Up in Season 4 Premiere

The Boys in the Band - Matt Bomer and Michael Benjamin Washington
Q&A

Matt Bomer on Having to Emotionally ‘Go There’ With Jim Parsons in ‘Boys in the Band’

The Big Bang Theory Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons Reveals Why He Was Ready to Say Goodbye to ‘Big Bang Theory’

Kaley Cuoco - Big Bang Theory series finale
Exclusive

Looking Back at ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Series Finale One Year Later (PHOTOS)

Queen Latifah Hattie McDaniel

Netflix’s ‘Hollywood’ Cast vs. Their Real-Life Counterparts (PHOTOS)

Hollywood Darren Criss Preview Netflix
Preview

Darren Criss Says ‘Hollywood’ Addresses the Cost of Dreams Coming True

Hollywood - Dylan McDermott
Review

Roush Review: ‘Hollywood’ Exposes Tinseltown’s Dark Side With a Light Touch

TBBT clip Sheldon
Exclusive

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Looks Back on Why Jim Parsons Was Perfect as Sheldon (VIDEO)

hollywood ryan murphy casting

Ryan Murphy’s ‘Hollywood’ Adds Jim Parsons, Dylan McDermott & More

Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik

‘Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons & Mayim Bialik Team up for Fox Comedy

AWW gallery cover

15 TV Stars Who Are Always Worth Watching (PHOTOS)

The Change Constant/The Stockholm Syndrome
Spoiler Alert

‘Big Bang Theory’ Bosses on That Jaw-Dropping Series Finale Guest Star and More

THE BIG BANG THEORY
Finale

In Their Own Words: The ‘Big Bang Theory’ Cast on the Emotional Ending

The Cast Of

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast Honored With Historic Handprint Ceremony (PHOTOS)

58004190_134144494316784_767401983268172401_n

See the ‘Big Bang Theory’ Cast at the Emotional Final Episode Taping (PHOTOS)

HyperFocal: 0
Preview

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast Reflects on Their 12-Year Run Ahead of the Big Farewell

Iain Armitage as Young Sheldon

CBS Renews ‘Young Sheldon’ for Two More Seasons

The Big Bang Theory - Cast

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast Celebrates Stage Dedication at Warner Brothers Studios

114122_WB_0030b

How ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast Wants the Show to End

114122_WB_0247b

Jim Parsons on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Ending: ‘It Was Time’

BBT-YS

What to Expect From ‘The Big Bang Theory’-‘Young Sheldon’ Crossover

Iain Armitage and Jim Parsons

Double Sheldons? ‘Young Sheldon’ Cast Members to Appear on ‘The Big Bang Theory’

113544_WB_0108b

Jim Parsons & Kaley Cuoco Take Fans Behind-the-Scenes of ‘Big Bang Theory’ (PHOTOS)

THE BIG BANG THEORY -
Preview

‘Big Bang Theory’ EP on Amy & Sheldon’s Marriage, Penny & Leonard’s Baby Plans

Iain Armitage at lunch as Young Sheldon

‘Young Sheldon’ STEM Initiative Grant Announced, Inspired by Hit CBS Sitcom

The Proton Regeneration

‘The Big Bang Theory’: Sheldon Cooper’s Nerdiest Quotes

Preview

What You Need to Know About the ‘Big Bang Theory’ Final Season Premiere

112448_1037b

The Real Reason ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Is Ending After Season 12

big-bang-theory-wedding

Bazinga! ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Signing Off in 2019 After 12 Seasons

The Big Bang Theory

‘The Big Bang Theory’: Go Behind the Scenes With the Cast on Set (PHOTOS)

big-bang-theory-wedding

CBS Teases ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Season 12 Won’t Be Its Last

112616_0777b

‘Big Bang Theory’: What Wedding Gift Did Stephen Hawking Send to Sheldon and Amy? (VIDEO)

112607_1046b
Q&A

‘The Big Bang Theory’: How Mark Hamill Came to Play Himself in the Season Finale

Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) in The Big Bang Theory

10 Adorable Sheldon & Amy Moments From ‘The Big Bang Theory’ (PHOTOS)

The Big Bang Theory - Simon Helberg, Melissa Rauch
Spoiler Alert

‘The Big Bang Theory’: How Baby Wolowitz No. 2 Got His Name

young-sheldon-set-2

Bazinga! Go Behind the Scenes of ‘Young Sheldon’ (PHOTOS)

hollywood-medium
Preview

‘Hollywood Medium’ Tyler Henry Previews Jim Parsons & Kristin Cavallari’s Emotional Readings

Big Bang Theory - Bill Gates

‘The Big Bang Theory’: Bill Gates Signs on as Guest Star

Iain Armitage of Young Sheldon

Bazinga! ‘Young Sheldon’ Lands Second Season Renewal

Young Sheldon; em>Young Sheldon is a new half-hour, single-camera comedy created by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, that introduces The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage), a 9-year-old genius living with his family in East Texas and going to high school.

Roush Review: ‘Young Sheldon,’ ‘Good Doctor,’ ‘Myself’ and ‘Brave’ Launch New Fall Season

Big Bang Theory

Need a ‘Big Bang Theory’ Refresher on Sheldon and Amy? Here’s a 2010-2017 Timeline!

2017 Summer TCA Tour - Jim Parsons, Iain Armitage

‘Big Bang Theory’ Prequel, ‘Young Sheldon,’ Draws Inspiration From ‘The Wonder Years’

110359_WB_1804b
Spoiler Alert

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Season Finale: How That Shamy Shocker Came to Be

Big Bang Theory
Preview

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Finale: Will Sheldon Be Tempted to Cheat on Amy? (VIDEO)

Best Lines of the Week

Best Lines on TV This Week (Dec. 10 -16): ‘You Told Us to Get Ready to Fight’

109435_1158b

‘The Big Bang Theory’: How Baby Wolowitz Will (and Won’t) Change the Show

<i>The Big Bang Theory</i>: The Cohabitation Experimentation

‘The Big Bang Theory’ First Look: Sheldon and Amy Shack Up!