Kaley Cuoco is many things: an Emmy-nominated actor, a mom and partner, an entrepreneur, an animal rights advocate, a style and beauty influencer, and an athlete. But she’s also an expert photographer, having collected and captured thousands of photos during The Big Bang Theory’s 12-season run.
However, when the show first premiered in 2007, Instagram wasn’t around, the iPhone was two months old, and Facebook had just turned three—making those candid, on-set photos we’ve come to expect from talent more of a rare commodity.
Cuoco would go on to post many pictures from set in later seasons, but those early photos were relegated to the vault (that is, her binders of Polaroids).
Now, many of those photos from Cuoco, as well as a selection from other writers and cast members, are part of a new 16-page spread in The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, which releases in paperback on Tuesday, October 10. (Full disclosure: I wrote the oral history.)
We’re revealing seven of Cuoco’s photos below, which feature costars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, and Kevin Sussman.
From Sheldon’s dungeon nightmare to Penny’s Halloween party, it’s a treasure trove of memories. “I’m so excited for fans to finally see my behind-the-scenes Polaroids for the first time,” Cuoco said when the hardcover edition of the book was released. “These photos are very special and super personal.”
Take a look below, but be warned: They’ll make you want that Big Bang Theory spin-off even sooner.
Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg, and Johnny Galecki between scenes in the show’s early days.In season one, Penny had a bob hairstyle, which was achieved with Velcro rollers, as modeled by Kaley Cuoco in the hair and makeup room.
Johnny Galecki (pictured here in Halloween costume with Jim Parsons, Kunal Nayyar, and Simon Helberg) admits that this episode (season one’s “The Middle Earth Paradigm”) was personally difficult for him, as it brought up memories of schoolyard bullying.