Kaley Cuoco discusses ‘shocking’ moment she learnt Big Bang Theory was ending: ‘There were questions and tears’

Kaley Cuoco has opened up about the “shocking” moment she learnt The Big Bang Theory was coming to an end.

Speaking to Variety, the actor, who played Penny in the long-running sitcom, revealed that news of the show’s end had come out of the blue for her and co-star Johnny Galecki.

The pair were “summoned” to TBBT creator Chuck Lorre’s office just as season 12 began production in 2018, expecting to discuss the 13th season after talking about it “a lot”.

Instead, they were joined by Jim Parsons, who told them that he didn’t think he could “continue on” as Sheldon Cooper.

“I was so shocked that I was literally like, ‘Continue on with what?’” Cuoco said.

“Like, I didn’t even know what he was talking about. I looked at Chuck, ‘Wow. I thought we were. I’m so blown away right now.’”

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But while Cuoco and Galecki “really did” want the show to keep going, they pledged not to go on without Parsons.

“That was the one thing we all agreed on – we came in together, we go out together,” she said.

During the meeting “everyone had their open feelings, and there were questions and tears,” Cuoco added, admitting that she was “in a state of shock”.

The final episode of The Big Bang Theory aired in May 2019, with Parsons writing on Instagram of his “intense gratitude” for the crew, writers and his fellow castmates.

“I will miss all of you and all of this more than I can say and more than I can know at this time,” he said.

The actor later admitted that he had “no idea” where his career would go after leaving the show.