The 15 Finest Visitor Stars On The Massive Bang Idea, Ranked

“The Massive Bang Idea” shines a highlight on nerd tradition due to hilarious storylines and endearing characters that helped form the careers of Jim Parsons, Melissa Rauch, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar, simply to call a couple of. Whereas the antics of Sheldon Cooper (Parsons), Howard Wolowitz (Helberg), Raj Koothrappali (Nayyar), and Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) already provide loads of laughs, the present wouldn’t be full with out huge visitor stars.

Many visitor stars have solidified their place inside the material of popular culture, which is vital for a present that makes so many references to well-known films and TV reveals. It provides the characters an opportunity to work together with most of the celebrities that they discuss with whereas making jokes that share particulars about an individual’s profession. 

With a purpose to rank the most effective 15 visitor stars on “The Massive Bang Idea,” we reviewed the size of every look, how a lot the visitor star provides to the episode’s plot, and the way a lot of the dialogue references the particular person’s profession. The listing begins on the backside and works its approach as much as the highest. So, with out additional ado, listed here are the 15 greatest visitor stars from “The Massive Bang Idea.”

The second particular person to stroll on the moon throughout the Apollo 11 mission seems throughout season 6, episode 5, “The Holographic Excitation.” The episode focuses on Howard and his lack of ability to cease sharing moments from his journey to area. The fixed astronaut chatter is getting outdated, and his spouse, Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), begs him to tone it down. Howard finally agrees, and Buzz Aldrin sends the purpose house. On the finish of the episode, Raj sends Howard a video of Aldrin handing out sweet on Halloween, however that sweet comes with the value of listening to area puns that every one loop again to Aldrin’s illustrious area profession. Howard then vows to chop again on his area discuss.

Whereas Aldrin’s look could be very transient and would not embrace any direct interplay with “The Massive Bang Idea” solid, it is a second that properly concludes the primary plot of the episode. Plus, it leaves the viewers with an excellent chuckle.

What occurs if you pit Invoice Nye towards fellow science educator Arthur Jefferies, higher generally known as Professor Proton (Bob Newhart)? It is what Sheldon desires to search out out after J ditches him to spend time with Leonard — or not less than that is how Sheldon sees it. He turns into mates with Nye throughout season 7, episode 7, “The Proton Displacement.” He hopes that the brand new friendship will make Arthur jealous, however his plan backfires. As an alternative, Arthur reacts with rage towards Nye over stealing his concepts, and Nye finally leaves Sheldon at a smoothie store. Sheldon is shocked, however his mates use this second to assist him perceive that he may be overbearing.

Whereas Nye’s look does push the plot towards its decision, a lot of his dialogue is supposed to arrange jokes for Arthur, who presents dead-pan jabs at his arch rival. Nonetheless, that dialogue does make references again to Nye’s profession that has been centered on breaking down scientific ideas in order that they are often accessible to children and adults alike.

Season 4, episode 2, “The Cruciferous Vegetable Amplification,” finds Sheldon worrying about his mortality, and he finds that the easiest way to remain alive is to remain in his house whereas a robotic model of himself roams the skin world. His plan is working completely till a lunch with mates turns into an opportunity encounter with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Sheldon’s robotic type races over to the inventor’s desk. He mentions how a lot he loves his Apple II, and Wozniak needs that he may signal it for him. Sheldon then springs out of the house and runs down the steps together with his laptop. Sadly, he takes a tumble, crushing his laptop and hurting himself within the course of.

Wozniak’s look is extraordinarily transient, but it surely helps educate Sheldon that you just sadly cannot shield your self from all the things, regardless of how cautious you might be. There are a lot of moments in life which might be simply higher in-person, and the looks of the legendary laptop genius helps to ship the message house.

In each era there’s a Chosen One meant to face towards the vampires, and she or he was additionally chosen to sit down subsequent to Raj at Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Sheldon’s Nobel Prize ceremony. Sarah Michelle Gellar, the face of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” seems throughout season 12, episode 24, “The Stockholm Syndrome.” The gang is heading to Stockholm, Sweden, and Raj tells everybody that Gellar is on their flight. HIs buddies inform him that it is only a lookalike, however he proves them improper. As Amy and Sheldon give their acceptance speech, Gellar is noticed sitting subsequent to Raj. Sheldon is in shock, and it is a huge second that stemmed from one telephone name.

Showrunner Steve Holland informed TVLine that the thought of asking Gellar to be on the collection finale happened when collection co-creator Chuck Lorre prompt that Raj ought to have a enjoyable seatmate on the aircraft. Holland stated, “[Having Sarah in the finale] felt like a enjoyable, like, deeper-reel pull that might be thrilling to us and thrilling to the characters.” Holland added that they have been excited to see Raj having fun with a second with a celeb crush.

Kevin Smith is a fixture in popular culture due to a comedic catalog that features the “Clerks” movies, “Chasing Amy,” and “The 4:30 Film,” which /Movie referred to as a refreshing new chapter in his profession. So it solely is smart that he can be part of a podcast recording session with Wil Wheaton on season 8, episode 20, “The Fortification Implementation.” Smith’s look is just a voiceover, but it surely performs an enormous function within the episode. He presents Penny (Kaley Cuoco) the possibility to learn for “Clerks III” after praising her efficiency in “Serial Ape-ist 2.” Leonard reminds Penny that she simply received a brand new job, and he would not assume that she will juggle two jobs. This turns right into a struggle that takes over the podcast. Whereas the voiceover helps arrange the primary plot, it additionally provides Wheaton and Smith an opportunity to poke enjoyable at one another’s careers. 

The 2 stars would seem collectively once more on season 12, episode 16, “The D&D Vortex,” which finds Smith enjoying Dungeons & Dragons with different celebrities. Whereas his look on that episode would not affect the plot as a lot, he does deliver loads of laughs as he argues with Joe Manganiello about the easiest way to play.

The actor who performed Hikaru Sulu throughout all three seasons of “Star Trek: The Authentic Sequence” provides Howard love recommendation on “The Massive Bang Idea,” season 4, episode 4, “The Sizzling Troll Deviation.” George Takei seems in Howard’s romantic dream alongside Katee Sackhoff as he struggles within the aftermath of his breakup with Bernadette. Takei begins his look by speaking about sexual orientation earlier than Sackhoff asks him questions on being typecast as a science fiction icon. They change into engrossed of their dialog and depart Howard to face his love for his ex-girlfriend.

He and Sackhoff reappear on the finish of the episode as Howard and Bernadette rekindle their romance. Takei encourages him to take it gradual, however Howard ignores his recommendation and begins to take issues to the subsequent stage when Bernadette confirms that she wants a slower tempo. It is a visitor look that helps usher in a brand new chapter in Howard and Bernadette’s relationship. Plus, his references to “Star Trek” and his private life make this an gratifying second for followers of Takei and Sulu.

Season 3, episode 16, “The Excelsior Acquisition,” options the late, nice comedian guide legend Stan Lee. The face of Marvel is heading to Stuart Bloom’s (Kevin Sussman) comedian guide retailer for a signing, and Sheldon, Howard, Raj, and Leonard are excited to satisfy him. The one downside is that Sheldon has visitors court docket the identical day, and it is all resulting from a mistake made by Penny. Sheldon hopes that he can get to the bookstore in time, however a struggle with the decide lands him in jail. Penny will get Lee’s deal with and surprises Sheldon with a visit to his house. It is a huge shock for Lee as effectively, and he desires them to depart instantly.

Whereas Lee’s look on “The Massive Bang Idea” is brief, he’s a key ingredient within the episode’s central plot. After all, his on-screen second is extremely anticipated, and saving that bit for the tip is a pleasant method to shut issues out. Whereas his dialogue would not point out his Marvel work, he’s sporting a blue gown that has the “Incredible 4” brand on it. He then turns into the most recent superstar to problem a restraining order towards Sheldon.

Season 12, episode 16, “The D&D Vortex,” captures Captain Kirk enjoying Dungeons & Dragons with different celebrities, and Sheldon desires in on the motion. William Shatner kicks off the episode by speaking to Sheldon and Amy on the kids’s present “Professor Proton,” which is now hosted by Wil Wheaton. Sheldon is so excited by Shatner’s look that he throws up on the actor. He later learns about Wheaton’s superstar D&D evening. His mates are begging to hitch the sport, however jealousy enters the narrative when solely Leonard is requested to play.

Shatner’s look is a long-awaited second for followers. Steve Holland informed the New York Publish that previous makes an attempt at a visitor look did not work out, they usually have been hoping to incorporate him within the closing season. “I received on the telephone and chatted with him about what we have been serious about for the episode — at that time we did not have a script — however I believe he felt he needed to be part of this earlier than it got here to an finish,” stated Holland. 

Together with Shatner on this episode is a becoming selection given that he’s enjoying D&D with different huge names like basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His look additionally features a “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” joke about ogres.

The Drive is powerful with Sheldon Cooper as he goes on zany adventures with James Earl Jones throughout season 7, episode 14, “The Conference Conundrum.” Their friendship begins after they have lunch to debate a popular culture conference that Sheldon is creating. Lunch turns into an ice cream outing, a carnival tour, and a karaoke quantity impressed by “The Lion King.” They even play ding-dong-ditch at Carrie Fisher’s home, and she or he shouldn’t be completely happy about Jones’ reoccurring prank.

His look takes up an excellent chunk of the episode, and the numerous references to “Star Wars” and “The Lion King” make this a enjoyable installment for “Star Wars” and Disney followers alike. It was additionally an enormous second for Jones, who met Fisher for the primary time ever throughout this episode.

Jones had many dramatic roles throughout his profession (which sadly ended when he handed away in 2024), and this collection of hilarious occasions that he participates in on “The Massive Bang Idea” actually showcase his comedic expertise. 

Season 5, episode 21, “The Hawking Excitation,” is the second when one theoretical physicist meets a legend in his subject, however Sheldon has to earn his dialog with Stephen Hawking, who handed away in March 2018. Howard helps Hawking throughout his go to to Caltech, and he desires to introduce him to Sheldon. When Sheldon makes important feedback towards Howard, he makes him work for the possibility to debate his latest scientific discovery with the scientific genius. After leaping by means of a number of hoops, the 2 lastly meet to speak about Sheldon’s work, however Hawking factors out a mathematical error that makes him faint.

Sheldon’s journey to an in-person dialog with Hawking is the premise for this episode. As soon as we attain his on-camera look, his main mind energy is on full show due to the twist that turns Sheldon’s paper from a sudden triumph to a sudden work in progress. This is only one of his many visitor appearances on the present, and they have been the episodes that Simon Helberg loved essentially the most. Whereas season 5, episode 21 is the one time that viewers see Hawking, audiences can hear his voice in six episodes.

Howard and Bernadette’s love blossoms all through “The Massive Bang Idea,” and that could not occur with out the assistance of Katee Sackhoff, who performs Kara “Starbuck” Thrace on “Battlestar Galactica.” The actress first seems throughout season 3, episode 9, “The Vengeance System.” Howard is within the bathtub dreaming in regards to the actress amid the early days of his romance with Bernadette, and Sackhoff is questioning why he’s spending his evening with a fantasy as an alternative of an actual lady who loves him. It is a second that helps put all the things into perspective and helps transfer their relationship in the correct course.

Sackhoff returns on season 4, episode 4, “The Sizzling Troll Deviation.” This time, she is sporting her “Battlestar Galactica” flight go well with whereas confronting Howard amid his breakup with Bernadette. After Howard and Bernadette restart their relationship, Sackhoff is the voice in his head telling him to make daring strikes as the 2 kiss. Whereas her appearances solely final a couple of moments, they make a huge impact on the couple’s relationship.

Sheldon has a restraining order from Leonard Nimoy. It is a working joke on “The Massive Bang Idea.” So it is just becoming that his son, Adam Nimoy, would make an look, and it is within the spirit of honoring his father, who died at age 83 in February 2015. Season 9, episode 7, “The Spock Resonance,” premiered in November of that yr, and it follows Adam as he interviews Sheldon for a documentary about his dad. Sheldon shares all the things he discovered about life from Mr. Spock. Nonetheless, Penny counters his statements and presents one other perspective on why Vulcans suppress their feelings. All of it helps Sheldon come to phrases together with his emotions surrounding his breakup with Amy.

The episode first aired the yr earlier than Adam launched an actual documentary about his father titled “For the Love of Spock.” It follows his profession and the creation of Spock, together with why he was nearly lower from “Star Trek: The Authentic Sequence.” Leonard Nimoy by no means bodily appeared on “The Massive Bang Idea,” however he does voice a Spock motion determine throughout season 5, episode 20, “The Transporter Malfunction.” 

LeVar Burton is a gentle presence in popular culture due to his shifting efficiency on “Roots,” his scene-stealing function on “Star Trek: The Subsequent Technology,” and his years educating children the enjoyment of studying on “Studying Rainbow” (which has an excellent documentary on the market that is price watching). So, it is just becoming that he would seem all through the run of “The Massive Bang Idea.” 

Burton’s first cameo is on season 4, episode 17, “The Toast Derivation.” Sheldon is upset that he’s not on the heart of his pal group. He decides to interchange them with new buddies and invitations Burton to hang around with them. He finally reveals up on the house and runs away after strolling right into a weird karaoke evening.

He reappears throughout season 6, episode 7, “The Habitation Configuration,” and he’s a visitor on the net collection, “Sheldon Cooper Presents: Enjoyable with Flags.” His third and closing look occurs on season 8, episode 10, “The Champagne Reflection,” which options Sheldon taping the final episode of his present. He will get Burton to cease by once more, however this time, it is below the situation that Sheldon should delete his contact data. His hilarious appearances add additional pizazz whereas together with references to his largest roles.

Bob Newhart lent his comedic abilities to “The Massive Bang Idea” for six episodes by enjoying Arthur Jefferies, often known as youngsters’s TV host Professor Proton. He first seems on season 6, episode 22, “The Proton Resurgence,” when Sheldon pays him to go to his house. He reappears twice throughout season 7, and that features episode 22, “The Proton Transmogrification,” which chronicles Sheldon’s response to Jefferies’ dying. He returns as a ghost and continues to observe over Sheldon till season 12, episode 5, “The Planetarium Collision.”

In 2013, Newhart informed The Hollywood Reporter that recurring appearances was simply one in every of stipulations that he made as he thought-about the function. He was additionally searching for a component that might not require him to do one other pilot to collection. “‘The Massive Bang Idea’ is well-written and it has an unimaginable solid. It is clever, which is a vanishing commodity,” he stated. When Newhart handed away in July 2024, co-creator Invoice Prady posted a photograph of himself with Newhart on his X account (previously Twitter). The caption learn partially, “Working with him ever so briefly was one of many biggest joys and honors of my life.”

Wil Wheaton seems 17 instances on “The Massive Bang Idea.” He first walks onto the scene throughout season 3, episode 5, “The Creepy Sweet Coating Corollary,” which has Sheldon plotting revenge towards him after he did not seem on the 1995 Dixie Trek Conference as promised. They go head-to-head in a “Mystic Warlords of Ka’a” event, and Wheaton says his grandmother died across the time of that conference. This seems to be an enormous lie, inflicting Sheldon to lose the event and develop his hatred towards the actor.

The arch nemesis storyline continues as they battle at a bowling alley on season 3, episode 19, “The Wheaton Recurrence.” Wheaton even befriends Leonard throughout season 5, episode 5, “The Russian Rocket Response.” Their rivalry finally turns right into a friendship, and Wheaton turns into a visitor on “Sheldon Cooper Presents: Enjoyable with Flags.”

The actual Wheaton is completely different from “The Massive Bang Idea” model as a result of he did not wish to truly play himself on the present. It is a transfer that provides the present room to have enjoyable together with his appearances, and it helps to create a wholly new overarching plot for the collection.