Jim Parsons is most famously known for his role as theoretical physicist, Dr Sheldon Cooper in the CBS comedy, The Big Bang Theory. In my opinion, his portrayal of Sheldon over the 12 series is one of the finest in television. He is able to consistently be funny, such as his habit of knocking three times or his ‘bazinga moments’, while also playing the more serious moments in the show remarkably well.
For example, when playing a Christmas themed D&D, he talks about his grandpa passing away and wanting him to be brought back, or his struggles in social settings and with interactions and emotions, often hurting other’s feelings without meaning to.
Moments such as these really show his character’s vulnerability, something we don’t see too much and let us see more clearly his tremendous growth by the end of the show. Perhaps my favourite moment from Sheldon happens in the last episode of the show. His Nobel prize acceptance speech not only show his deep appreciation, love and respect he has for his friends, but also marks a life-long goal and achievement of his.
Another show in which Parson features is the 2020 drama limited series ‘Hollywood’. The series is about the film industry in 1940s Hollywood where the actors and filmmakers will do anything to make their goals and dreams come true, such as working part-time as an escort. It also tackles themes of homophobia and racism. He plays Henry Wilson, a talent agent.
The character is not a good one – he is sleazy, controlling and prays on gay men, such as his client Rock Hudson, and made them do sexual things for him. A far cry from his most well-known role, Parsons is able to play the role well and make the audience see him as something other than Sheldon Cooper. It is a series that I would recommend people to watch.
While it was only a brief appearance, Parsons featured in the series 5 episode of ICarly, ‘iLost my mind’. He played a character called Caleb, a patient at the mental institution where Sam checks herself in because of her feelings for Freddie. As Caleb, he makes make predictions for the future, such as Ryan Seacrest being captured by aliens and West Virginia and Virginia merging by the year 2077.
Parsons blends seamlessly in with the other actors, letting their talents remain in the spotlight. Despite being such a well-known actor, especially at the time the episode aired, his presence doesn’t dominate the scenes but instead provides for some excellent moments of comedy.