Johnny Galecki was almost cast as Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory, here’s why he chose to play Leonard instead

While it is tough to imagine The Big Bang Theory star Johnny Galecki playing any other character than Dr. Leonard Hofstadter, the actor was almost cast as Sheldon Cooper.

Galecki previously revealed in an interview with Variety that he considered both Sheldon's and Leonard's roles but eventually chose the latter because of his social awareness and triumphant love interests.

While Jim Parsons has become synonymous with his sitcom role, a Galecki Sheldon would be a lot different, and it is actually difficult for the fans to imagine this role reversal.

Galecki's role in The Big Bang Theory got him Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations, respectively, and boosted his career to new heights.

Johnny Galecki specifically asked to play Leonard instead of Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory

While every character has its own set of quirks in The Big Bang Theory, it is Johnny Galecki's Leonard and Jim Parsons' Sheldon that steal the limelight most of the time. The complementing nature of both of these characters and their epic bromance would put out win sitcom couples.

But the show and these two iconic characters would be a lot different if Galecki was cast as Sheldon instead of Leonard. While Parsons nailed his role as the shy, awkward, and introverted geek who likes comic books, many fans of the show would not know that Galecki was initially offered to choose between the two characters, and he eventually went with Leonard.

In a 2015 interview with Variety, the actor opened up on his character choice for The Big Bang Theory:

''It was a very selfish request on my part. I hadn’t been able to traverse those stories of the heart. I’ve often been cast as the best friend or the gay assistant of whatever character got to explore those relationships. I said I’d rather play this guy, who seems to have a future of romantic triumphs and difficulties.''

While eventually Sheldon also warmed up and started a romantic relationship with Amy, it was Leonard who had the iconic sitcom romance with Penny.

Considering Galecki's roles before TBBT, where he played many best friend characters in movies like Playing Mona Lisa, it made sense that the actor favored the character of Leonard, who was more socially likable than Sheldon.

While Parsons' Sheldon remains iconic, Galecki has too mastered the art and brought Leonard's character to life throughout the show's 12 Seasons.

What other roles has Johnny Galecki played in his career?

While Galecki's breakthrough and most famous role to date is The Big Bang Theory, he also starred in the 1992 sitcom Roseanne. He was introduced in Season 4 and played the character of David Healy till Season 9. He also reprised his character in Season 10 and the sitcom's spin-off The Conners in a guest capacity.

When asked about his experience of working on the sitcom, he said (via Variety):

''That experience, from 16-21, I really consider my college in many ways. To work with Roseanne, who’s from the standup world, and John (Goodman), who’s a terribly disciplined film actor, I had the best professors in the business.''

His other television roles include American Dreamer, Billy, Hope & Faith, and many more. His film credits include A Dog's Journey, Rings, In Time, Table for Three, and many more.

Also Read: All the easter eggs from The Big Bang Theory in Sheldon's new house most of us missed in Young Sheldon's finale

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