Who plays Howard's mom in The Big Bang Theory?

Last Modified Mar 20, 2025 14:16 EDT
Who plays Howard's mom in The Big Bang Theory?
Howard (Source: Screengrab from the series)


In The Big Bang Theory, the mysterious role of Howard's mom aka Mrs. Wolowitz was played by the late actress Carol Ann Susi. The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom that displays the day-to-day lives of 2 highly intellectual and knowledgeable scientists, Sheldon and Leonard, and how they interact with family and friends like Penny, Raj, Howard, Amy, and Bernadette. While the show includes multiple main cast members, there are also recurring characters shown (physically or by voiceovers) that have an impact on the series.


One of these characters is Howard Wolowitz’s mother, Mrs Wolowitz or Debbie Melvina Wolowitz. Howard's mother has been one of the most mysterious characters in The Big Bang Theory. In the series, the character has only appeared as a voice-over guiding Howard and sometimes his friends in the series. Debbie has never been shown physically on the show but her voice was enough for the audience and fans to make out who actually plays the character in the series.


Who provided the voice for Howard’s mother?


It was the late American actress Carol Ann Susi who played the role, or more accurately provided the voice for Howard's mother Debbie Melvina Wolowitz. The actress is quite well known and respected in show business after acting for around 40 years. On February 2, 1952, the actress started her on-screen career with the early American series Kolchak: The Night Stalker, which aired between 1974 to 1975.


Apart from this Carol was credited for other television shows and movies like McMillan & Wife, Coyote Ugly, Masters of Menace, Grey's Anatomy, That '70s Show, The King of Queens, Death Becomes Her, NYPD Blue, Seinfeld, The Big Bang Theory, among many other projects. The famed actress was announced deceased back on November 11, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. Carol had passed away as a result of cancer and is currently known to be resting at the Saint Charles Cemetery in New York.


Howard in space, in The Big Bang Theory?
Howard in space (Source: Screengrab from the series)


When does Mrs Wolowitz exit The Big Bang Theory?


After Carol’s death in 2014, the character of Mrs Wolowitz was not displayed in the series for quite some time. The makers later decided to retire the character on the show by accounting for her death. In the episode "The Comic Book Store Regeneration" in season 8 of The Big Bang Theory, it was revealed that Howards Wolowitz’s mother Debbie Melvina Wolowitz had passed away due to cancer. Even though the character was never shown physically on the show, the team and crew were quite attached to her and the episode turned out to be an impromptu memorial where the cast shared memories of Mrs Wolowitz.


Did Mrs Wolowitz approve of Howard's relationship with Bernadette?


In The Big Bang Theory, Mrs Wolowitz initially had mixed feelings about Howard's relationship with Bernadette. Being an overprotective mother, she was skeptical about how Howard was sharing his attention with another woman. However, as the show went on Bernadette demonstrated her love and commitment to Howard, which impressed Mrs. Wolowitz. Even though they had a few fights, especially over Howard’s independence, Mrs. Wolowitz grew to accept Bernadette as part of the family.


Read more :

Is howards hair a wig in the big bang theory

Who played Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory

Who does Sheldon Cooper marry in The Big Bang Theory

Who is the highest paid actor in The Big Bang Theory


FAQ about Mrs Wolowitz

A. Mrs Wolowitz was married to Sam Wolowitz in the Big Bang Theory.

A. Mrs Wolowitz’s daughter in law in The Big Bang Theory was Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz.

A. No, Howard was never abandoned by his mother in The Bang Theory.

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