Critics may dislike the formulaic retorts and awful laugh track, butThe Big Bang Theorybroke several boundaries with television. For one, nerd culture was at the forefront and not as a mockery, but as a real and even inspiring space. Characters like Leonard and Howard may begin as nerds who fall for beautiful women, but eventually learn how to be supportive and loving partners. Likewise, Raj shows audiences the hardships of people of color occupying space in science outside of medicine, as well as being an immigrant with the pressures of tradition weighing on them. Then, women like Penny, Bernadette, and Amy provide inspiration for women in science and creative spaces who can be strong, independent, and leaders in their respective fields.
Finally, a character like Sheldon encompasses the epitome of what nerd culture often lacks. Through the course of the series, Penny helps him become more vulnerable out of love rather than obligation. Of all the characters, no one encounters more of their heroes than Sheldon.The Big Bang Theoryisn’t just the first sitcom of its kind to center nerd culture, but has plenty of cameos. While many cameos can be considered recurring roles, like that of Will Wheaton and Bob Newhart,The Big Bang Theoryassembled many nerd culture heroes that all have sentimental value to fictional and real-life nerds alike.
15Stephen Hawking
Sheldon has his fair share of enemies, whether they’re at work or at the comic book store, but his biggest enemy is theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. InThe Big Bang TheorySeason 5, Sheldon disproves one of Hawking’s theories and intended to gloat in his face at a local event. Since his passing,Live Sciencehas discussed four of Hawking’s theories that have been proven true.
14Steve Wozniak
As the four friends are in the sciences of physics and engineering, having one of the most prolific computer engineers onThe Big Bang Theorycame with a huge wow factor. Sheldon built a robot that allowed him to work and interact from home. He discovered Steve Wozniak, or “Woz”, was at the Cheesecake Factory in Pasadena and sent his robot to ask Woz for an autograph. Their interaction is funny and very nerdy.
13Buzz Aldrin
Real-life astronaut Buzz Aldrin was the inspiration behind the toy audiences met inToy Story, asThe Washington Postdiscusses. Aldrin made an appearance as himself inThe Big Bang TheorySeason 6 in a YouTube video. After Howard returns from space, his friends are annoyed at how often he talks about his experience. To cheer him up, Raj shows him a video of Aldrin handing out Halloween treats and connecting each item back to his time in space.
Related:How Young Sheldon Became a Sweeter, Better Show Than The Big Bang Theory
12Nathan Fillion
The friends watch certain shows together andFireflyis one of those shows. Starring Nathan Fillion,Fireflyis a Western set in the future where people travel through space. When Stuart throws a reopening party for his comic book store, Raj and Leonard stop by a deli to pick up sandwiches and run into Fillion. Though he denies their claims, they insist on taking a selfie with him. In the selfie, Fillion looks indifferent in comparison to his overjoyed fans.
11Adam West
Growing up, Sheldon dreamt of having powers and loved one superhero in particular: Batman. One year, his sister tricked him into believing Batman was showing up to his party, which caused Sheldon to dislike his birthday. He reveals this painful memory when Amy wants to throw him a party. The story inspires Leonard to invite one of the firstactors to play Batman, Adam West, to the party. West’s cameo is one of many full-circle moments for Sheldon. His cameo also occurred onThe Big Bang Theory’s 200th episode.
10LeVar Burton
The originalStar Trekseries was revolutionary for showing positive portrayals of Black and people of color in a time of high levels of racism. As the show expanded, the commitment to positive representation continued. Burton appeared as himself onThe Big Bang Theoryseveral times and became friends with Sheldon. He even appears on Sheldon’s vlog, “Fun With Flags.”
9Katee Sackoff
Howard is a stereotypical nerd who loves all women. Yet when he doubts his relationship with Bernadette, he imaginesBattlestar Galacticastar Katee Sackoff, his dream girl, coming to the rescue. Though Sackoff’s two appearances are Howard’s attempt to justify leaving Bernadette, she helps Howard to realize she is an illusion and Bernadette is the real love of his life.
8Summer Glau
AnotherFireflyalum, Summer Glau appears onThe Big Bang Theoryas herself. Among fans ofFireflyis the lament over the show’s cancelation — which is blamed on its home network, asThe Takeexplains – and is brought up a lot onThe Big Bang Theory. So, when the four friends need to travel for a symposium, they take a train. Despite the complaints, Raj and Howard notice that Glau is on the same train and attempt to hit on her.
7Mark Hamill
Much like his fellowStar Warsco-stars,Mark Hamillhas a fair share of iconic roles. From his premiere role as Luke Skywalker to The Trickster inThe Flash, Hamill’s cameo onThe Big Bang Theorywas just as iconic. Not only did he appear in the Season 11 finale, he appeared in the same episode that Sheldon and Amy get married, something many years in the making.
6Carrie Fisher
The late Carrie Fisher, most famouslyknown as Leia OrganafromStar Wars, briefly appeared on the show wielding a baseball bat. When Sheldon becomes friends with a certain celebrity, their last stop on an eventful evening is to doorbell ditch Fisher. Sheldon, upon meeting her, is stunned in his place, not because of the bat, but because of the prank and standing in the presence of Fisher.
