Jim Parsons, the Emmy-winning star of the long-running sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," has disclosed that he felt "miserable" for much of his time on the show, despite its considerable success. The actor, who portrayed Sheldon Cooper for all 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019, discussed his experiences in a recent appearance on "All Out with Jon Dean."
Parsons, now 53, described looking back at that period and realizing that "at some of the best moments of my life, I was miserable. I was not happy. I was stressed." He noted that he was sober for nine of the 12 years the show aired, attributing his feelings to an intense work ethic that bordered on obsessive behavior.
"I felt that there [were] so many plates I was supposed to be keeping in the air and that the success and the good things of life that were happening were only due to this overworking... discipline and whatever," Parsons explained. He characterized much of his behavior as "obsessive" and "OCD in nature," driven by a need to complete a list of tasks to feel comfortable enough to perform his job.
"I wouldn’t do that again and for any amount of money. It was stressful and miserable at times. I made myself miserable," he reiterated. The Texas native acknowledged that this intense focus led him to miss out on significant life experiences.
"The Big Bang Theory" was a critical and commercial success, earning 10 Emmy Awards during its run. However, Parsons has been candid about the psychological toll of fame and the intensity of maintaining such a demanding role. He has been working to change his relationship with his association with the character of Sheldon Cooper, as he continues to be widely recognized for the role. "It’s evolving, and it gets better all the time. What I feel is better, what I feel is healthier," he said.
Parsons acknowledged that fame is a "very odd psychological thing," noting the peculiar feeling of being known by strangers upon entering a room. He clarified that his remarks are not a complaint but an admission and an attempt to view his past experiences clearly. The show concluded in 2019 when Parsons made the decision to leave his starring role.