The Big Bang Theory Casts Judd Hirsch As Leonard's Father

Judd Hirsch (Taxi, Independence Day) has been cast as Leonard’s father on The Big Bang Theory. [...]

By Jamie Lovett

Judd Hirsch

Judd Hirsch (Taxi, Independence Day) has been cast as Leonard's father on The Big Bang Theory. The casting was announced at PaleyFest on Wednesday.

Hirsch will make his debut in the Season 9 finale on May 12.

This will be the first time Leonard's father has appeared on the long running sitcom. Details about the character are still being fleshed out, as the episode's script is still a work-in-progress.

Johnny Galecki, who plays Leonard, explained that he met Hirsch for the first time at the tribute to director James Burrows.

"We're all honored to be invited to this James Burrows tribute … and we all had the opportunity to meet these incredible casts Jimmy directed, and I had the opportunity to meet Judd Hirsch," Galecki said (via THR). "I ran up to him and bombarded him with conversation that went on for a long time about what a fan I am. I did share with him that when we were shooting the pilot, I re-watched the first two or three seasons of Taxi — not because I wanted to base Leonard on his character but the purpose his character served, this anchor in this group of people — and he was just as much at times a voice of reason as he was just as confused as everyone else. I shared that with him, and a lightning bolt struck … or another merlot … and I said, 'Would you have any interest in playing my dad on the show?'"

Galecki brought the idea to the show's producers, and a deal was worked out.

The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

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