‘The Big Bang Theory’ Welcomes Judd Hirsch for the Season 9 Finale
The Big Bang Theory is ending its ninth season with a family affair.
After Leonard’s (Johnny Galecki) mother, Beverly (Christine Baranski), voiced her unhappiness over not attending her son’s nuptials to Penny (Kaley Cuoco) in the Season 9 premiere, Penny tries to win over her new mother-in-law by throwing a small ceremony for relatives and friends. That includes inviting Leonard’s father, Alfred (Judd Hirsch), who does not get along with his ex-wife.
“Beverly is a tough cookie,” says executive producer/showrunner Steve Molaro. “You’ll get a very clear picture of what their relationship is like within the first 10 seconds of them speaking.”
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Although Beverly’s icy demeanor has resulted in a strained relationship with her son, Leonard and Alfred have a very loving, warm connection that is showcased in Alfred’s introductory scene. “When you see them first walking up the stairs to the apartment, you get a sense that they are pretty close,” Molaro says. “Leonard is quite a bit like his father, which might be why Beverly gives Leonard such a hard time.”
Molaro hopes that Hirsch—like Baranski and Laurie Metcalf, who plays Sheldon’s mother and also appears in the season finale—will return for future episodes as the CBS sitcom enters its 10th season this fall. “The guy was just so excited to be there and full of energy,” Molaro says. “He was a treat and a thrill. He’s a legend.”
The Big Bang Theory, Season finale, Thursday, May 12, 8/7c, CBS
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B
Judd's too old to be Leonard's father. Almost 20 years older than Christine.
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P
Doesn't really make a difference, reproductively speaking. I know couples that far apart in age, and not just the guy.
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R
Judd Hirsch is going to get type-cast as playing the father of brilliant scientists. First in Independence Day (and the upcoming sequel), then in Numb3rs, and now TBBT.
For the record, I think TBBT and Numb3rs should have done a mini-crossover, just something really simple--maybe Charlie Eppes and Larry Fleinhardt being seen in the background on the university campus. Would've been cool.
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C
If getting typecast means show runners and movie producers think of you first, sign me up. As I see it, there are worse things for an actor than to be typecast---such as not being cast at all.
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R
Obviously it's not typecasting in a literal sense. It's simply an observation on the similarity of a few of his many characters. 😀
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G
Well after Hirsch's last series cut off by the Bigwigs at ABC, why not try a proven winner.
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