From USA Today:
“'The Big Bang Theory' finale
taping: Math, science, hugs and tears”
"The Big Bang Theory"
extended its sitcom longevity record when it filmed its 279th and final episode
Tuesday. It may have set another record for hugs, too. Hugs, smiles, laughs and tears were in
abundance as cast and crew of the top-rated CBS comedy filmed the second half of its one-hour series finale
(May 16, 8 EDT/PDT). VIPs and members of the media were present, but the
soundstage bleachers were filled primarily with devoted fans, some waiting
overnight to get seats and others wearing self-designed T-shirts celebrating
the show's 12-season run. They laughed,
gasped and awwwwed their way through the episode — details are under wraps, so
we can't spoil — but saved their loudest cheers for the emotional bows and
messages from the stars. Emotions were
on display during cast introductions, as Jim Parsons' eyes glistened and Mayim
Bialik, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar could be seen wiping tears as they took
their bows. Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki smiled and embraced, leading to a
hug-a-thon on the familiar living room set, with co-creators Chuck Lorre and
Bill Prady, director Mark Cendrowski, producers, writers and crew members
joining the actors. Some women, including costume designer Mary Quigley, wore
tiaras. As scenes were prepped and shot on Stage 25, renamed The Big Bang
Theory Stage in February, a nearby reception on the Warner Bros. lot featured
show-friendly touches: drinks named Bazinga! and Soft Kitty, lab beakers filled
with M&Ms and fortune cookies that offered fitting advice: "When the
elevator is broken, take the stairs." 'The Big Bang Theory' executive
producers Chuck Lorre, left, and Steve Hollland and stars Kevin Sussman, Mayim
Bialik, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Kunal Nayyar stand to the left of 'The Big
Bang Theory' stage plaque, with executive producer Bill Prady, star Melissa
Rauch, executive producer Steven Molaro and star Johnny Galecki, director Mark
Cendrowski and star Simon Helberg on the right. (Photo: Warner Bros.) The
importance of the studio audience, a common element in Lorre's sitcoms, was
apparent when Nayyar and Galecki, both celebrating their birthdays Tuesday, and
Cuoco thanked fans during scene breaks. Galecki,
his voice breaking at times, praised "the most amazing team of
writers" and thanked the 200-plus people in the studio bleachers on behalf
of the actors and the many others who make the comedy series. "You've been
the best fans for 12 years. You're part of our family," he said, before
handing the microphone to a teary Cuoco, who has starred on the show with him
for all 12 seasons. "This is unbelievable. … It's been an honor and joy
for this cast to perform for you guys for 12 years. Thank you so much for
supporting us and for being there from the beginning," she said. "On
behalf of this cast and crew, we love you so much and 'Big Bang Theory' will
live on in our hearts for the rest of our lives." During breaks, fans
talked about their devotion to the show with Mark Sweet, who has warmed up the
audience on many Lorre sitcoms. One young Chinese woman, now studying in
Montreal, said she and others gained academic inspiration from the "Big
Bang" characters, much like Parsons' Sheldon did as a youth from Professor
Proton. Malerie Shakter of Oakland,
California, told Sweet she stood in line 14 hours for the chance to see the
finale. As a woman working in the tech industry, she said she found "the
extremely powerful group of women (on the show) inspiring." After one
scene on the living-room set, the cast gathered for a circular huddle. And, as
the last scene was about to be filmed, the actors got a big charge when Lorre
handled the "clapper" that marks the scene and take number. A few
minutes later, Sweet started introducing cast members for their final bows. He
called Brian Posehn, a frequent guest star, then Kevin Sussman, a regular in
recent seasons as Stuart. Then, Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) walked out with
Sussman followed by the other six main cast members, all holding hands. Producers, writers and others, including
recurring guest star Wil Wheaton, joined the festivities on set and — hardly a
spoiler alert — more laughing, crying and hugging ensued. Lorre embraced a
happy Parsons, then moved on to each cast member as if it were a reception
line. Galecki shared long, emotional hugs with his colleagues. After trying to
keep their emotions under control for so long, it was finally time to just let
go.
^ I started watching “The Big
Bang Theory” in its 2nd season and have been watching it ever since.
I have seen it in Germany (in German), in Croatia (in Croatian), in the UK (in
English) and in Israel (in both Hebrew and in English.) It is just one of those
shows that is really good, funny and educational -without being preachy. ^
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