Johnny Galecki Totally Lost It After Simon Helberg's Witty TBBT One-Liner
You know your show's golden when the actors have to work through yet another case of giggles on set.
Turns out that even the nerdiest of the nerds can't always stick to their script.
The Big Bang Theory, which is basically the Mensa of sitcoms, is known for its clever writing and unwavering commitment to the script. However, the cast isn't immune to the infectious power of laughter.
Johnny Galecki, who plays Leonard Hofstadter, was usually a rock when it came to keeping it together. But during one iconic scene with co-star Simon Helberg (aka Howard Wolowitz), even Galecki couldn't maintain his composure.
Simon's brilliantly delivered line, "I want you to know, the bed feels so lonely when you're not in it," was the comedic straw that broke the nerd's back. And at some point, well into the episode, Galecki totally loses it.
Watch for yourself the moment (02:48) Galecki tries (and fails) to keep a straight face:
Kunal Nayyar, on the other hand, deserves an Emmy for his ability to keep a straight face throughout the scene. Galecki, however, went full-on trainwreck mode. Fans couldn't help but chime in with their reactions to this rare off-script moment.
"Leonard Hofstadter's giggle was the best part of that episode! I can't stop watching that scene! #BigBangBreakdown," tweeted one enthusiastic viewer.
Not surprisingly, the producers decided to keep the unscripted moment in the final cut, blessing audiences with a rare glimpse of actors cracking up on The Big Bang Theory. Even co-stars Kaley Cuoco and Laura Spencer agreed that working with Simon Helberg often made it challenging to keep a straight face.
The Big Bang Theory's devotion to sticking to the script is in stark contrast to other sitcom giants like Friends. The reason? According to cast members, there simply wasn't any need for improvisation.
Melissa Rauch (Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz) likened working on the show to live theatre, emphasizing the importance of staying on point.
Even Kevin Sussman, who scored a permanent spot on the show after a guest appearance, agrees that the writing is the "best in the business." And while his improvised "I love you" moment with Kaley Cuoco might have been a rare exception, it's clear that these brainiacs know how to stick to a plan.
So, the next (and umpteenth) time you're rewatching The Big Bang Theory, remember that these nerdy geniuses are not only great at solving scientific equations, but also at (mostly) staying on script. But when they do break character, it really is comedy gold.