In a candid new interview, Kaley Cuoco has opened up about a surprising behind-the-scenes rule from her time on The Big Bang Theory that she absolutely loathed. While the show, which spanned 12 seasons, brought laughter to millions, there were strict guidelines that kept the comedy machine running smoothly — and one of them had to do with food!
Cuoco, who portrayed Penny, revealed that she was not a fan of the show’s food scenes. Unlike many sitcoms that use fake food, The Big Bang Theory featured real meals, prepared to perfection by prop master Scott London. However, there was a catch: the actors weren’t allowed to actually eat the food during filming! This rule, of course, led to some amusing behind-the-scenes moments, with Cuoco admitting she would sometimes skip lunch before shooting dinner scenes just so she could sneak bites of the food when the cameras weren’t rolling.
But the food rule wasn’t the only quirky on-set restriction. After Cuoco’s near-fatal horseback riding accident, showrunner Chuck Lorre implemented a ban on risky hobbies for the cast, effectively stopping them from engaging in any dangerous activities during their downtime. It’s safe to say, the cast had to be careful both on-screen and off-screen!
Another big rule involved their contractual obligation to promote the show extensively, a task that often left the cast feeling a bit overwhelmed. And while the dialogue was mostly scripted, improvisation was an extremely rare exception, keeping the actors on their toes in a highly disciplined environment.
Despite these tough rules, Cuoco fondly reflects on her time with the cast, noting that genuine friendships blossomed, with the ensemble often celebrating their camaraderie with spontaneous flash dances.
Looking back, Cuoco admits that while some rules were frustrating, they helped contribute to the magic of The Big Bang Theory, which became a cultural phenomenon. But now fans are left wondering: What other secrets and behind-the-scenes quirks were hidden on this beloved show? We can’t wait to find out!
