When Kaley Cuoco landed her iconic role as Penny on CBS’s hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, she immediately felt something special from the very first pilot episode. However, she never imagined just how massive and enduring the show’s success would become. “We still come in the next morning and we go, ‘Did you see the ratings? Did people watch?’” Cuoco told CBS This Morning on Tuesday. “We are genuinely still so excited and surprised that hasn’t changed… I love that about our group.”
As the show approaches the finale of its ninth season this Thursday, Cuoco teased fans with a glimpse of what to expect. The upcoming episode features a comedic family gathering when Penny and her husband Leonard hold a second wedding ceremony. Adding to the fun, guest stars Judd Hirsch and Christine Baranski join the original cast as Leonard’s recently divorced parents. Cuoco described the episode as having a mix of humor and a touch of drama. “It kind of leaves… with a little bit of a ‘uh-oh,’” she said. “And there’s a big dinner scene… that is hilarious. I was laughing so hard. I mean, if you see me, I’m laughing the entire time.”
Off-screen, Kaley Cuoco has experienced some personal challenges. After 21 months of marriage, she finalized her divorce from tennis player Ryan Sweeting. Reflecting on that chapter of her life, she shared honestly, “I’m not ashamed of anything that happened. I fall in love really hard… that person is it for me and I love hard, and when it’s over, it’s over.” Despite the heartbreak, Cuoco remains optimistic about the future. “I wouldn’t call it a mistake, it just is what happened in my life and so I’m excited to see what the future holds… and now I have to say I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
Beyond acting, Cuoco is passionate about horseback riding and has shown off her equestrian skills on social media. She even competed in a local horse jumping event in Los Angeles. This shared love for horses played a big role in her relationship with professional equestrian Karl Cook. Although initially shy to discuss her boyfriend publicly, Cuoco revealed that he is “special” to her, highlighting the unique connection they share.
Looking ahead, The Big Bang Theory has been renewed for a tenth season, but rumors about it being the final season have been swirling. Showrunner Steve Molaro hinted at that possibility, but Cuoco quickly shut down such speculation. “I don’t want it to be the last. I can safely say no one wants it to be the last… We got a good thing going and we genuinely like each other and we have a really good job and we want to stay here for, I want to say, many more years,” she affirmed confidently.
