How Carol Ann Susi became one of The Big Bang Theory’s most memorable characters, without ever appearing on screen.
Known for portraying Howard’s overbearing and loud mother on The Big Bang Theory, Carol Ann Susi became a fan favorite, despite never appearing on the show. The actress made millions laugh as one of the most iconic characters on the show, with her strong off-camera presence.
Tragically, the actress passed away on November 11, 2014, before she could make an appearance on the show. According to Deadline, Ann Susi passed away a week and a half after she was diagnosed with cancer. Her sudden passing shocked the TBBT cast and crew, who fondly remembered her warmth, humor, and lasting impact on the show.
Carol Ann Susi’s Sudden Passing Shocked The Big Bang Theory Cast & Crew
The news of Carol Ann Susi’s passing was shocking for the The Big Bang Theory cast and crew. Melissa Rauch shared her disbelief, saying she knew Susi had been ill but had no idea how serious it was.
“I knew she had been in remission, but I had no idea she was as sick as she was,” she said, as per The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series. “It amped up really quickly because we had heard she was sick a week before she died.”
And the actress left a void not only on the show’s set but also in the show. “As far as significant moments go over the twelve years, losing Carol Ann was so tough. That was such a big blow because she was truly part of our family,” he said.
Co-creator Bill Prady remembered her warmth and sense of humor, sharing a story of how delighted she was when a fan recognized her, despite never appearing on camera.
Though her time on the show was cut short, Carol Ann Susi’s impact remains deeply felt. Her voice, personality, and the laughter she inspired have cemented her legacy as one of the most iconic unseen characters in television history.
How TBBT Brought Mrs. Wolowitz to Life Without Carol Ann Susi Appearing On-Screen
Though rare, Carol Ann Susi’s Mrs. Wolowitz did make occasional appearances on the sitcom. Season 6 episode The Spoiler Alert Segmentation, where Raj joins her for dinner after Howard asks him to check on his mother, is one of the episodes where viewers catch a fleeting glimpse of Mrs. Wolowitz running past a doorway.
It was actually the show’s security guard, Olaf, dressed in Mrs. Wolowitz’s wig and her signature floral nightgown. Showrunner Steve Molaro revealed that they utilised the security guard’s “Bigfoot” like presence with a little CGI enhancements to bring the character to life.
“Yep, that was Olaf in a dress. It’s almost like seeing Bigfoot go by. And then we augmented him as well with some CGI,” Molaro shared. Director Mark Cendrowski continued, “Any other times you see Mrs. Wolowitz’s silhouette was Olaf.”
Carol Ann Susi’s booming voice, combined with the show’s clever physical stand-ins, brought Mrs. Wolowitz to life in a way that made her presence unmistakable, even in her physical absence.
The actress left a lasting impression, with the Big Bang Theory cast sharing their fond memories. Her passing was mourned both personally and on-screen, with heartfelt tributes woven into the show’s fabric in several ways.
