The set of The Big Bang Theory was no stranger to engrossing props, whether it be the giant DNA model or an actual antique Geiger counter (with real uranium inside). But one prop that caught the attention of Penny actor Kaley Cuoco from the beginning of the series was a photo that could be seen from the very first episode in Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment.
However, it wasn’t until much later that the actress was able to secure it for herself, which despite being super random, is overly special to her.
Kaley Cuoco Got the Photo From Sheldon’s Apartment for Herself
During the pilot of the sitcom, fans can see a photo of two robots wrestling in Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment. While it was super random, it did catch the attention of Kaley Cuoco, who wanted it for herself. Considering that the other cast members had their eyes set on all kinds of cool things on the set of TBBT, the portrait in Sheldon’s living room was one of the few props that they had yet to take notice of.
By the time the sitcom concluded, The Flight Attendant star was successful in getting the prop for her living room. She said (via People):
it’s always in my eyeline from where I sit in the living room set, so I’m glad I’m going to put it in my own living room so I’ll see it forever
This ended up making the ending of TBBT somewhat easy for her, as despite the souvenir being super random, it was overly special to the actress.
A Physicist Discovered Actual Uranium in The Big Bang Theory’s Set
Another interesting prop that fans can see in the early seasons of the show is an antique Geiger counter, which makes sense as the show revolves around science. However, after one famous physicist took a visit to TBBT‘s set, which was standard practice for major science figures, he discovered that the Geiger contained uranium.
Fortunately, the physicist was able to dissolve the situation by removing it and taking it away in a working Geiger counter, which was present in his car’s trunk. Co-creator Bill Prady recalled said:
He went out and grabbed it and brought it over to the set and, of course, the thing starts going off and making noises. So he opened up the old Geiger counter, saw the uranium, and said, ‘I’m going to put this in a lead box and take it away now.’ And then he removed a piece of uranium from the Geiger counter and left!
But considering how minuscule its amount was, it’s reasonable to assume that the cast and crew didn’t have to sustain any lasting consequences.
The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on Max.
