The Iconic Mad Scientist: Sheldon Cooper on Big Bang Theory

Ladies and gentlemen! This is Sheldon Cooper, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.A., Ph.D., Sc.D., and OMG, right?

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic, intelligent, and enigmatic characters ever portrayed on TV screens, Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, is the main protagonist in the comedy series The Big Bang Theory, next to his best friend Leonard Hofstadter, played by Johnny Galecki.

Sheldon Lee Cooper from The Big Bang Theory is a theoretical physicist from Caltech who holds two doctorates and is also known for his brilliant mind, and is sometimes labeled as crazy because of his quirky and bizarre behavior. 

Over the course of 12 seasons, he has been characterized by his strict and uncompromising adherence to his routine, his condescendingness towards others, and oftentimes, his friends getting put down by his narcissistic behavior, with the habit of using the word “Buzzinga!” at the end of every sentence, which is one of his idiosyncrasies.

Early Life

Born in Galveston, East Texas, Sheldon started college at the age of 11 and received his first Ph.D. at the age of 16. His unique and intellectual personality, mixed with a little substance of humor and sarcasm, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Most of the time, Sheldon refutes the notion of bizarre behavior by saying:

“I am not crazy. My mother had me tested!”

Over the course of 12 seasons, Sheldon portrays varying interests and his favorite hobbies, which include comic books, board games, video games, and favorite TV shows such as Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, and Justice League. Sheldon knows many languages, including Mandarin, Finnish, Spanish, and Klingon from Star Trek.

Sheldon has had a mixed relationship with his mother, Mary Cooper, although he is fond of her but has always felt uncomfortable with her religious beliefs. His father, Georoge Cooper, an alcoholic, died when he was fourteen. Thanks to his late father, Sheldon has a strong understanding of American football, helping Leonard to flatter himself with Penny’s friend, even though he does not enjoy sports.

Adjusting with the Gang Members

Living in Pasadena, California, with his best friend, Leonard, with whom he has been sharing the apartment for 13 years, they are accustomed to each other’s insults and quirks. One of the few notable moments in the series is the incident that leads to the destruction of an elevator. An experiment is carried out by Leonard in the apartment, and due to some miscalculations, the radioactive container is about to explode. Sheldon immediately puts the container in the elevator and sends it down before it actually explodes, saving his friend from dying. Among all the others, Leonard is the one who understands him the most.

Though his stubbornness, brutal honesty, and being self-centered seem to be immovable  objects, at the same time, these qualities made him an endearing character. Throughout the story arc, Sheldon may seem like a person who wouldn’t change, but his friends tried to bring forth a better Sheldon amidst all the complications, forcing the gang to adjust to his needs and wants. Despite Penny being not-so-smart, having different interests, and trying to fit in with his friends, Sheldon acknowledged her as one of his best friends.

Howard Wolowitz and Rajesh Koothrappali are deemed to be best friends with lots of complications. Sheldon offered a job to Rajesh under his supervision to prevent him from getting deported back to India.

Despite being best friends with Howard Wolowitz, Sheldon has his own fair share of ups and downs, making fun of his being an engineer, not having a doctorate, and being a graduate of MIT.

Relationship with Amy

Yet, at the end of the day, if it were not for his friends, Sheldon would still have been socially inept and single for the rest of his life. He set him up for a blind date with Amy Farrah Fowler, a neurobiologist who only dated once a year because she had an agreement with her mother. Sheldon described her as a “girl who is my friend but not my girlfriend.” 

Meeting on a first blind date and offering to buy a beverage, and then slowly and swiftly transcending and transitioning through all the phases of a relationship, starting from going together on the first proper date, getting stuck in a situationship, hitting rock bottom by breaking up with her and apologizing, and finally getting tying the knot together.

Ending 

In the end, Sheldon finally wins the Nobel Prize, and that culminates his journey. Sheldon’s story arc is a beautiful one, especially considering how he starts out and then, as he grows, becomes less self-absorbed and more understanding. 

All thanks to his catchy phrases, trademark geeky outfits, and quirks. Sheldon quickly became the main representative of the show. Even if you’ve never seen the show, chances are you know Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.