Only Reason Kevin Sussman Got a Bigger Role as Stuart in The Big Bang Theory Was Due to a Legendary Ad-Lib Scene That Should’ve Never Happened

SUMMARY

• Kevin Sussman is well known for his portrayal of the comic book store owner, Stuart Bloom in The Big Bang Theory.
• His character could have easily faded into the background if it wasn't for the actor's spontaneous improvisation.
• However, his one improvisation transformed his trajectory as Stuart Bloom in the hit CBS sitcom.

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Kevin Sussman is well known for his portrayal of the beleaguered comic book store owner, Stuart Bloom, trying to fit into the central group of nerds in the CBS sitcom. However, his character could have easily faded into the background, if it wasn’t for the actor’s spontaneous improvisation.

Stuart in The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS

Sassman later revealed the pivotal moment in Season 3, during which an ad-lib turned out to be so impactful that it transformed Stuart from a background character into a recurring fan favorite.

Kevin Sussman’s Improvised Scene Deepened Stuart’s Role on The Big Bang Theory

After being introduced in Season 2, Stuart goes on two dates with Penny, before learning about her true feelings for Leonard. However, despite that, his feelings for Penny lingered and surfaced unexpectedly in Season 3.

Penny and Stuart | Credit: CBS

In episode 7 of Season 3, The Guitarist Amplification, Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) come to the comic book store looking for Sheldon after he leaves to escape their argument.

Following a brief interaction with her, as Penny and Leonard approach Sheldon, Stuart mutters, “I love you,” despite knowing that she and Leonard are together. The dialogue was not originally in the script and was an improvisation by Kevin Sussman, who portrayed Stuart.

However, despite the show’s strict adherence to the script, the makers kept the moment in the show as the scene helped establish his character further in the sitcom.

Kevin Sussman as Stuart in The Guitarist Amplification | Credit: CBS

The actor also reflected on the same, saying that from that point on he was called back more frequently. He also noted that his character began to show signs of regression. Stuart’s storyline slowly shifted to depict his growing depression, financial difficulties, and health issues over time.

Kevin Sussman’s Legendary Ad-Lib Transformed His Trajectory in The Big Bang Theory

Speaking at the Roster Con, actor Kevin Sussman reflected on the moment that changed his trajectory in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory as Stuart Bloom.

Kevin Sussman | Credit: Gage Skidmore/CCA BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Talking about the improvised scene, The Big Bang Theory actor explained that it led the show’s creators to explore a deeper, more desperate side of Stuart.

He stated that despite being introduced as a relatively normal character, his unrequited love for Penny along with subsequent issues in his life became more pronounced in showcasing his emotional regression over time.

From that point on is when they sort of caught on to this whole Stuart vibe, where Stuart sort of regresses. Because he started as a normal person, and then he gets more and more desperate in his undying love of Penny.

Stuart and Denise | Credit: CBS

Despite these challenges, by the series finale, Stuart finds love with Denise, a fellow comic book enthusiast and artist, and ultimately moves in with her, bringing a positive resolution to his character arc.

The Big Bang Theory is available to watch on Max.

Written by Laxmi Rajput

Articles Published: 2578

Laxmi Rajput is a writer at Fandomwire. She finished her Post Graduation in Broadcast Journalism and worked as a Business News writer for a year. But her interest in entertainment and pop culture compelled her to find a way towards Entertainment Journalism. She has worked across various fields and has 2 years of experience in content writing. She likes reading, music, movies, and traveling. She aspires to become a fiction writer in the future.