In an interview with TV Insider, Kaley Cuoco revealed that she didn’t initially get the role of Katie in “The Big Bang Theory” because she was considered too young. When the role was revisited a year later, she was called back to read for Penny.
“I didn’t get [the role of Katie] the first time around. I was too young, which I love saying because I don’t get to say that I’m too young anymore. [Laughs]. Then, a year later, I heard they were doing it again, and they brought me back in to read for Penny,” Kaley said in an interview with TV Insider.
The Big Bang Theory” premiered in 2007 when Kaley Cuoco (seated far left as Penny) was 21 years old, starring alongside Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and the rest of the ensemble cast in what would become one of television’s most successful sitcoms (Credit: CBS)
How Kaley Cuoco Landed Her Iconic Role as Penny on The Big Bang Theory
Portraying Penny Hofstadter, a Cheesecake Factory employee and mostly unsuccessful actress who lives across the hall from physicists Dr. Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) and Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), she eventually ends up marrying Leonard.
Kaley Cuoco as Penny shares a scene with Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz on “The Big Bang Theory,” where Howard looks up at Penny while sitting at a laptop (Credit: CBS)
Penny’s fashion on The Big Bang Theory reflects her vibrant, approachable, and slightly eclectic personality. Her style evolves over the series but stays true to a casual, feminine, and trendy vibe that suits her character as a Nebraska-born aspiring actress and later pharmaceutical sales rep.
Kaley Cuoco as Penny wears green athletic shorts, a pastel-striped tee, and casual red flip-flops during a laundry room scene, embracing her sporty, girl-next-door charm (Credit: CBS)
From Pilot to Finale: Kaley Cuoco’s 12-Year Journey as Penny
Her first appearance was in the pilot episode and series premiere on September 24, 2007, when Kaley was 21. She was born on November 30, 1985, in Camarillo, California, and turned 22 on November 30, 2007.
Her final appearance was in “The Stockholm Syndrome,” the series finale and the twenty-fourth episode of the twelfth season. It aired on May 16, 2019, when Kaley Cuoco was 33. She turned 34 on November 30, 2019, and reportedly earned up to $1 million per episode.
Kaley Cuoco as Penny shares a tense kitchen conversation with Melissa Rauch’s Bernadette, clutching a yellow mug while wearing a fitted molecule-print top (Credit: CBS)
Beyond her laid-back onscreen wardrobe as Penny, Kaley Cuoco has dazzled on the red carpet with fashion-forward looks that showcase her bold, playful sense of style.
From sparkling sequins to unexpected footwear choices, her off-screen fashion moments reveal a confident personality and a willingness to break the mold.
Red Carpet Sparkle: Kaley Cuoco’s Standout Style Moments in Dior and Sequins
Initially rejected from the series due to her age, Kaley Cuoco appeared in high spirits while posing for photos on the red carpet and her “The Big Bang Theory” co-stars at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles.
Kaley Cuoco wears her blonde hair down at the People’s Choice Awards 2016 at Microsoft Theater on January 6, 2016, in Los Angeles, California
The CBS American sitcom was voted Favorite TV Show and Favorite Network TV Comedy. Kaley was nominated for Favorite Comedic TV Actress but lost to Melissa McCarthy.
The then-30-year-old actress was hard to ignore in a sparkling navy blue and purple sequined minidress by Australian label Manning Cartell.
(L-R) Melissa Rauch, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik, and Kunal Nayyar, winners of Favorite Network TV Comedy and Favorite TV Show for ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ pose in the press room at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards (Credit: Brian To / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN)
The glitzy sleeveless dress featured black sheer mesh panels around the hem and décolletage, offering a subtly alluring glimpse of Kaley’s cleavage.
Kaley Cuoco pairs a shimmering sequined Manning Cartell mini dress with unexpected Dior sneakers, blending glam and comfort on the 2016 People’s Choice Awards red carpet (Credit: Brian To / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN)
Kaley kept her accessories to a minimum and allowed her dress to take center stage. Surprisingly, she traded in the standard red carpet style of towering heels for a comfy, casual pair of sneakers.
Kaley Cuoco wears her blonde bob in soft, tousled waves and flashes a cheerful smile as she poses confidently for photographers
She finished off her look with a shoulder-length bob and minimal makeup.
Kaley Cuoco sparkles in Manning Cartel and Dior on the red carpet (Credit: Brian To / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN)
Kaley’s sneakers are from Dior’s Cruise 2016 collection. They are made of nappa leather and feature hand-embroidered floral appliques, hook-and-loop fastenings, and white rubber soles.
Kaley Cuoco’s feet in black Dior sneakers (Credit: Brian To / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN)
We have not found these Dior shoes online, but rumors say they retail for about $1,100.
Dior “Fusion” Cruise 2016 Sneaker
Stepping Out in Style: Kaley Cuoco’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments
Kaley Cuoco consistently turns heads with her fashion-forward footwear choices, both on and off the red carpet. Here are some of her most notable shoe moments:
Kaley Cuoco’s Love for Heels
- Event: Various red carpet appearances
- Outfit: Kaley often embraces her height with confidence, choosing high heels from brands like Christian Louboutin and Stuart Weitzman.
- Footwear: She has been seen wearing elegant black stiletto heels that complement her tulle dresses, adding to her height and elongating her legs.
- Read more: Kaley Cuoco Stands Tall in Stilettos
Kaley Cuoco’s Feet in Nudist Sandals and Lace-and-Tulle Dress
- Event: 200th episode celebration of “The Big Bang Theory”
- Outfit: Kaley wore a lace-and-tulle masterpiece by Marchesa.
- Footwear: She showcased her feet in Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals in black suede, paired with a satin Jimmy Choo clutch.
- See more: Kaley Cuoco’s Feet in Nudist Sandals
Kaley Cuoco’s Chic Off-Duty Look: Balenciaga Sandals & Chanel Fringe Bag
- Event: Shopping at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills
- Outfit: Kaley kept it edgy yet effortless in ripped black Rag & Bone skinny jeans, a distressed white IRO tee, and a tailored black blazer.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black studded Balenciaga leather sandals featuring caged vamps and gold hardware.
- Explore her style: Kaley Cuoco’s Chic Off-Duty Look
Kaley Cuoco Rocks BCBG at PaleyFest
- Event: PaleyFest 2013 honoring “The Big Bang Theory”
- Outfit: Kaley dazzled in a simple yet chic black-and-white ensemble from BCBG Max Azria’s spring collection.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with black Louboutin kitten-heel pumps, adding elegance to her look.
- Discover more: Kaley Cuoco Rocks BCBG at PaleyFest
These moments highlight Kaley Cuoco’s impeccable taste in footwear, showcasing her ability to blend comfort with high fashion effortlessly.