Jim Parsons - wikipedia Jim Parsons For gasser driver, see Jim Parsons ( drag racer ). Jim Parsons Parsons at PaleyFest in 2013 James Joseph Parsons ( 1973 - 03 - 24 ) March 24, 1973 ( age 44 ) Houston, Texas, U.S. Residence New York City and Los Angeles, California, U.S. Alma mater University of Houston University of San Diego Occupation Actor Years active 1994 -- present Spouse ( s ) Todd Spiewak ( m. 2017 ) James Joseph Parsons ( born March 24, 1973 ) is an American actor. He is known for playing Sheldon Cooper in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. He has received several awards for his performance, including four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. In 2011, Parsons made his Broadway debut portraying Tommy Boatwright in the play The Normal Heart, for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination. He reprised the role in the film adaptation of the play, and received his seventh Emmy nomination, this time in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 2.1 Early career 2.2 Breakthrough role in The Big Bang Theory 2.3 Other works 3 Personal life 4 Filmography 4.1 Film 4.2 Television 5 Stage 6 Awards and nominations 7 See also 8 References 9 External links Early life Jim Parsons was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston, Texas, and was raised in one of its northern suburbs, Spring. He is the son of Milton Joseph `` Mickey / Jack '' Parsons, Jr. ( February 6, 1949 -- April 29, 2001 ) and teacher Judy Ann ( née McKnight ). His sister Julie Ann Parsons is also a teacher. He attended Klein Oak High School in Spring. Parsons points to a role in Noises Off during his junior year as the first time `` I fully connected with the role I was playing and started to truly understand what it meant to be honest on stage. '' After playing the role of the Kola - Kola bird in a school production of The Elephant 's Child at age six, Parsons was determined to become an actor. The young Parsons was heavily influenced by sitcoms, particularly Three 's Company, Family Ties, and The Cosby Show. After graduating from high school, Parsons received a bachelor 's degree from the University of Houston. He was prolific during this time, appearing in 17 plays in 3 years. He was a founding member of Infernal Bridegroom Productions and regularly appeared at the Stages Repertory Theatre. Parsons enrolled in graduate school at the University of San Diego in 1999. He was one of seven students accepted into a special two - year course in classical theater, taught in partnership with the Old Globe Theater. Program director Rick Seer recalled having reservations about admitting Parsons, saying, `` Jim is a very specific personality. He 's thoroughly original, which is one reason he 's been so successful. But we worried, ' Does that adapt itself to classical theater, does that adapt itself to the kind of training that we 're doing ? ' But we decided that he was so talented that we would give him a try and see how it worked out. '' Parsons enjoyed school and told an interviewer that he would have pursued a doctorate in acting if possible : `` school was so safe !... you frequently would surprise yourself by what you were capable of, and you were not surprised by some things. '' Parsons graduated in 2001 and moved to New York. Parsons traced his family 's history on TLC 's Who Do You Think You Are ? in September 2013 and discovered French heritage from his father 's side. One of his ancestors was the French architect Louis - François Trouard ( 1729 -- 1804 ). Career Early career In New York, Parsons worked in Off - Broadway productions and made several television appearances. In a much - discussed 2003 Quiznos commercial, Parsons played a man who had been raised by wolves and continued to nurse from his wolf `` mother ''. He had a recurring role on the television show Judging Amy and appeared on the television series Ed. Parsons also had minor roles in several movies, including Garden State and School for Scoundrels. Breakthrough role in the Big Bang Theory Parsons and The Big Bang Theory co-stars Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki in 2013 Parsons has estimated that he auditioned for between 15 and 30 television pilots, but on many of the occasions when he was cast, the show failed to find a television network willing to purchase it. The exception came with The Big Bang Theory. After reading the pilot script, Parsons felt that the role of Sheldon Cooper would be a very good fit for him. Although he did not feel any sort of relationship with the character, he was enchanted by the dialogue structure, the way the writers `` brilliantly use those words that most of us do n't recognize to create that rhythm. And the rhythm got me. It was the chance to dance through that dialogue, and in a lot of ways still is. '' In his audition, Parsons so impressed series creator Chuck Lorre that Lorre insisted on a second audition to see if Parsons could replicate the performance. Parsons was cast as Sheldon Cooper, a physicist with social apathy who frequently belittles his friends and the waitress who lives across the hall. The role requires Parsons to `` rattle off line after line of tightly composed, rhythmic dialogue, as well as then do something with his face or body during the silence that follows. '' Parsons credits his University of San Diego training with giving him the tools to break down Sheldon 's lines. Television critic Andrew Dansby compares Parsons 's physical comedy to that of Buster Keaton and other silent film stars. Lorre praises Parsons ' instincts, saying that `` You ca n't teach that. '' Lorre describes Parsons ' `` great sense of control over every part of his body, the way he walks, holds his hands, cocks his head, the facial tics as ' inspired '. '' Reviewer Lewis Beale describes Parsons ' performance as `` so spot - on, it seems as if the character and the actor are the same person. '' Parsons admits that the work is `` more effort than I ever thought a sitcom would take. And that 's really the fun of it. '' In August 2009, Parsons won the Television Critics Association award for individual achievement in comedy, beating Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Neil Patrick Harris. Parsons was nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, winning in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. In September 2010, Parsons and co-stars Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco signed new contracts, guaranteeing each of them $200,000 per episode for the fourth season of The Big Bang Theory, with substantial raises for each of the next three seasons. The three were also promised a percentage of the show 's earnings. In January 2011, Parsons won the Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Television Series -- Comedy ( the award was presented by co-star Cuoco ). From August 2013, Parsons, Cuoco and Galecki each earned $325,000 per episode. In August 2014, Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco once again signed new contracts, guaranteeing each of them $1,000,000 per episode for the eighth, ninth, and tenth seasons of The Big Bang Theory, as well as quadrupling their percentage of the show 's earnings to over 1 % each. Other works In 2011, Parsons appeared with Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Steve Martin, and Rashida Jones in the comedy film The Big Year. It was released in October. That same year, he appeared as the human alter ego of Walter, the newest Muppet introduced in The Muppets. On May 18, 2012, Parsons began appearing on Broadway as Elwood P. Dowd in a revival of Harvey. Parsons received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 11, 2015. He voiced Oh, one of the lead roles in the DreamWorks Animation comedy film Home ( 2015 ), alongside Rihanna. On January 29, 2015, it was announced that Parsons would star as God in the Broadway production of An Act of God, a new play by David Javerbaum and directed by Joe Mantello. The play began previews at Studio 54 on May 5, 2015 and closing August 2, 2015, to positive reviews. In 2017, Parsons started hosting his own SiriusXM talk show, Jim Parsons Is Too Stupid for Politics. The show will run for six weeks. Personal life Parsons lives in New York City neighborhood of Gramercy Park while also maintaining a residence in Los Angeles. His father died in a car crash on April 29, 2001. On May 23, 2012, an article in The New York Times noted that Parsons is gay and had been in a relationship for the last ten years. His partner is art director Todd Spiewak. In October 2013, Parsons called their relationship `` an act of love, coffee in the morning, going to work, washing the clothes, taking the dogs out -- a regular life, boring love ''. Parsons and Spiewak wed in New York in May 2017. Filmography Parsons at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con International Film Year Title Role Notes 2003 Happy End Casting Assistant Garden State Tim 2005 Heights Oliver 2005 Great New Wonderful, The The Great New Wonderful Justin 2005 King 's Inn, The The King 's Inn Sidney Short film 2006 10 Items or Less Receptionist 2006 School for Scoundrels Classmate 2007 On the Road with Judas Jimmy Pea 2007 Gardener of Eden Spim 2011 Big Year, The The Big Year Crane 2011 Muppets, The The Muppets Human Walter Cameo 2012 Sunset Stories Prince 2014 Wish I Was Here Paul 2015 Home Oh Voice 2015 Visions Dr. Mathison 2016 Hidden Figures Paul Stafford 2018 A Kid Like Jake Greg Wheeler Filming Television Year Title Role Notes 2002 Ed Chet Episode : `` The Road '' Why Blitt ? Mike Unsold Fox pilot Taste Kris Unsold CBS pilot 2004 -- 2005 Judging Amy Rob Holbrook 7 episodes 2007 -- present Big Bang Theory, The The Big Bang Theory Sheldon Cooper Main role 2009 Family Guy Sheldon Cooper Voice Episode : `` Business Guy '' Glenn Martin, DDS Draven Voice Episode : `` Jackie 's Get - Witch - Quick Scheme '' 2011 Super Hero Squad Show, The The Super Hero Squad Show Nightmare Voice Episode : `` Blind Rage Knows No Color '' 2011 Pound Puppies Milton Feltwaddle Voice 2 episodes 2011 iCarly Caleb Episode : `` iLost My Mind '' 2011 Eureka Carl the Jeep Voice Episode : `` Do You See What I See '' 2012 Family Guy Gay - Jacker Voice Episode : `` Joe 's Revenge '' 2012 High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange, The The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange Henry Applesauce Voice Episode : `` Generic Holiday Special '' 2012 Kick Buttowski : Suburban Daredevil Larry Wilder Voice Episode : `` Jock Wilder 's Nature Camp '' 2013 Who Do You Think You Are ? Himself Season 4, Episode 8 2014 Saturday Night Live Host Episode : `` Jim Parsons / Beck '' 2014 The Normal Heart Tommy Television film 2014 Elf : Buddy 's Musical Christmas Buddy Voice 2017 Michael Jackson 's Halloween TBA Voice Stage Year Title Role Locations The Balcony Torturer ( Arthur ) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Rosencrantz 1995 La Ronde Alfred 1995 Endgame Clov Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1995 Marat / Sade Steve Infernal Bridegroom Productions Guys and Dolls Rusty Charlie Infernal Bridegroom Productions Eddie Goes to Poetry City Eddie New York Theatre Jack and the Future Is In Eggs Jack Othello Iago Infernal Bridegroom Productions Suicide in B - flat Infernal Bridegroom Productions Woyzeck Doctor / Horse 's Head Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1997 The Cherry Orchard Yasha Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1997 Chili Queen Buddy Stages Repertory Theatre 1997 Camino Real Baron Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1997 Last Rites Tiger Clean Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1998 Threepenny Opera MacHeath Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1998 Below the Belt Dobbitt 1998 In the Jungle of the Cities J. Finnay Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1998 Tamalalia 3 : The Cocktail Party Psychotic psychiatrist Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1998 King Ubu is King Tom, Mister Nice Guy Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1998 The Pitchfork Disney Presley Stray Stages Repertory Theatre 1999 Marie and Bruce Herb / Fred / Waiter Infernal Bridegroom Productions 1999 Tamalalia 4 : The Camp - Out Ralf Infernal Bridegroom Productions 2001 Da Old Globe Theatre 2002 What Happened Was Jackie The Paradise Theatre 2001 The Castle Jeremiah Manhattan Ensemble Theatre 2002 Tartuffe Valère La Jolla Playhouse The Love for Three Oranges ( Gozzi ) Prince Tartaglia La Jolla Playhouse 2011 The Normal Heart Tommy Boatwright John Golden Theatre 2012 Harvey Elwood Dowd Studio 54 2015 -- 16 An Act of God God Studio 54 / Booth Theatre Awards and nominations Year Awards Work Result 2009 Satellite Awards Best Actor -- Television Series Musical or Comedy The Big Bang Theory Nominated TCA Awards Individual Achievement in Comedy Won Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Satellite Awards Best Actor -- Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor : Comedy Nominated People 's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actor Nominated TCA Awards Individual Achievement in Comedy Nominated Online Film & Television Association Best Actor in a Comedy Series Won Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Won 2011 Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Actor in a Comedy Series Won Golden Globe Awards Best Actor -- Television Series : Musical or Comedy Won Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Won Online Film & Television Association Best Actor in a Comedy Series Won People 's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actor Nominated Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Online Film & Television Association Best Actor in a Comedy Series Won Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated People 's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actor Nominated TCA Awards Individual Achievement in Comedy Nominated Satellite Awards Best Actor -- Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated 2013 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor -- Television Series : Musical or Comedy Nominated Critics ' Choice Television Awards Best Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated TV Guide Award Favorite Actor Won Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor : Comedy Won Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Won People 's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actor Nominated 2014 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor -- Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated Critics Choice Television Awards Best Actor in a Comedy Series Won Online Film & Television Association Best Actor in a Comedy Series Won Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor : Comedy Nominated Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie The Normal Heart Nominated 2015 People 's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedic Actor The Big Bang Theory Nominated Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated Kids ' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actor Nominated Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor : Comedy Nominated 2016 People 's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedic Actor Won Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated Satellite Awards Best Ensemble -- Motion Picture Hidden Figures Won 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Won See also Character actor LGBT culture in New York City Television sitcom References Jump up ^ `` Monitor ''. Entertainment Weekly ( 1252 ) : 30. Mar 29, 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` Jim Parsons weds Todd Spiewak in New York ''. Wonderwall via MSN. Retrieved May 14, 2017. Jump up ^ Oswald, Brad. `` The buzz : Jim Parsons as Sheldon ''. Winnipeg Free Press. Archived from the original on February 17, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2009. Jump up ^ Salem, Rob ( January 24, 2009 ). `` Nerd herd doing a bang - up job ''. The Toronto Star. Retrieved February 13, 2009. Jump up ^ Gilbert, Matthew ( February 8, 2009 ). `` Gentle twists on reliable formulas keep viewers hooked ''. The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 13, 2009. Jump up ^ `` 61st Primetime Emmy Awards Academy of Television Arts & Sciences ''. Emmys.tv. Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Cogan, Jennifer ( September 8, 2010 ), `` Klein Oak grad takes home Emmy '', Klein Sun News ^ Jump up to : `` Biography ''. Saintmarylancaster.org. 1974 - 03 - 24. Archived from the original on December 29, 2013. Retrieved 2013 - 08 - 23. ^ Jump up to : `` Who Do You Think You Are ? TV episode ; Sep 2013 Jump up ^ Christie D'Zurilla ( August 29, 2010 ). `` Shocking Jim Parsons truths revealed after Emmy win ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 17, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Beale, Lewis ( January 18, 2010 ), `` TELEVISION Fast chat with Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons : Houston native says he does n't speak Klingon '', Houston Chronicle ^ Jump up to : Dansby, Andrew ( September 10, 2009 ), `` Jim Parsons find smart comedy role '', Houston Chronicle, p. Zest, p. 8 ^ Jump up to : Martinez, Olivia ( September 16, 2010 ), `` Alum sparks big bang at the Emmys '', The Vista, archived from the original on July 17, 2011, retrieved September 23, 2011 Jump up ^ `` Comic Relief '', Newsweek, September 11, 2009 Jump up ^ Moore, Frazier ( May 24, 2010 ), `` Jim Parsons finds ' Big Bang Theory ' stimulating '', Press of Atlantic City ^ Jump up to : Keveney, Bill ( December 8, 2008 ), `` Big Bang - up role for Jim Parsons '', USAToday Jump up ^ Jakle, Jeannie ( August 5, 2009 ), `` Jim Parsons adjusts to his celebrity role : Big Bang star leaps from Klein Oak grad to TV popularity '', Houston Chronicle, p. Star, p. 4 Jump up ^ `` Jim Parsons wins Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy ''. Vox. Jump up ^ Schwartz, Missy ( September 15, 2010 ), `` ' The Big Bang Theory ' cast gets a big, fat raise '', Entertainment Weekly Jump up ^ Corinne Heller ( 2011 - 01 - 16 ). `` Jim Parsons wins Golden Globe for ' Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy Or Musical ' ''. OnTheRedCarpet.com. Retrieved 2013 - 08 - 23. Jump up ^ `` Order of Golden Globe Awards presentations - latimes.com ''. Latimesblogs.latimes.com. 2011 - 01 - 16. Retrieved 2013 - 08 - 23. Jump up ^ Battaglio, Stephen ; Schneider, Michael ( August 26, 2013 ). `` What They Earn ''. TV Guide. pp. 16 - 20. Jump up ^ Nellie Andreeva. `` ' Big Bang Theory ' Stars Sign New Deals Worth $1 Million Per Episode - Deadline ''. Deadline. Jump up ^ `` The Big Year ( 2011 ) ''. MovieWeb. Retrieved July 4, 2011. Jump up ^ O'Sullivan, Michael ( November 23, 2011 ). `` The Muppets ''. The Washington Post. Retrieved December 6, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Jim Parsons, Scott Ellis, and More Talk Harvey ! ''. broadway world.com. May 14, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012. Jump up ^ Ng, Philiana ( November 29, 2011 ). `` Jim Parsons Plots Broadway Return With ' Harvey ' Revival ''. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 14, 2011. Jump up ^ Bentley, Jean ( March 12, 2015 ). `` Big Bang Theory Stars Support Jim Parsons Walk of Fame Ceremony : Pics - Us Weekly ''. Us Weekly. Wenner Media. Retrieved March 12, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Jim Parsons and Rihanna to Voice DreamWorks Animation 's Happy Smekday ! ''. Jump up ^ Gordon Cox. `` Jim Parsons Returns to Broadway in ' An Act of God ' - Variety ''. Variety. Jump up ^ Stefanie Cohen. `` Jim Parsons of ' Big Bang Theory ' to Star in ' An Act of God ' on Broadway ''. WSJ. Jump up ^ Isherwood, Charles ( May 28, 2015 ). `` The New York Times ''. Review : ' An Act of God ' With Jim Parsons as an Almighty Comedian. Jump up ^ `` Jim Parsons to Host Political Radio Show on SiriusXM ( Exclusive ) ''. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 1, 2017. Jump up ^ Moses, Claire ( 16 December 2014 ). `` Jim Parsons buys Gramercy Park penthouse for $2.8 M ''. The Real Deal. Retrieved 30 July 2016. Jump up ^ Getlen, Larry ( April 27, 2009 ). `` ' Big Bang Theory ' Nerd May Get The Girl ''. New York Post. Retrieved February 27, 2010. Jump up ^ Healy, Patrick ( May 23, 2012 ). `` Stalked by Shadows ( and a Rabbit ) ''. The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved May 23, 2012. Jump up ^ Malkin, Marc ( October 19, 2013 ). `` Jim Parsons Opens Up For the First Time About Relationship With Longtime Boyfriend ''. E ! Online. Jump up ^ `` Who Do You Think You Are ? ''. Ancestry.com. Retrieved 15 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` Chicago Tribune ''. Jump up ^ http://www.nme.com/news/music/michael-jackson-animated-halloween-special-in-the-works-2108442 ^ Jump up to : `` More About Jim ''. the Catastrophic Theatre. Retrieved July 4, 2011. Jump up ^ `` OLD GLOBE / USD ALUM JIM PARSONS WINS EMMY AWARD ''. Archived from the original on March 6, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2010. Jump up ^ Isherwood, Charles ( January 17, 2002 ). `` The Castle ''. Variety. Jump up ^ Oxman, Steven ( May 20, 2002 ). `` Tartuffe Theater Review ''. Variety. Jump up ^ Hirschhorn, Joel ( September 22, 2004 ). `` The Love of Three Oranges ''. Variety. Jump up ^ Brantley, Ben ( April 27, 2011 ). `` ' The Normal Heart ' on Broadway -- Theater Review ''. The New York Times. Jump up ^ David Rooney. `` David Javerbaum 's ' An Act of God ' to Strike Broadway - Hollywood Reporter ''. The Hollywood Reporter. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jim Parsons. Jim Parsons on IMDb Jim Parsons at the Internet Broadway Database Jim Parsons at the Internet Off - Broadway Database Jim Parsons at AllMovie CBS Biography Movieline interviews Big Bang Theory 's Jim Parsons On Learning Lines, Emmy Nods and Cast Ping Pong Deathmatches Fresh Air Interview : Jim Parsons On The Science Of Sheldon, ' Big Bang ' Preceded by Melissa McCarthy Saturday Night Live host March 1, 2014 Succeeded by Lena Dunham Awards for Jim Parsons Critics ' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series Jim Parsons ( 2011 ) Louis C.K. ( 2012 ) Louis C.K. 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Question: who plays sheldon on the big bang theory
Answer: James Joseph Parsons