Johnny Galecki - wikipedia Johnny Galecki American actor Johnny Galecki Galecki in July 2017 John Mark Galecki ( 1975 - 04 - 30 ) April 30, 1975 ( age 43 ) Bree, Belgium Nationality American Occupation Actor Years active 1987 -- present John Mark Galecki ( born April 30, 1975 ) is an American actor. He is known for playing Leonard Hofstadter in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory ( 2007 -- present ) and David Healy in the ABC sitcom Roseanne ( 1992 -- 1997 ; 2018 ). Galecki also appeared in the films National Lampoon 's Christmas Vacation ( 1989 ), Prancer ( 1989 ), Suicide Kings ( 1997 ), I Know What You Did Last Summer ( 1997 ), Bookies ( 2003 ), In Time ( 2011 ), and Rings ( 2017 ). Galecki is one of the highest paid television actors in the world, with his role in The Big Bang Theory currently earning him approximately US $900,000 per episode between 2017 and 2019. Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 3 Personal life 4 Filmography 4.1 Film 4.2 Television 4.3 Music videos 5 Awards and nominations 6 References 7 External links Early Life Galecki was born in Bree, Belgium, to American parents of Polish, Irish, and Italian descent. His mother, Mary Louise ( Mary Lou ) Noon, was a mortgage consultant, and his father, Richard Galecki, was a member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Belgium, and also worked as a rehabilitation teacher. Galecki is the eldest of three children with a brother, Nick, whom he describes as a `` mechanical genius '' in the automotive industry, and a sister, Allison. Galecki grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. During an interview with New Zealand radio station ZM, Galecki recalled his childhood relationship with his mother. As a child, he was well known for making up long stories and tales. In such situations, his mother used to make him play the `` quiet game '', where he had to see how long he could go without talking. He also recalled that despite being a loving mother, she was also very tough. One phrase she would lovingly use was, `` I love you, now get out. '' Career This section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. ( May 2015 ) Galecki in July 2008 Galecki made his acting debut in the 1987 CBS miniseries Murder Ordained with JoBeth Williams and future Roseanne co-star John Goodman. In 1989, Galecki portrayed Rusty Griswold in National Lampoon 's Christmas Vacation. In 1990, he was cast as Danny Nash, the son of Robert Urich 's lead character, on the NBC comedy American Dreamer ; the following season, he was a regular cast member on the ABC sitcom Billy, a spin - off from Head of the Class. He appeared in one episode of Blossom in 1991, opposite his future The Big Bang Theory co-star Mayim Bialik. During his run on Billy, Galecki began making guest appearances on the hit ABC sitcom Roseanne as the younger brother of Mark Healy ( Glenn Quinn ), who began a relationship with Darlene Conner ( Sara Gilbert ). Introduced in his first appearance as Kevin Healy, his name was soon changed to David. After a few more guest shots, Galecki was named a permanent Roseanne cast member from the fall of 1992 onward, after the cancellation of Billy. He would remain in the role of David Healy until the end of Roseanne 's run in 1997, with the character eventually marrying Darlene and fathering two children with her. Galecki also appeared in the 1995 music video for the Dave Matthews Band song `` Satellite ''. Galecki was cast in the 1997 summer slasher I Know What You Did Last Summer and the 1998 dark comedy The Opposite of Sex. In the year 2000, Galecki reunited with Opposite of Sex director Don Roos, who cast him in Bounce. Galecki continued his film streak with roles in Suicide Kings ( 1997 ) and brief bit parts in high - profile films such as Bean ( 1997 ), and a minor supporting part in Vanilla Sky ( 2001 ). Galecki played a young delinquent in A Family Torn Apart, a 1993 TV movie based on a true story about a serial killer. He was also in the 2003 film Bookies, a comedy thriller film written by Michael Bacall and directed by Mark Illsley. The story revolves around the lives of four college students. Galecki appeared as a golfer in a 2005 episode of My Name Is Earl entitled `` Stole Beer from a Golfer ''. In 2005, Galecki played Mark Corrigan in a pilot for a US adaptation of the British sitcom Peep Show. He played a character named Trouty on TBS 's sitcom My Boys, and the half - brother of the main characters, sisters Hope Shanowski and Faith Fairfield, in the sitcom Hope & Faith. In late 2006 and early 2007, Galecki appeared in the Broadway play The Little Dog Laughed as a prostitute called Alex. `` At its core, the play is about what we all sacrifice to be successful, whatever our careers or goals, '' he explains. Galecki originated the role earlier in 2006 at Second Stage Theatre. The widely popular comedy by Douglas Carter Beane had a successful run at Second Stage and moved to the Cort Theatre. The play closed on February 18, 2007, with Galecki taking home a 2007 Theater World Award for his performance. Galecki at PaleyFest 2013 Galecki plays Leonard Hofstadter in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, which debuted September 24, 2007. He was originally asked to play the role of Sheldon Cooper, but he said he was better suited for the role of Leonard Hofstadter, and Sheldon 's role was eventually given to Jim Parsons. During his role as David Healy on Roseanne, Sara Gilbert played his longtime girlfriend and later wife, Darlene Conner. She has appeared as Leslie Winkle, a colleague in the Big Bang Theory. Laurie Metcalf, who portrayed Roseanne 's sister Jackie Harris, has appeared as Mary Cooper, mother of Leonard 's roommate, Sheldon. Galecki is a cellist, a talent which has been used on the show. As of August 2013, Galecki and his Big Bang costars Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons each earned US $325,000 per episode. As of August 2014, the three costars will earn US $1 million per episode. Galecki appeared briefly in the 2008 superhero comedy Hancock, alongside Will Smith and Jason Bateman. In July 2011, he played a parody version of himself in three episodes of Entourage. He also appeared in the film In Time ( 2011 ) with Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. On April 28, 2017, it was reported that a revival of Roseanne was in the works with most of the original cast, including Galecki, returning for the eight part mini-series. On May 16, 2017, it was confirmed that the eight episodes would air mid-season in 2018 on ABC. On December 1, 2017, it was announced that he would reprise his role of David Healy for one episode. In May 2018, ABC cancelled Roseanne following racist remarks made by Roseanne Barr on social media. A while later, that June, the other cast members ( except Galecki due to his work on Big Bang ) came to a deal for a spin - off program featuring their characters without any involvement from Barr. The new program entitled The Conners will premiere in October 2018 ; Galecki will appear as David in at least one episode. Personal Life While working on The Big Bang Theory, Galecki dated co-star Kaley Cuoco for about two years until December 2009 while the two also played a couple on the show. Cuoco told CBS Watch that they have remained on good terms since ending their relationship. Analogously, Galecki dated Sara Gilbert in the 1990s while their characters were a couple on Roseanne. Galecki owns 360 acres ( 150 ha ) of land in Santa Margarita, California. His property included vineyards and a log cabin. In late June 2017, Galecki 's ranch was destroyed in a major wildfire known as the Hill Fire. Galecki, in a media statement, said wildfire was `` the threat... we live with constantly, which may seem crazy to some but we do so because living in our beautiful, rural area makes it worthwhile. '' As of September 2018, Galecki is dating a woman named Alaina Meyer, who is 22 years his junior. Filmography Film Year Film Role Notes Time Out for Dad Matt Rowles Murder Ordained Doug Rule A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon Toby Reardon Prancer Billy Quinn National Lampoon 's Christmas Vacation Russell `` Rusty '' Griswold 1990 Blind Faith John Marshall In Defense of a Married Man Eric 1991 Backfield in Motion Tim Seavers 1993 A Family Torn Apart Daniel Hannigan 1994 Without Consent Marty Murder at My Door Teddy McNair 1997 Bean Stingo Wheelie Suicide Kings Ira Reder I Know What You Did Last Summer Max Neurick 1998 The Opposite of Sex Jason Bock 2000 Playing Mona Lisa Arthur Bounce Seth Morgan 's Ferry Darcy Vanilla Sky Peter Brown 2003 Bookies Jude Chrystal Barry White Like Me Marcus Short film 2005 Happy Endings Miles Uncredited 2007 Who You Know David Short film 2008 Hancock Jeremy 2009 Table for Three Ted 2011 In Time Borel 2013 CBGB Terry Ork 2016 The Cleanse Paul Also producer 2017 Rings Gabriel Brown Television Year Title Role Notes 1990 -- 1991 American Dreamer Danny Nash 17 episodes 1991 Blossom Jason Episode : `` Sex, Lies and Teenagers '' 1992 Billy David MacGregor 13 episodes 1992 -- 1997, 2018 Roseanne David Healy / Kevin Healy ( 1st episode ) Nominated for four and winner of one Young Artist Award 1993 Civil Wars Greg Stolbach Episode : `` Split Ends '' 2000 Batman Beyond Knux ( voice ) Episode : `` April Moon '' The Norm Show Dale Stockhouse Episodes : `` Norm vs. Youth : Part 1 '' and `` Norm vs. Youth : Part 2 '' LAX Leland Pressman Episode : `` Finnegan Again, Begin Again '' 2005 My Name Is Earl Scott Episode : `` Stole Beer from a Golfer '' Hope & Faith Jay 3 episodes 2006 American Dad ! Arnie Episode : `` Irregarding Steve '' 2006 -- 2007 My Boys Trouty 3 episodes 2007 -- present The Big Bang Theory Dr. Leonard Hofstadter Main Role Satellite Award for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated -- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series ( 2011 ) Nominated -- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy ( 2011 ) Nominated -- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series ( 2012 -- 2013 ) 2009 Family Guy Leonard Hofstadter ( voice ) Episode : `` Business Guy '' 2011 Entourage Himself 3 episodes 2018 The Conners David Healy 2 episodes, Roseanne spinoff Music videos Year Artist Song Role 1995 Dave Matthews Band `` Satellite '' Awards and nominations Year Award Work Result 1992 Young Artist Award Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series American Dreamer Nominated 1993 Best Young Actor Recurring in a Television Series Roseanne Nominated 1994 Best Youth Comedian Won 1995 Best Performance : Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series Nominated 2008 TV Land Award Innovator Shared with Sarah Chalke, Sara Gilbert and Alicia Goranson. Won Teen Choice Award Choice TV : Male Scene Stealer The Big Bang Theory Nominated 2011 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated 2012 Golden Globe Award Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical Nominated Golden Nymph Award Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Satellite Award Best Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical Won Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Shared with Mayim Bialik, Kaley Cuoco - Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Jim Parsons, and Melissa Rauch Nominated 2013 Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Shared with Mayim Bialik, Kaley Cuoco - Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Jim Parsons, and Melissa Rauch Nominated 2014 Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Shared with Mayim Bialik, Kaley Cuoco - Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Jim Parsons, and Melissa Rauch Nominated People 's Choice Award Favorite TV Bromance Shared with Jim Parsons, Kunal Nayyar, and Simon Helberg Nominated 2015 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Shared with Mayim Bialik, Kaley Cuoco - Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Jim Parsons, and Melissa Rauch Nominated 2016 People 's Choice Awards Favorite Comedic TV Actor Nominated References Jump up ^ `` Johnny Galecki ''. TV Guide. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2014. Jump up ^ Galecki, Johnny ( May 3, 1992 ). `` Johnny Galecki ''. The Sun Sentinel. Retrieved October 16, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Johnny Galecki Biography ( 1975 -- ) ''. Filmreference.com. Retrieved July 6, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Conan Show Schedule January 2 -- 6, 2012 ''. Team Coco. Retrieved January 1, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Johnny Galecki Biography ''. TV Guide. Retrieved July 6, 2011. Jump up ^ `` The Gnocchi from Skokie that Sang Karaoke ''. Conan. Season 2. Episode 103. June 13, 2012. TBS. Jump up ^ `` ZM 's interview with Johnny ''. ZM Online. Archived from the original on October 22, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2011. Jump up ^ Gates, Anita ( November 8, 2005 ). `` WHAT 'S ON TONIGHT ''. nytimes.com. Retrieved September 6, 2012. Jump up ^ Fullerton, Huw ( 2015 - 11 - 07 ). `` Peep Show US pilot starring The Big Bang Theory 's Johnny Galecki ''. Radiotimes.com. Retrieved 2016 - 01 - 17. Jump up ^ `` Follow Spot ''. Retrieved June 28, 2017. Jump up ^ Battaglio, Stephen ; Schneider, Michael ( August 26, 2013 ). `` What They Earn ''. TV Guide. pp. 16 - 20. Jump up ^ Goldberg, Lesley ( August 4, 2014 ). `` ' Big Bang Theory ' Trio Inks New Deals, Securing Hefty Pay Raises ''. hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved August 4, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Roseanne ' TV show revival in the works with main cast set to reprise roles -- ''. New York Daily News. Retrieved 2017 - 04 - 28. Jump up ^ Otterson, Joe ( May 16, 2017 ). `` ' Roseanne ' Revival Lands at ABC ''. Variety. Retrieved May 16, 2017. Jump up ^ Petski, Denise ( 1 December 2017 ). `` ' Roseanne ' : Johnny Galecki Set To Return As David For ABC Revival ''. Deadline. Retrieved 1 December 2017. Jump up ^ Petski, Denise ( 2018 - 09 - 25 ). `` ' The Conners ' : Juliette Lewis Joins Johnny Galecki In ABC 's ' Roseanne ' Spinoff ''. Deadline. Retrieved 2018 - 09 - 25. Jump up ^ Morgan, Hudson ( September 2010 ). `` Justify Her Love ''. CBS Watch. Archived from the original on February 7, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Johnny Galecki On Family & His Life Upstate 01 / 05 / 12 -- Video @ ''. Teamcoco.com. Retrieved March 4, 2012. ^ Jump up to : CNN, Sandra Gonzalez ( June 28, 2017 ). `` Johnny Galecki loses ranch in sprawling California fire ''. Retrieved June 28, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Hill Fire Incident Information ''. CAL FIRE. Retrieved June 28, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Meet Alaina Meyer, ' Big Bang Theory ' Star Johnny Galecki 's New Girlfriend ''. Celebrity Couples. Retrieved 2018 - 09 - 25. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Johnny Galecki. Johnny Galecki on IMDb Playbill article about the end of The Little Dog Laughed 's run at The Cort Theatre Movieline interview with Johnny Galecki Satellite Award for Best Actor -- Television Series Musical or Comedy John Lithgow ( 1996 ) Kelsey Grammer ( 1997 ) Drew Carey ( 1998 ) Jay Mohr ( 1999 ) Frankie Muniz ( 2000 ) Kelsey Grammer ( 2001 ) Bernie Mac ( 2002 ) Bernie Mac ( 2003 ) Jason Bateman ( 2004 ) Jason Bateman ( 2005 ) James Spader ( 2006 ) Stephen Colbert ( 2007 ) Justin Kirk ( 2008 ) Matthew Morrison ( 2009 ) Alec Baldwin ( 2010 ) Louis C.K. ( 2011 ) Johnny Galecki ( 2012 ) John Goodman ( 2013 ) Jeffrey Tambor ( 2014 ) Jeffrey Tambor ( 2015 ) William H. Macy ( 2016 ) William H. Macy ( 2017 ) WorldCat Identities BNF : cb16205733f ( data ) GND : 103487912X ISNI : 0000 0000 7921 6824 LCCN : no2001053689 NKC : xx0202122 SUDOC : 157441210 VIAF : 120774509 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Galecki&oldid=866376823 '' Categories : 1975 births Living people American male film actors American male comedy actors American male television actors People from Bree, Belgium 20th - century American male actors 21st - century American male actors Actors from Oak Park, Illinois Male actors from Illinois Belgian emigrants to the United States Hidden categories : Articles with short description Use mdy dates from December 2013 Articles with hCards BLP articles lacking sources from May 2015 All BLP articles lacking sources Wikipedia articles with BNF identifiers Wikipedia articles with GND identifiers Wikipedia articles with ISNI identifiers Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers Wikipedia articles with NKC identifiers Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Afrikaans Asturianu تۆرکجه Български Català Čeština Cymraeg Dansk Deutsch Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto Euskara فارسی Français Galego 한국어 Հայերեն Italiano עברית Қазақша Latina Magyar മലയാളം Bahasa Melayu Nederlands 日本 語 Norsk Polski Português Română Русский Simple English Slovenčina Suomi Svenska ไทย Türkçe Українська 中文 33 more Edit links This page was last edited on 29 October 2018, at 23 : 54 ( UTC ). 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Question: the guy who plays leonard on big bang theory
Answer: John Mark Galecki