Jim Parsons
{{short description|American actor (born 1973)}}
{{about|the actor|the gasser driver|Jim Parsons (drag racer)|the English rugby player|Jim Parsons (rugby union)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{infobox person
| name = Jim Parsons
| image = JimParsons-byPhilipRomano.jpg
| caption = Parsons in 2025
| birth_name = James Joseph Parsons
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|3|24}}{{cite magazine|title=Monitor|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 29, 2013|issue=1252|page=30}}
| birth_place = Houston, Texas, U.S.
| education = {{ubl|University of Houston (BA)|University of San Diego (MFA)}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|producer}}
| years_active = 1993–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Todd Spiewak|2017}}
}}
James Joseph Parsons (born March 24, 1973) is an American actor. From 2007 to 2019, Parsons played Sheldon Cooper in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory.{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/entertainment/the_tab/the_buzz-39481582.html |title=The buzz: Jim Parsons as Sheldon |last=Oswald |first=Brad |newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press |access-date=February 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221127/http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/entertainment/the_tab/the_buzz-39481582.html |archive-date=February 17, 2009}}{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/Entertainment/Television/article/575764| title=Nerd herd doing a bang-up job| last=Salem| first=Rob| date=January 24, 2009| newspaper=Toronto Star| access-date=February 13, 2009| archive-date=February 12, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212234055/http://www.thestar.com/Entertainment/Television/article/575764| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2009/02/08/gentle_twists_on_reliable_formulas_keep_viewers_hooked/| title=Gentle twists on reliable formulas keep viewers hooked| last=Gilbert| first=Matthew| date=February 8, 2009| newspaper=The Boston Globe| access-date=February 13, 2009| archive-date=January 13, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113083356/http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2009/02/08/gentle_twists_on_reliable_formulas_keep_viewers_hooked/| url-status=live}} He has received various awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series{{cite web|url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/awards/2009ptemmys/61stemmys_noms.php |title=61st Primetime Emmy Awards | Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |publisher=Emmys.tv |access-date=January 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718001718/http://cdn.emmys.tv/awards/2009ptemmys/61stemmys_noms.php |archive-date=July 18, 2009}} and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. From 2015 to 2018, Forbes named him the world's highest-paid television actor.{{cite magazine|first=Natalie|last=Robehmed|date=October 24, 2018|access-date=May 18, 2024|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2018/10/24/highest-paid-tv-actors-2018-jim-parsons-leads-with-26-5-million/?sh=6f6a00acab2b|title=Highest-Paid TV Actors 2018: Jim Parsons leads with $26.5 million|magazine=Forbes}}{{cite magazine|first=Madeline|last=Berg|date=September 28, 2017|access-date=May 18, 2024|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2017/09/28/the-worlds-highest-paid-tv-actors-jim-parsons-leads-with-27-5-million/?sh=6f405cc551a3|title=The world's Highest-Paid TV actors: Jim Parsons leads with $27.5 million|magazine=Forbes}}{{cite magazine|first=Maggie|last=McGrath|date=September 22, 2016|access-date=May 18, 2024|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2016/09/22/the-worlds-highest-paid-tv-actors-2016-jim-parsons-leads-with-25-million-take/?sh=6f66ecac7520|title=The World's Highest Paid TV Actors, 2016: Jim Parsons leads with $25 million take|magazine=Forbes}}{{cite magazine|first=Maggie|last=McGrath|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=May 18, 2024|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2015/08/25/worlds-highest-paid-tv-actors-2015-jim-parsons-leads-with-29-million-take/?sh=6f6a008b208d|title=World's Highest-Paid TV Actors 2015: Jim Parsons leads with $29 million take|magazine=Forbes}}
Parsons made his Broadway debut portraying Tommy Boatwright in the Larry Kramer play The Normal Heart (2011). He has since acted in the Broadway plays Harvey (2012), An Act of God (2015), The Boys in the Band (2018), Mother Play (2024), and Our Town (2024).
In film, Parsons has voiced the lead character in Home (2015) and played supporting roles in Hidden Figures (2016), A Kid Like Jake (2018), Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019), The Boys in the Band (2020), and Spoiler Alert (2022). On television he was Emmy-nominated for playing Tommy Boatwright in the HBO film The Normal Heart (2011) and Henry Willson in the Netflix series Hollywood (2020).
Early life and education
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. and teacher Judy Ann (née McKnight). His sister, Julie Ann Parsons, is also a teacher.{{cite web |url=https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/champions-klein/news/article/Klein-Oak-grad-takes-home-Emmy-9423488.php |last=Cogan |first=Jennifer |title=Klein Oak grad takes home Emmy |newspaper=Klein Sun News |date=September 7, 2010 |access-date=April 10, 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.saintmarylancaster.org/projects/JIM%20PARSONS%20WEBOGRAPHY%20FOR%20LANGUZGE%20ARTS_files/Page317.htm |title=Biography |publisher=Saintmarylancaster.org |date=March 24, 1974 |access-date=August 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229130205/http://www.saintmarylancaster.org/projects/JIM%20PARSONS%20WEBOGRAPHY%20FOR%20LANGUZGE%20ARTS_files/Page317.htm |archive-date=December 29, 2013}}"Who Do You Think You Are? TV episode; Sep 2013
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.{{cite news |title=Shocking Jim Parsons truths revealed after Emmy win |author=Christie D'Zurilla |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/08/emmys-jim-parsons.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=August 29, 2010 |access-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-date=September 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902155434/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/08/emmys-jim-parsons.html |url-status=live }} 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." The young Parsons was heavily influenced by sitcoms, particularly Three's Company, Family Ties, and The Cosby Show.{{citation| last=Beale| first=Lewis| title=TELEVISION Fast chat with Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons: Houston native says he doesn't speak Klingon| newspaper=Houston Chronicle| date=January 18, 2010| url=https://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2010_4836155| access-date=April 17, 2020| archive-date=March 8, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308043951/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2010_4836155| url-status=live}}
After graduating from high school, Parsons earned a BA degree in Theater from the University of Houston. He was prolific during this time, appearing in 17 plays in three years. He was a founding member of Infernal Bridegroom Productions and regularly appeared at the Stages Repertory Theatre.{{Cite news |last=Dansby |first=Andrew |date=September 10, 2009 |title=Jim Parsons find smart comedy role |work=Houston Chronicle |url=https://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2009_4790601 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020071352/https://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2009_4790601 |archive-date=October 20, 2012}} 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."{{citation|last=Martinez |first=Olivia |title=Alum sparks big bang at the Emmys |newspaper=The Vista |date=September 16, 2010 |url=http://www.theusdvista.com/mobile/news/alum-sparks-big-bang-at-the-emmys-1.1602499 |access-date=September 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717042618/http://www.theusdvista.com/mobile/news/alum-sparks-big-bang-at-the-emmys-1.1602499 |archive-date=July 17, 2011}}
Parsons enjoyed his schooling so much, he 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."{{citation| title=Comic Relief| newspaper=Newsweek| date=September 11, 2009| url=http://www.newsweek.com/2009/09/11/comic-relief.html| access-date=May 30, 2010| archive-date=March 3, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183704/http://www.newsweek.com/2009/09/11/comic-relief.html| url-status=live}} Parsons graduated with an M.F.A. degree in acting from Old Globe Theatre/University of San Diego 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. The French architect Louis-François Trouard (1729–1804) is his sixth great-grandfather.
Career
=2003–2006: Early roles=
File:Atherton, Parsons, Schein, Castle.jpg in 2002]]
In New York, Parsons worked in Off-Broadway productions and made several television appearances. In a 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{{citation| last=Moore| first=Frazier| title=Jim Parsons finds 'Big Bang Theory' stimulating| date=May 24, 2010| url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/article_c8dce031-d5b2-5db1-a0e9-de4df0e4893d.html| newspaper=Press of Atlantic City| access-date=October 4, 2010| archive-date=January 1, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101011359/http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/article_c8dce031-d5b2-5db1-a0e9-de4df0e4893d.html| url-status=live}} and appeared on the television series Ed. Parsons also had minor roles in several movies, including Garden State and School for Scoundrels.{{citation| last=Keveney| first=Bill| url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-12-07-jim-parsons_N.htm| title=Big Bang-up role for Jim Parsons| date=December 8, 2008| newspaper=USA Today| access-date=September 1, 2017| archive-date=February 5, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205091404/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-12-07-jim-parsons_N.htm| url-status=live}}
=2007–2019: ''The Big Bang Theory'' and theatre roles=
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 don'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 impressed series creator Chuck Lorre, who 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. The role required 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.
File:Jim Parsons at PaleyFest 2013.jpg]]
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 can'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.{{citation| last=Jakle| first=Jeannie| title=Jim Parsons adjusts to his celebrity role: Big Bang star leaps from Klein Oak grad to TV popularity| newspaper=Houston Chronicle| date=August 5, 2009| url=https://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2009_4773419| page=Star, p. 4| access-date=April 17, 2020| archive-date=March 8, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308043956/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2009_4773419| url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2014/8/25/6067913/jim-parsons-emmy-big-bang-theory|title=Jim Parsons wins Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy|work=Vox|date=August 26, 2014|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=December 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223131550/http://www.vox.com/2014/8/25/6067913/jim-parsons-emmy-big-bang-theory|url-status=live}} 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.{{citation| last=Schwartz| first=Missy| title='The Big Bang Theory' cast gets a big, fat raise| newspaper=Entertainment Weekly| date=September 15, 2010| url=http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/09/15/the-big-bang-theory-cast-gets-a-big-fat-raise/| access-date=October 4, 2010| archive-date=October 1, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001180917/http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/09/15/the-big-bang-theory-cast-gets-a-big-fat-raise/| url-status=live}} In January 2011, Parsons won the Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Comedy.{{cite web |author=Corinne Heller |url=http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Golden-Globe-Awards:-Jim-Parsons-wins-Best-Performance-by-an-Actor-In-A-Television-Series---Comedy-Or-Musical/7901763 |title=Jim Parsons wins Golden Globe for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy Or Musical' |publisher=OnTheRedCarpet.com |date=January 16, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003062637/http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Golden-Globe-Awards:-Jim-Parsons-wins-Best-Performance-by-an-Actor-In-A-Television-Series---Comedy-Or-Musical/7901763 |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2011/01/order-of-golden-globe-awards-presentations.html |title=Order of Golden Globe Awards presentations |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 16, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2013 |archive-date=October 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001220303/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2011/01/order-of-golden-globe-awards-presentations.html |url-status=live }} From August 2013, Parsons, Cuoco and Galecki each earned $325,000 per episode.Battaglio, Stephen; Schneider, Michael (August 26, 2013). "What They Earn". TV Guide. pp. 16 - 20. In August 2014, Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco once again signed new contracts, guaranteeing each of them $1 million 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/08/big-bang-theory-stars-jim-parsons-johnny-galecki-kaley-cuoco-close-big-new-deals-813847/|title='Big Bang Theory' Stars Sign New Deals Worth $1 Million Per Episode - Deadline|author=Nellie Andreeva|work=Deadline|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415140538/https://deadline.com/2014/08/big-bang-theory-stars-jim-parsons-johnny-galecki-kaley-cuoco-close-big-new-deals-813847/|url-status=live}}
File:Barack Obama, Steve Martin, Jim Parsons, DreamWorks Animation, 2013.jpg, Jim Parsons, and Barack Obama at DreamWorks Animation Studios in 2015]]
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.{{cite web | url=http://www.movieweb.com/movie/the-big-year | title=The Big Year (2011) | access-date=July 4, 2011 | publisher=MovieWeb | archive-date=July 6, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706140742/http://www.movieweb.com/movie/the-big-year | url-status=live }} That same year, he appeared as the human alter ego of Walter, the newest Muppet introduced in The Muppets.{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/the-muppets,1165510/critic-review.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123222416/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/the-muppets,1165510/critic-review.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=November 23, 2011 | title=The Muppets |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Michael |last=O'Sullivan |date=November 23, 2011 | access-date=December 6, 2011}} On May 18, 2012, Parsons began appearing on Broadway as Elwood P. Dowd in a revival of Harvey.{{cite web |url=http://broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Jim-Parsons-Scott-Ellis-and-More-Talk-HARVEY-20120514 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |title=Jim Parsons, Scott Ellis, and More Talk Harvey! |work=broadway world.com |date=May 14, 2012 |archive-date=March 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308044245/http://broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Jim-Parsons-Scott-Ellis-and-More-Talk-HARVEY-20120514 |url-status=live }}{{cite news| last=Ng| first=Philiana| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jim-parsons-harvey-revival-broadway-267082| access-date=December 14, 2011| title=Jim Parsons Plots Broadway Return With 'Harvey' Revival| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| date=November 29, 2011| archive-date=December 1, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201192444/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jim-parsons-harvey-revival-broadway-267082| url-status=live}} He reprised the role in The Normal Heart (2014), and he received his seventh Emmy nomination, this time in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Parsons received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 11, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/big-bang-theory-stars-support-jim-parsons-walk-of-fame-ceremony-pics-2015123|title=Big Bang Theory Stars Support Jim Parsons Walk of Fame Ceremony: Pics - Us Weekly|work=Us Weekly|last=Bentley|first=Jean|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=March 12, 2015|archive-date=March 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313072530/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/big-bang-theory-stars-support-jim-parsons-walk-of-fame-ceremony-pics-2015123|url-status=live}} He voiced Oh, one of the lead roles in the DreamWorks Animation comedy film Home (2015), alongside Rihanna.{{cite web|url = https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=91699|title = Jim Parsons and Rihanna to Voice DreamWorks Animation's Happy Smekday!|date = June 20, 2012|access-date = April 17, 2020|archive-date = October 6, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006135803/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=91699|url-status = live}}
Parsons and Todd Spiewak founded That's Wonderful Productions in 2015 with the intention of raising distinct voices and producing work with an underlying sense of purpose and social consciousness. Their work includes Special, Equal, Call Me Kat and A Kid Like Jake. Parsons and Spiewak are also Executive Producers of Young Sheldon.{{cite press release |author= |title=HBO Max Picks Up "Equal," Groundbreaking Four-Part Docu-Series Chronicling Landmark Events and Forgotten Heroes of LGBTQ+ Movement |url=https://www.warnerbros.com/news/press-releases/hbo-max-picks-lgbtq-movement-docuseries-equal |location=Los Angeles |publisher=Warner Brothers Entertainment |agency=Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc |date=October 16, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804165307/https://www.warnerbros.com/news/press-releases/hbo-max-picks-lgbtq-movement-docuseries-equal |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/legit/news/jim-parsons-returns-to-broadway-in-the-role-of-god-1201418353/|title=Jim Parsons Returns to Broadway in 'An Act of God' - Variety|author=Gordon Cox|work=Variety|date=January 29, 2015|access-date=December 9, 2017|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803173416/http://variety.com/2015/legit/news/jim-parsons-returns-to-broadway-in-the-role-of-god-1201418353/|url-status=live}} The play began previews at Studio 54 on May 5, 2015{{cite web|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/01/29/jim-parsons-of-big-bang-theory-to-star-in-an-act-of-god-on-broadway/|title=Jim Parsons of 'Big Bang Theory' to Star in 'An Act of God' on Broadway|author=Stefanie Cohen|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 29, 2015|access-date=August 4, 2017|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008181436/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/01/29/jim-parsons-of-big-bang-theory-to-star-in-an-act-of-god-on-broadway/|url-status=live}} and closed August 2, 2015, to positive reviews.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/theater/review-an-act-of-god-with-jim-parsons-as-an-almighty-comedian.html |title=Review: 'An Act of God,' with Jim Parsons as an almighty comedian |work=The New York Times |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=October 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014223232/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/theater/review-an-act-of-god-with-jim-parsons-as-an-almighty-comedian.html}} In 2016, Jim Parsons played a supporting role as STG (special task group) head engineer Paul Stafford in the biographical drama film Hidden Figures. The film was directed by Theodore Melfi, who had previously worked with Parsons in commercials for Intel.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/features/facetime-jim-parsons-hidden-figures-1201927779/|title=Jim Parsons on 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Hidden Figures' and Typecasting|first=Jenelle|last=Riley|work=Variety|date=December 12, 2016|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108161544/https://variety.com/2016/film/features/facetime-jim-parsons-hidden-figures-1201927779/|url-status=live}}
In 2017, Parsons started hosting his own SiriusXM talk show, Jim Parsons Is Too Stupid for Politics. The show ran for six weeks.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/jim-parsons-host-political-radio-show-siriusxm-963395|title=Jim Parsons to Host Political Radio Show on SiriusXM (Exclusive)|date=January 11, 2017 |work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=March 1, 2017|archive-date=March 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302113746/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/news/jim-parsons-host-political-radio-show-siriusxm-963395|url-status=live}} In August 2018, Parsons announced his refusal of a contract worth $50 million for seasons 13 and 14 of The Big Bang Theory. The producers simultaneously announced that, after 279 episodes, the most of any multi-camera series in TV history, the show would come to an "epic, creative close" in May 2019. Parsons was expected to remain in his role as narrator of the prequel series, Young Sheldon.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/08/22/cbs-comedy-big-bang-theory-end-after-season-12-may-2019/1064911002/ |title='The Big Bang Theory' will end with Season 12 in May 2019: 'A true labor of love' |last=Keveney |first=Bill |date=August 22, 2018 |website=USA Today |access-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825113606/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/08/22/cbs-comedy-big-bang-theory-end-after-season-12-may-2019/1064911002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-final-ending-jim-parsons-quit-sheldon-cooper-a8504401.html |title=The Big Bang Theory ending after Jim Parsons 'turns down $50m' to return as Sheldon Cooper |last=Stolworthy |first=Jacob |date=August 24, 2018 |website=Independent |access-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825075438/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-final-ending-jim-parsons-quit-sheldon-cooper-a8504401.html |url-status=live }} In 2018, Parsons was one of the actors who voiced the audiobook A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.{{cite news |last=Perkins |first=Dennis |date=March 19, 2018 |title=John Oliver hijacks homophobe Mike Pence's bunny book with a better one in A Day In The Life Of Marlon Bundo |url=https://www.avclub.com/john-oliver-hijacks-homophobe-mike-pences-bunny-book-wi-1823879129 |work=AV Club |access-date=March 19, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029214906/https://www.avclub.com/john-oliver-hijacks-homophobe-mike-pences-bunny-book-wi-1823879129 |url-status=live }} Parsons starred as party host Michael in the 50th anniversary Broadway production of The Boys in the Band, which won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, reprising his performance (with the whole Broadway anniversary cast) in the 2020 film adaptation.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/legit/news/boys-in-the-band-broadway-matt-bomer-jim-parsons-1202604644/|title=Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto Lead Cast of Broadway 'Boys in the Band'|work=Variety|first=Gordon|last=Cox|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=November 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102013547/http://variety.com/2017/legit/news/boys-in-the-band-broadway-matt-bomer-jim-parsons-1202604644/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-boys-in-the-band-516746|title=The Boys in the Band (2018)|publisher=Internet Broadway Database|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=November 5, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108001909/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-boys-in-the-band-516746|url-status=live}}
= 2020–present: Return to theatre =
In 2020, he portrayed Henry Willson in the Ryan Murphy limited series Hollywood on Netflix. He also served as an executive producer. For his performance he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/emmys-2020-nominations-complete-list-1234715939/|title= Emmys 2020: List of Nominations|website= Variety|date= July 28, 2020|accessdate= April 8, 2024}} In 2022 he portrayed Michael Ausiello in the romantic comedy Spoiler Alert distributed by Focus Features.{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spoiler-alert-jim-parsons-michael-showalter-michael-ausiello-1235267668/|title= 'Spoiler Alert' Review: Jim Parsons Brings Heart and Conviction to Michael Showalter's Rom-Com Tearjerker|website= The Hollywood Reporter|date= November 28, 2022|accessdate= April 8, 2024}} He acted in the revival of Terrence McNally's A Man of No Importance at the Classic Stage Company. He starred in Paula Vogel's new play Mother Play (2024) acting alongside Jessica Lange and Celia Keenan-Bolger. He is set to star as the Stage Manager in the revival of the Thorton Wilder play Our Town at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/jim-parsons-katie-holmes-zoey-deutch-star-in-our-town-on-broadway-1235865161/|title= Jim Parsons, Katie Holmes, Zoey Deutch to Star in 'Our Town' Revival on Broadway|website= The Hollywood Reporter|date= April 3, 2024|accessdate= April 8, 2024}}
Personal life
Parsons lives in the New York City{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/jim-parsons-weds-todd-spiewak-in-new-york/ar-BBB82Sm?li=BBnb4R7|title=Jim Parsons weds Todd Spiewak in New York|publisher=Wonderwall via MSN|access-date=May 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518204545/http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/jim-parsons-weds-todd-spiewak-in-new-york/ar-BBB82Sm?li=BBnb4R7|archive-date=May 18, 2017|url-status=dead}} neighborhood Gramercy Park{{cite news|last=Moses|first=Claire|title=Jim Parsons buys Gramercy Park penthouse for $2.8M|url=http://therealdeal.com/2014/12/16/big-bang-theorys-jim-parsons-buys-gramercy-park-penthouse-for-2-8m/|access-date=July 30, 2016|publisher=The Real Deal|date=December 16, 2014|ref=GramercyParkPH|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131052550/https://therealdeal.com/2014/12/16/big-bang-theorys-jim-parsons-buys-gramercy-park-penthouse-for-2-8m/|url-status=live}} while also maintaining a residence in Los Angeles.{{cite news| last=Getlen| first=Larry| url=http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/item_wdQH8p7Q2HrdQ8qX3pGa2L| title='Big Bang Theory' Nerd May Get The Girl| work=New York Post| date=April 27, 2009| access-date=February 27, 2010| archive-date=June 19, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619022345/http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/item_wdQH8p7Q2HrdQ8qX3pGa2L| url-status=live}}
His father died in a car crash on April 29, 2001 when Parsons was 28.
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.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/theater/jim-parsons-prepares-for-his-lead-role-in-harvey.html| title=Stalked by Shadows (and a Rabbit)| work=The New York Times| date=May 23, 2012| access-date=May 23, 2012| first=Patrick| last=Healy| archive-date=May 24, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524184526/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/theater/jim-parsons-prepares-for-his-lead-role-in-harvey.html| url-status=live}} His husband 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".{{cite web|last=Malkin|first=Marc|title=Jim Parsons Opens Up For the First Time About Relationship With Longtime Boyfriend|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/472109/jim-parsons-opens-up-for-the-first-time-about-relationship-with-longtime-boyfriend|publisher=E!|date=October 19, 2013|access-date=February 14, 2014|archive-date=February 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215093435/http://www.eonline.com/news/472109/jim-parsons-opens-up-for-the-first-time-about-relationship-with-longtime-boyfriend|url-status=live}} Parsons and Spiewak wed in New York in May 2017.
Parsons supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the run-up for the 2016 United States presidential election.{{cite magazine|last=Johnson|first=Ted|url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-hollywood-1201878938/|title=Clinton vs. Trump in Hollywood: Who's Giving|magazine=Variety|date=October 7, 2016|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408020041/https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-hollywood-1201878938/|url-status=live}}
Acting credits
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2003
| Casting Assistant | |
| 2004
| Tim | |
| 2005
| Heights | Oliver | |
| 2005
| {{sortname|The|Great New Wonderful}} | Justin | |
| 2005
| {{sortname|The|King's Inn|nolink=1}} | Sidney | Short film |
| 2006
| Receptionist | |
| 2006
| Classmate | |
| 2007
| Jimmy Pea | |
| 2007
| Spim | |
| 2011
| {{sortname|The|Big Year}} | Crane | |
| 2011
| {{sortname|The|Muppets|dab=2011 film}} | Human Walter | Cameo |
| 2012
| Sunset Stories | Prince | |
| 2014
| Paul | |
| 2015
| Home | Oh | Voice |
| 2015
| Visions | Dr. Mathison |
| 2016
| Paul Stafford |
| 2018
| Greg Wheeler |
| 2019
| Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile | Larry Simpson |
| 2020
| Michael |
| 2022 |
| 2025
| Snowball |Voice{{cite web |last1=Lang |first1=Brent |title=Andy Serkis Animal Farm Animated Film Casts Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Woody Harrelson and More in Voice Roles (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/andy-serkis-animal-farm-animated-film-seth-rogen-glenn-close-woody-harrelson-1236375419/ |website=Variety |access-date=22 April 2025 |date=April 22, 2025}} |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2002
| Ed | Chet | Episode: "The Road" |
| 2004–2005
| Rob Holbrook | 7 episodes |
| 2007–2019
| {{sortname|The|Big Bang Theory}} | Main role |
| 2009, 2012
| Sheldon Cooper / Gay-Jacker (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2010
| Draven (voice) | Episode: "Jackie's Get-Witch-Quick Scheme" |
| 2011
| {{sortname|The|Super Hero Squad Show}} | Nightmare (voice) | Episode: "Blind Rage Knows No Color!" |
| 2011
| Milton Feltwaddle (voice) |
| 2011
| iCarly | Caleb | Episode: "iLost My Mind" |
| 2011
| Eureka | Carl the Jeep (voice) | Episode: "Do You See What I See" |
| 2012
| {{sortname|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
| Season 4; Episode 8 |
| 2014
|Episode: "Jim Parsons/Beck" |
| 2014
| Tommy Boatwright | Television film |
| 2014
| Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas | Buddy (voice) |
| 2016
| Mr. Skibumpers (voice) | Episode: "SuperMansion: War on Christmas" |
| 2017
| Hay Man (voice) |Television film{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=July 12, 2017 |title=Michael Jackson animated Halloween special in the works |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/michael-jackson-animated-halloween-special-in-the-works-2108442 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029054905/https://www.nme.com/news/music/michael-jackson-animated-halloween-special-in-the-works-2108442 |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |website=NME}} |
| 2017–2024
| Sheldon Cooper (voice) | Narrator; also executive producer (live-action in "Memoir") |
| 2019–2021
| Special | {{N/A}} |
| 2020
| Himself (voice) | Episode: "Frinkcoin"{{Cite web |last=Kemp |first=Ella |date=February 26, 2020 |title='The Big Bang Theory' star Jim Parsons explains cryptocurrency in 'The Simpsons' cameo |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/the-big-bang-theory-jim-parsons-explains-cryptocurrency-the-simpsons-cameo-2614980 |access-date=July 21, 2024 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} |
| 2020 |
| 2021
| Staged | Himself | Episode: "The Warthog and the Mongoose: Part Two" |
| 2021–2023
| {{NA}} |
= Theatre =
| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! Venue ! class=unsortable|Ref. |
| 1993
| Torturer (Arthur) | | |
| 1994
| Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead | | |
| 1995
| La Ronde | Alfred | | |
| 1995
| Endgame | Clov |
| 1995
| Steve | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1996
| Rusty Charlie | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1996
| Eddie Goes to Poetry City | Eddie | Zocalo Theatre |
| 1996
| Jack and the Future Is in Eggs | Jack | | |
| 1996
| Othello | Iago | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1996
| Suicide in B-flat | Petrone | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1996
| Woyzeck | Doctor / Horse's Head | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1997
| Yasha | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1997
| Chili Queen | Buddy |
| 1997
| Baron | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1997
| Last Rites | Tiger Clean | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1998
| MacHeath | Infernal Bridegroom Productions |
| 1998
| Below the Belt | Dobbitt | | |
| 1998
| J. {{not a typo|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
| 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 | Young Charlie |
| 2002
| What Happened Was | Jackie | The Paradise Theatre | |
| 2001
| The Castle | Jeremiah |
| 2002
| Tartuffe | Valère |
| 2004
| The Love for Three Oranges (Gozzi) | Prince Tartaglia | La Jolla Playhouse |
| 2011
| Tommy Boatwright |
| 2012
| Harvey | Elwood Dowd |
| 2015
| God |
| 2018
| Michael |
| 2022
| Alfie Byrne |
| 2024
| Carl |
| 2024
| Our Town | Stage Manager |
=Video games=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2010 |
Awards and nominations
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Jim Parsons}}
See also
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category|Jim Parsons}}
- {{IMDb name|1433588}}
- {{IBDB name}}
- {{iobdb name|36512}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090207064628/http://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_bang_theory/bio/jim_parsons/bio.php CBS Biography]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090909151858/http://www.movieline.com/2009/09/jim-parsons-interview.php Movieline interviews Big Bang Theory{{'}}s Jim Parsons On Learning Lines, Emmy Nods and Cast Ping Pong Deathmatches]
- [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130156625 Fresh Air Interview: Jim Parsons On The Science Of Sheldon, 'Big Bang']
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Jim Parsons
|list =
{{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series}}
{{EmmyAward ComedyLeadActor 2001-2025}}
{{GoldenGlobeBestActorTVComedy 2010-2029}}
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Star}}
{{TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Parsons, Jim}}
Category:20th-century American LGBTQ people
Category:20th-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:Actors from Spring, Texas
Category:American male film actors
Category:American male stage actors
Category:American male television actors
Category:American male voice actors
Category:Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (television) winners
Category:LGBTQ people from Texas
Category:LGBTQ television producers
Category:Male actors from Houston
Category:Male actors from Manhattan
Category:Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winners
Category:Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Award winners
Category:People from Gramercy Park
Category:Theatre World Award winners