Kaley Cuoco

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Kaley Cuoco
Cuoco in 2017
Born
Kaley Christine Cuoco

(1985-11-30) November 30, 1985 (age 38)
Other namesKaley Cuoco-Sweeting
Occupation
  • Actress
Years active1992–present
Spouses
  • (m. 2013; div. 2016)
  • Karl Cook
    (m. 2018; div. 2022)
PartnerTom Pelphrey (2022–present)
Children1
FamilyBriana Cuoco (sister)

Kaley Christine Cuoco (/ˈkwk/ KWOH-koh;[1] born November 30, 1985) is an American actress. She is known for starring as Penny on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019) and as the title character in the HBO Max comedic thriller The Flight Attendant (2020–2022).[2] The latter earned her nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

Cuoco has also played Billie Jenkins in the fantasy series Charmed (2005–2006), voiced the title role in the animated series Harley Quinn since 2019, and played the lead role in the comedy thriller series Based on a True Story (2023). Her film work include several television films, such as Quicksand: No Escape (1992) and Growing Up Brady (2000), as well as Virtuosity (1995), Hop (2011), The Wedding Ringer (2015), The Man from Toronto, Meet Cute (both 2022), and Role Play (2024). She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014[3] and in 2017 founded Yes, Norman Productions.

Early life

Kaley Christine Cuoco was born on November 30, 1985, in Camarillo, California, the elder daughter of Layne Ann (née Wingate), a homemaker, and Gary Carmine Cuoco, a realtor.[4] Her father is of Italian descent while her mother is of English and German ancestry.[5] Her sister, Briana, is an actress and singer who competed on the fifth season of The Voice and has a recurring role on the HBO Max series The Flight Attendant[6] and on Harley Quinn as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl. As a child, Cuoco was a ranked amateur tennis player, a sport she took up when she was three years old.[7] She stopped playing at the age of 16 to pursue a career in acting.[8]

Career

1995–2006: Early work and 8 Simple Rules

Cuoco made her first feature film appearance as the young Karin Carter in the 1995 action thriller Virtuosity.[9] From 2000 to 2001, she appeared on the CBS sitcom Ladies Man and in 2000 she portrayed former The Brady Bunch star Maureen McCormick in the TV film Growing Up Brady as well as starring in the Disney Channel original film Alley Cats Strike. In September 2002, she began a starring role as Bridget Hennessy on the ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter (afterwards 8 Simple Rules). Bridget was the oldest child, despite Cuoco being six years younger than Amy Davidson, who played her younger sister.

In addition to the final season of 8 Simple Rules, Cuoco had starring roles on the NBC miniseries 10.5, the ABC Family original film Crimes of Fashion, the independent film Debating Robert Lee,[10] and in the film The Hollow at the same time. She also voiced the character of Brandy Harrington, a 14-year-old anthropomorphic mixed-breed dog, on the Disney Channel animated series Brandy and Mr. Whiskers. She voiced the character of Kirstee Smith in Bratz from 2004 to 2005. In the eighth season of the TV series Charmed, she appeared as Billie Jenkins, a powerful young witch with the powers of telekinesis and projection. Executive producer Brad Kern stated that Cuoco's character was initially brought in as a possible spin-off.[citation needed]

2007–2016: The Big Bang Theory and other roles

Cuoco at the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2009

In September 2007, Cuoco began starring in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, playing Penny, a Cheesecake Factory employee and aspiring actress who lives across the hall from physicists Dr. Leonard Hofstadter and Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Prior to the 2010–2011 season, she earned US$60,000 an episode for the series, the same as her co-stars. In 2010, the cast negotiated a raise for each actor to make US$200,000 per episode.[11] As of August 2014, Cuoco and her co-stars from The Big Bang Theory Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons each earned an estimated US$1 million per episode.[12][13]

In late October 2012, Cuoco enlisted the help of her sister Briana to organize a flash mob on the set of the show, in which she and the cast and crew surprised the studio audience by suddenly lip syncing and dancing to Carly Rae Jepsen's song "Call Me Maybe". A video of the event was posted on YouTube and became a viral success.[14][15] A clip from the performance was also played during Cuoco's January 8, 2013, appearance on the late-night talk show Conan.[16]

Cuoco at PaleyFest in March 2013

Cuoco starred in the Lifetime film To Be Fat like Me, which premiered on January 8, 2007.[17] She played a minor role in the Prison Break episodes "The Message" and "Chicago", as well as starring in the comedy horror spoof Killer Movie in 2008. She also appeared in the 2010 film The Penthouse. In 2011, she posed nude in Allure magazine's annual "Naked Truth" feature.[18] That same year, she appeared in the films Hop and The Last Ride.[19] She was also chosen to host the Teen Choice Awards in 2011,[20] as well as the People's Choice Awards in 2012 and 2013.[21][22] She is a regular on Priceline.com commercials as the daughter of William Shatner's character.[23]

2017–present: Harley Quinn animated series and The Flight Attendant

In October 2017, Cuoco founded Yes, Norman Productions, a television production company which entered an exclusive multi-year first-look production deal with Warner Bros. Television. Her first project through Yes, Norman was an adaptation of the book The Flight Attendant, written by author Chris Bohjalian, which was developed into a comedy-drama series of the same name. Cuoco starred in the series as Cassie Bowden, and also served as executive producer.[24] The Flight Attendant premiered on November 26, 2020, on WarnerMedia's streaming platform HBO Max to widespread critical acclaim, and was renewed for a second season on December 18, 2020.[25][26][27]

In October 2018, it was announced that Cuoco would voice the title character of the DC Universe adult animation series Harley Quinn, and also serve as executive producer.[28] The series premiered on November 29, 2019, to critical acclaim.[29] In September 2020, it was announced that the series was renewed for a third season and would move to HBO Max.[30]

In August 2019, it was announced that Cuoco would executive produce the upcoming CBS comedy Pretty, which is written and also executive produced by Lindsey Kraft and Santina Muha.[31] In April 2020, Cuoco joined the cast of the upcoming action comedy film The Man from Toronto as the female lead alongside Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson.[32]

In March 2021, it was announced that Cuoco would play Doris Day in an upcoming limited series based on A. E. Hotchner's 1976 biography, Doris Day: Her Own Story. She will also serve as an executive producer of the series.[33] Two months later, her production company expanded its Warner overall deal.[34]

Personal life

While working on The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco privately dated co-star Johnny Galecki for roughly two years, until December 2009. She later told CBS Watch in September 2010 that they have remained on good terms since ending their relationship.[35]

On September 13, 2010, Cuoco broke her leg in a horse-riding accident and missed the filming of two episodes of The Big Bang Theory.[36]

In October 2011, she became engaged to addiction specialist Josh Resnik, but ended their engagement by March 2012.[37] She became engaged to professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting in September 2013, after three months of dating. They married on December 31, 2013, in Santa Susana, California.[38] On September 25, 2015, it was announced that she and Sweeting had decided to divorce.[39] The divorce was finalized on May 9, 2016.[40]

Cuoco began dating equestrian Karl Cook in late 2016.[41][42] They became engaged on November 30, 2017, Cuoco's 32nd birthday, and were married on June 30, 2018.[43][44] In September 2021, the couple announced their separation, stating "we have realized that our current paths have taken us in opposite directions".[45] In June 2022, their divorce was finalized.[46]

Cuoco confirmed her relationship with actor Tom Pelphrey in May 2022.[47] Five months later, she announced on Instagram that they were expecting their first child together.[48] Cuoco gave birth to their daughter on March 30, 2023.[49]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1992 Quicksand: No Escape Connie Reinhardt
1995 Virtuosity Karin Carter
1997 Picture Perfect Little Girl
Toothless Lori
1998 Mr. Murder Charlotte Stillwater
1999 Can't Be Heaven Teresa Powers
2000 Alley Cats Strike Elisa Bowers
Growing Up Brady Maureen McCormick
2004 Debating Robert Lee Maralee Rodgers
Crimes of Fashion Brooke Sarto
The Hollow Karen
2005 Lucky 13 Sarah Baker
2006 Wasted Katie Cooning
Bratz Passion 4 Fashion – Diamondz Kirstee Smith Voice
Bratz: Genie Magic
2007 To Be Fat like Me Alyson Schmidt
Cougar Club Amanda
2008 Killer Movie Blanca Champion
2010 The Penthouse Erica Roc
2011 Hop Sam O'Hare
The Last Ride Wanda
2014 Authors Anonymous Hannah Rinaldi Also executive producer
A Million Ways to Die in the West Woman in the Store Unrated version
2015 The Wedding Ringer Gretchen Palmer
Burning Bodhi Katy
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Eleanor Voice
2016 Why Him? Justine Voice
2017 Handsome Herself
2022 The Man from Toronto Anne
Meet Cute Sheila Also executive producer
2024 Role Play Emma Also producer

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1994 My So-Called Life Young Angela Chase Episode: "Father Figures"
Northern Exposure Miranda Episode: "Hello, I Love You"
1996 Ellen Little Ellen Morgan Episode: "The Bubble Gum Incident"
1998 The Tony Danza Show Pammie Green Episode: ″Mini-Pause″
2000 Don't Forget Your Toothbrush Ashley Episode: "March 12, 2000"[citation needed]
2000–2001 Ladies Man Bonnie Stiles Main role
2001 7th Heaven Lynn Episode: "Relationships"
2002 First Monday Alyssa Episode: "Pilot"
The Ellen Show Vanessa Episode: "Shallow Gal"
The Nightmare Room Kristin Ferris Episode: "My Name is Evil"
2002–2005 8 Simple Rules Bridget Hennessy Main role
2004 The Help Carly Michaels Episode: "Pilot"
Complete Savages Erin Episode: "For Whom the Cell Tolls"
Punk'd Herself Episode: "May 9, 2004"
10.5 Amanda Williams 2 episodes
2004–2006 Brandy & Mr. Whiskers Brandy Harrington Voice, main role
2005–2006 Bratz Kirstee Smith Voice, main role
2005–2007 Loonatics Unleashed Paula Hayes / Weather Vane Voice, 3 episodes
2005–2006 Charmed Billie Jenkins Main role
2007 Prison Break Sasha Murray 2 episodes
2007–2019 The Big Bang Theory Penny Main role
2012 Drew Peterson: Untouchable Stacy Peterson Television film
2016 Comedy Bang! Bang! Herself Episode: "Kaley Cuoco Wears a Black Blazer and Slip on Sneakers"
Lip Sync Battle Herself Episode: "Josh Gad vs. Kaley Cuoco"[50]
2018 Best.Worst.Weekend.Ever. Herself Episode: "Issue 8"
2019–present Harley Quinn Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn Voice, main role; also executive producer
2019 Young Sheldon Pool Water[51] Voice, episode: "Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib"
2020–2022 The Flight Attendant Cassie Bowden Main role; also executive producer
2021 Curb Your Enthusiasm Heidi Episode: "The Watermelon"
2023 Based on a True Story Ava Bartlett Main role; also executive producer
2024 Kite-Man: Hell Yeah Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn Voice; also executive producer

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
1993 Young Artist Awards Best Young Actress in a Cable Movie Quicksand: No Escape Nominated
2000 Best Young Actress in a Mini-Series/Made for TV Film Growing Up Brady Nominated
2003 Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actress 8 Simple Rules Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress: Comedy Nominated
Choice TV Breakout Star: Female Won
2004 Choice TV Actress: Comedy Nominated
Young Artist Awards Best Young Adult Performer in a Teenage Role Nominated
2010 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress: Comedy The Big Bang Theory Nominated
2011 Nominated
2012 People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actress Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress: Comedy Nominated
Satellite Awards Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Won [52]
2013 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress: Comedy Nominated
People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actress Nominated
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (tied with Eden Sher) Won
2014 People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actress Won
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Funny Star Nominated
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
2015 People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actress Won
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress: Comedy Nominated
2016 Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Supporting Actress Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
The Wedding Ringer
Won
2019 Teen Choice Awards Choice Comedy TV Actress The Big Bang Theory Nominated
2021 Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Voice Actress in an Animated Series Harley Quinn Won
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Actress in a Comedy Series The Flight Attendant Nominated
Golden Globe Awards Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (as executive producer) Nominated
Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
Producers Guild of America Awards Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series (as executive producer) Nominated
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy Nominated
Television Critics Association Awards Individual Achievement in Comedy Nominated [53]
2022 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy Nominated
2023 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
Golden Globe Awards Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated

References

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External links