What The Ladies From The Big Bang Theory Look Like Without Makeup
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The actresses of "The Big Bang Theory" are totally gorgeous, but they've admitted they don't have a lot in common with their alter egos' personalities. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz actor Melissa Rauch confirmed that to ET, sharing, "Everyone's really different from their characters." Sheldon Cooper star Jim Parsons agreed, noting, "The longer we've gone on, the more I feel like nobody is like their character anymore."
Of course, one thing the cast did have in common with their on-screen counterparts was their looks. But even then, the CBS show's talented glam team worked hard to get them into character and camera-ready, using heavy TV makeup like matte foundation and heavy powder. In Kaley Cuoco's case, her character Penny Hofstadter was often wearing more obvious cosmetics than her co-stars, including glossy lips and heavy eyeshadow. However, in real life, the talented ladies of the show aren't afraid to show us what they look like sans makeup, and we can confirm they're absolutely stunning. But don't just take our word for it, because these no-makeup photos show the true beauty of the leading ladies of "The Big Bang Theory".
Kaley Cuoco
We got a peek at Kaley Cuoco looking gorgeous without makeup in 2024 as she posed with her daughter, Matilda, for a sweet Instagram selfie. The beauty's complexion looked warm and healthy, her lips were plump, and she barely had any dark circles under her eyes. The actor's brows weren't quite as full as when they're filled in, though, and her lashes weren't as noticeable as when she wears mascara. One of her favorites? Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara in Classic Black, which she wore on her wedding day with her ex, Karl Cook.
Melissa Rauch
Melissa Rauch was makeup-free in a wintery 2024 Instagram snap. The star, born in 1980, looked years younger than her age and smiled at the camera while wearing a knitted hat. Her cheeks glowed a healthy pink, while her lips looked hydrated despite the plummeting temperatures. The star's skin appeared just as healthy, which may be because she knows the importance of using SPF products all winter long. "My skin is basically translucent, so I like to keep a bottle of Goddess Garden Sunblock handy so I don't turn into a tomato," she told Us Weekly.
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik has proudly and publicly gone without makeup several times, including in 2017 when she shared before-and-after Facebook photos while doing her own makeup. The actor, who played Amy Farrah Fowler, still had enviably fluffy brows and piercing eyes, but clearly wasn't wearing mascara or eyeliner. She's clearly also one of the lucky ones who doesn't experience obvious eye bags. To keep her skin looking so good, Bialik once tried laser, a treatment to clear up skin discoloration. Though happy with the results, she admitted on her GrokNation blog that she had mixed emotions about cosmetic treatments.
Sara Gilbert
Sara Gilbert has never been afraid to embrace her natural beauty. The actor appeared as Leslie Winkle on "The Big Bang Theory" for several episodes in the earlier seasons and often leans toward lighter makeup looks on and off-screen. So, she doesn't look too different when she's not made up. Gilbert proved that on Instagram in 2024 in a selfie with one of her children. The former "The Talk" star's warm skin glowed, and her eyes were big and bright as she softly smiled.
Laurie Metcalf
Laurie Metcalf played Sheldon Cooper's mom, Mary Cooper, on "The Big Bang Theory" and has shown us her breathtaking natural beauty in public. The iconic actor was bare-faced when she attended the opening night of "Come From Away" in 2017, and we're not surprised she had no qualms about stepping out without a little lipstick or bronzer. Her blemish-free skin had a healthy glow, but it was obvious she wasn't wearing foundation as her skin's natural pinkness showed around her nose. In "Young Sheldon," Mary Cooper is played by Zoe Perry, who's equally stunning in real life.
Courtney Henggeler
Courtney Henggeler appeared in a handful of "The Big Bang Theory" episodes as Missy Cooper. In 2019, she posted an inspiringly candid Instagram photo of herself holding her baby daughter with a poignant caption, admitting she spent a long time altering her makeup-free appearance using apps. However, the star decided to post the original photo, eyebags and all. "I haven't had Botox in a year ... There's no amount of concealer to fill the bags under my eyes," she wrote. But she looked beyond gorgeous with a healthy complexion and flattering, arched brows.