The Real-Life Reason The Big Bang Theory's Penny Is From Nebraska
Kaley Cuoco's claim-to-fame character isn't from the Cornhusker State by coincidence. Her backstory is inspired by someone very close to TBBT.
In the CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," Penny's origin is Nebraska, a fact that distinguishes her from the show's intellectual main characters. Her connection to Nebraska is more than just geographical; it also stems from her passion for collegiate sports, specifically the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Executive producer and writer Lee Aronsohn chose Nebraska as Penny's home state due to his personal ties to the region.
Aronsohn lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, for two years with his girlfriend. When he moved back to Los Angeles to pursue a career in showbusiness, he opened a comic book store named Trade-A-Tape Comic Center, which he sold in 1977. Despite living in Nebraska, Aronsohn's story paralleled Penny's, as he eventually moved to Los Angeles as well.
Following the closure of his comic book store, Aronsohn relocated to Los Angeles, where he found success in the television industry. He worked on shows such as "The Love Boat" and "Murphy Brown," and co-created "Two and a Half Men." Even though Penny is born in Omaha, Nebraska, her Nebraska roots are highlighted in the show. In the pilot episode, Penny mentions her screenplay about a sensitive girl who moves from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Los Angeles to become an actress.
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