The Nickelodeon Icon You Likely Forgot Guest-Starred On The Big Bang Theory
Throughout the 12 seasons of CBS' "The Big Bang Theory," most episodes focus on the core cast of seven as they navigate their respective careers and relationships. However, as with any long-running sitcom, celebrity guest stars pop in occasionally to bring a fresh burst of comedy.
Many special guests on "The Big Bang Theory" make perfect sense. For example, given Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj's (Kunal Nayyar) love for "Star Trek," it was only a matter of time before someone from the sci-fi series appeared. In Season 4, George Takei, along with "Battlestar Galactica" actor Katee Sackhoff, makes an appearance. Even Sheldon's hero Leonard Nimoy, known for playing Spock in the "Star Trek" franchise, lends his voice to an action figure of himself in Season 5.
On the other hand, some famous faces are an enjoyable surprise, such as Elon Musk, the brains behind Tesla, working at a homeless shelter, and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Sarah Michelle Gellar, who plays herself and accompanies Raj to the Nobel Prize award ceremony for Sheldon and Amy (Mayim Bialik).
One such surprise guest, who can be seen in Season 7, takes on a persona that's a complete shift from what fans know him best for.
Josh Peck plays a rude comic book store owner
From 2004 to 2007, Josh Peck was a staple on Nickelodeon as Josh Nicols, the smart, somewhat dorky stepbrother of aspiring musician Drake Parker (Drake Bell) in the hit series "Drake & Josh." Peck's character of Nichols is typically kind, responsible, and caring — a direct contrast to his role as Jesse on "The Big Bang Theory."
In Season 7, Episode 13, "The Occupation Recalibration," Jesse is the rival comic book store owner of Stuart's (Kevin Sussman) Comic Center of Pasadena, which is typically only occupied by Sheldon and his friends. When Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) accidentally ruins Howard's "Batman" comic book with her curling iron and Stuart doesn't have an immediate backup, they're forced to go to Jesse's Capitol Comics. Not only is it jam-packed, but it also offers lattes and baked goods to patrons.
Jesse is instantly rude to Stuart, to whom he says, "Look at how gray you've gotten!" in reference to Stuart's complexion. He also assumes that Bernadette went into Stuart's store "by mistake" and asks if he needs "directions to the nearest soup kitchen."
Though some "Big Bang Theory" fans were critical of its later seasons, many agreed that Peck was excellent in his cameo. On Reddit, u/Todemax said, "Man I hope he is in more episodes," while u/knightkoala wrote, "The only thing interesting about Bernadette's story line was being able to see Josh Peck in a good role since 'Drake [&] Josh.'"