What the 'Big Bang Theory' star is up to today - Kaley Cuoco’s bold shift from *The Big Bang Theory* to thriller stardom in 2026
Kaley Cuoco has built a career spanning comedy, voice acting, and producing. Best known as Penny in The Big Bang Theory, she has since taken on new roles behind and in front of the camera. Her latest project, the mystery thriller Vanished, arrives in early 2026.
Cuoco’s breakout role came in 2002 with 8 Simple Rules, where she played Bridget Hennessy until 2005. That same year, she appeared in the final season of Charmed as Billie, a young witch. But her biggest opportunity arrived when she auditioned for The Big Bang Theory—originally for the part of Katie. Instead, she landed the role of Penny, the show’s female lead.
The sitcom ran for twelve seasons, ending in 2019 after Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon, decided to leave. During its run, Cuoco briefly dated co-star Johnny Galecki between 2007 and 2009. The pair later reunited in a 2025 commercial, playing a fictional couple again.
Beyond acting, Cuoco expanded into producing. She voices Harley Quinn in the animated series of the same name, which she also co-produces through her company, Yes, Norman Productions. In 2020, she starred in and executive produced The Flight Attendant, a dark comedy based on Chris Bohjalian’s novel.
Her personal life has seen changes too. She was first married to tennis player Ryan Sweeting from 2013 to 2016, then to equestrian Karl Cook from 2018 to 2022. Now, she is engaged to actor Tom Pelphrey, with whom she has a daughter, Matilda.
Currently, Cuoco is working on Vanished, a mystery thriller miniseries set for February 2026. She stars alongside German actor Matthias Schweighöfer and serves as a producer on the project.
From sitcoms to thrillers, Cuoco has moved between acting and producing with steady success. Vanished marks her next step as both a performer and creative force. The miniseries will test her range in a darker, more suspenseful genre.
