The Big Bang Theory shines because of the chemistry of its ensemble cast, but they’re also talented actors on their own. After playing their iconic Big Bang Theory characters for over a decade, it’s hard to imagine the actors as anyone else. However, some of them, such as including Johnny Galecki and Mayim Bialik were already childhood sitcom stars before The Big Bang Theory. Other cast members have used their Big Bang Theory cachet to produce and star in a new series since the Chuck Lorre sitcom ended.

While The Big Bang Theory universe continues to grow with new spin-offs like Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, the original cast will always have a special place in fans’ hearts. Revisiting their roles in other TV series makes me appreciate the strength of their performances in The Big Bang Theory, as it can be easy to forget they are not their beloved characters. It’s interesting to consider how their previous roles led them to The Big Bang Theory, as well as what they chose to do after 12 seasons on CBS’s hit show.

She returned to television in The Big Bang Theory as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler, a socially discomfiting but ultimately endearing neurobiologist. Like Blossom, Amy was highly intelligent and self-assured, though far more reserved. The Big Bang Theory provided a role that aligned with Bialik’s real-world academic background and nodded to her former role in Blossom.