Jim Parsons says 'The Big Bang Theory' success left him 'miserable'
The Emmy-winning actor revealed obsessive work habits made him "miserable" during 'The Big Bang Theory'
Jim Parsons is reflecting on the personal cost of his years on The Big Bang Theory, admitting that despite the show's enormous success, he often felt overwhelmed and unhappy.
Speaking on the All Out with Jon Dean podcast, the 53-year-old actor revealed that he would not relive that chapter of his career, regardless of the financial reward.
"I look back now and realise that there were many ways, at some of the best moments in my life, I was miserable. I was not happy. I was stressed," Parsons said.
The actor explained that he constantly felt pressure to maintain his success, believing he had to keep "so many plates" in the air through relentless hard work.
"I wouldn't do that again and for any amount of money... it was stressful and miserable at times. I made myself miserable," he admitted.
Parsons, who won four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for portraying Sheldon Cooper, said much of his intense work ethic stemmed from obsessive tendencies.
"It translated in part into a work ethic, but it was really just obsessive behaviour basically," he said, adding that he had a mental checklist of tasks he believed he had to complete before feeling prepared to work.
The actor acknowledged that his mindset caused him to miss out on "tons of life," but he has no regrets because the long-running sitcom ultimately shaped his career.
"I wouldn't be where I am right now if I hadn't had that time of life and that somewhat self-tortured nature was part of it," Parsons explained.
The Emmy-winning star also spoke about learning to embrace his association with Sheldon, a role he played throughout the show's 12-season run from 2007 to 2019.
"It's evolving, and it gets better all the time. What I feel is better, what I feel is healthier," he said, while describing fame as "a very odd psychological thing."
Parsons added that one of the strangest aspects of celebrity is being recognized everywhere by people who still identify him with a character he stopped playing years ago.
