'The Big Bang Theory' Is Finally Introducing Leonard's Father

The Big Bang Theory is one of my favorite sitcoms as of late. In the past 9 seasons we've been introduced to several relatives of the main cast We've met Raj's mother (Mrs.), father (V.M.) and sister (Priya), Bernadette's father (Mike), Penny's father (Wyatt), Sheldon's mother (Mary), sister (Missy) and beloved meemaw, Amy's mother and of course Leonard's mother (Beverly).

The Big Bang Theory is as much about family as it is about the awkwardness of the characters themselves, and that's part of the charm. Part of why I watch Big Bang is the nostalgic feelings of when I was growing up watching the sitcoms on Nick at Night and TV Land. Shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore, Hogan's Heroes, Barney Miller, M*A*S*H, Murphy Brown, The Bob Newhart Show and Taxi.

So when I heard that The Big Bang Theory was introducing Leonard's father, I was incredibly excited about who that got to portray the role. The news broke at the Paley Center for Media's annual PaleyFest, where several shows bring the casts and crators of several shows to sit down for interviews in front of countless fans.

Judd Hirsch will bring the role to life, and if you don't know why I'm so excited about the casting - go find some reruns of the show Taxi, and you'll understand. Judd Hirsch has a long history on film and television that spans from his first appearance in a TV movie called The Law in 1974. He has appeared in several TV series including Numb3rs, Damages, Dear John and The Goldbergs. As far as movies, you may recognize him from 1981's Ordinary People or more recently Independence Day and it's upcoming sequel Independence Day: Resurgence.

Very little is known about Leonard's father, not even his name has been mentioned at this point. What we do know is that he is an anthropologist who worked with the famed archaeologist Louis Leakey. Leonard's father and mother are divorced, so it will be interesting to see how he is finally introduced and how he may play a role going into the future.