Johnny Galecki’s Quirky On-Set Habit from The Big Bang Theory
We all have our peculiar habits, right? While I’m not here to air my own laundry, I can’t help but dive into a rather gross revelation involving Johnny Galecki. His co-star Kunal Nayyar, who is known for his role as Raj Koothrappali, spilled some tea about Galecki’s rather unsavory practice on the set of The Big Bang Theory.
During an appearance on a British talk show, Nayyar didn’t hold back. When asked what lay beyond the iconic stairwell set, he revealed, “Down there is nothing. There’s a wall there where Johnny Galecki, for 12 years, would stick his chewing gum on. I’m not joking.” That’s right—Galecki had a habit of sticking his chewed gum on a wall behind the scenes. Nayyar even joked that if you’re a committed fan of Galecki, you might just be able to find some of that now-dried gum for sale online.
Now, we can’t deny that Galecki has a knack for chewing, even if his on-screen eating skills have been the subject of scrutiny. But let’s backtrack for a moment to the characters they brought to life on the show.
Alongside Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Simon Helberg, who played the beloved roles of Sheldon Cooper, Penny Hofstadter, and Howard Wolowitz, respectively, Galecki and Nayyar formed a dynamic duo as Leonard and Raj. Their journey started when Penny moved in across the hall, instantly marking a shift in the group’s dynamic, with Leonard dreaming of a future family and Raj struggling with his selective mutism around women.
Over the course of the series, these characters evolved significantly. Leonard learned to view Penny as more than just an intriguing prospect, leading to their eventual romance and marriage. Raj, however, faced a different fate, ending the series alone despite having shown growth in his ability to converse with women.
Their portrayals undoubtedly cemented Galecki and Nayyar’s status in the comedy world, though it seems Galecki’s gum disposal habits have left quite the impression off-screen. For those looking to revisit their antics, The Big Bang Theory is now streaming on Max.
