Mayim Bialik has come a long way since her days on Blossom. She’s managed to carve out a dream role for herself by playing girlfriend of Sheldon Cooper, Amy Farrah Fowler. Both the show and her character have developed immensely over the show’s run. What began as a very robotic Sheldon type of character has become one of a hilarious, smart, loving, and open person.
What was once a hard shell on the outside has opened up immensely and fans have really taken to her character. What’s interested is how things have changed in the last 5-6 years since we originally spoke to Bialik. We wanted to rehash the story to see how strange it would be to look back.
Here’s an interview we did with her all the way back in 2010. The interview was conducted by Brittany Frederick.
Your role on Big Bang Theory must be a particular kick for you being that in real life, you have a doctorate in neuroscience.
It’s really cool. Originally when they wrote the part, I don’t think they knew what kind of scientist she was, but when they found out I was a real neuroscientist, they made her a neurobiologist. I just always loved science.
How much of an input did you get into the character of Amy? Have you thought about what you’d like to see happen for her?
I’m pretty much happily at the mercy of the amazing writers and producers. Obviously I added my own flair, and did my best to imitate Jim Parsons.
Are there any plans for you to return to the show?
Yes. I will be seen pretty much throughout the season here and there. They keep me on my toes. I definitely encourage people to keep tuning in because I will pop up.
People have called The Big Bang Theory the next step in your “comeback” to acting. How has it been for you, personally, returning to acting?
There’s an incredible power to reinventing ourselves. I’ve seen a lot of changes to my life since becoming a mother. So for me this is sort of another aspect of that.
You did a lot of voice work for various series from the mid-90’s onward. Can you talk about the differences between that and live action? Do you have a preference between the two mediums?
Voice-over work is really fun. A lot of bigger-name celebrities are doing voice-over work. The one thing I love is that I don’t have to do any hair and makeup. But there’s nothing like acting in front of a live audience.
You had a lot going on behind the scenes during that period. You’ve married and you have two children, in addition to obtaining your Ph.D. Has that life experience changed the way that you approach your career at all?
All of our experiences just keep contributing to who we are. For me, I think acting is very specific. I found that as I get older I’m less confident, at least in the acting world, where I’ve become much more confident as a person.
You’ve been on our television screens from a very young age. Can you give us a sense of what it’s like to have that kind of career? How is it growing up while still being a professional actress?
I don’t think of it like a lot of other jobs. I respect a lot of people in this world who actually do work really hard every day. What I get to do is a real blessing. Being a teenager on TV was difficult, but it was also enjoyable. I was able to have a life and travel places. That’s kind of what I remember most. The industry has changed a lot. There wasn’t the Internet. I do run my own Facebook page. That’s about as much technology as I know how to handle. I don’t do that well with technology.
Are there any shows that you’d like to appear on?
For now, I’m pretty much on Big Bang Theory. The kind of jobs that I like in the industry aren’t necessarily related to the creative realm. I love the job of script supervisor. I love camera work. I love watching how the industry machine comes together.
What shows are you watching?
The only two shows that I watched were Lost and Heroes. I’d love to do a guest spot on Mad Men.
What are the things that you’re interested in?
Holistic parenting is something I’m interested in, that I just wrote a book on. I’m a vegan. I study Jewish text every week. And my kids. I don’t sleep a lot. We don’t have a nanny. We don’t use a babysitter. I do a lot of work when our kids are sleeping.
My thanks to Mayim Bialik for this wonderful interview. You can check out The Big Bang Theory tonight on CBS, and stay tuned to see her throughout this season.
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