‘Big Bang Theory’ star Kaley Cuoco reveals why she was originally denied Penny’s role

“The Big Bang Theory” star Kaley Cuoco revealed she almost wasn’t cast as Penny ahead of the series finale in May.

As the hit CBS comedy is preparing to come to a close, Cuoco told TV Insider she was “too young” for the role of Penny, then named Katie, when they originally cast the show.

“I didn’t get [the role of Katie] the first time around. I was too young, which I love saying because I don’t get to say that I’m too young anymore,” Cuoco told the outlet.

‘BIG BANG THEORY’ STARS KALEY CUOCO AND JOHNNY GALECKI REACT TO SERIES FINALE DATE ANNOUNCEMENT

Instead, actress Amanda Walsh got the role for the original pilot, which failed for the 2006-2007 season.

“In the first pilot, the character of Penny [originally named Katie] was not as appealing as that proverbial girl next door. It was not the actress but rather the concept of the character,” Peter Roth, Warner Bros. president and the chief content officer, told TV Insider.

“Fortunately, Nina Tassler, then-president of CBS Entertainment, realized we had something very special and said, ‘Let’s do it again,’” he added.

For Cuoco, that was the second chance she needed.

‘BIG BANG THEORY’ STAR KALEY CUOCO SHARES THROWBACK PIC OF CAST

As the beloved sitcom prepares to end after 12 seasons, the cast members have been getting emotional about the one-hour finale, scheduled to air on May 16.

Cuoco’s co-star Johnny Galecki (Leonard) posted on Instagram Tuesday about the final airdate.

“273 episodes filmed. 26 days left on the Big Bang stage. 6 episodes to be filmed. 66 days until the 1 hour finale airs. All VERY surreal. Much ❤️ to all the fans,” he wrote.

Cuoco herself posted a throwback picture of herself and castmates Galecki, Kunal Nayyar (Rajesh), Jim Parsons (Sheldon) and Simon Helberg (Howard) on Instagram earlier this month.

“#mcm men crush Monday on these handsome boys! This photo was taken at our very first Comic Con many moons ago. We only have a few episodes left, the nostalgia is getting insanely real,” Cuoco wrote in the caption.

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