The Big Bang Theory TV Show

Comedian Simon Helberg geeks out over curries and his role as debonair nerd Howard on CBS’ The Big Bang Theory.

Geek chic is definitely at the core of CBS’ new comedy The Big Bang Theory, a show about two nerdy physicists whose lives are turned upside down when a pretty girl befriends them. None of the characters on the show are more chic than Howard Wolowitz, a friend of lead characters Sheldon and Leonard who uses multiple languages to (attempt to) seduce women.Howard is played by Simon Helberg, a comedian with an extended credit list that includes Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Joey, and Arrested Development. Helberg spoke with TV.com about his role in Big Bang Theory, how he spent his strike, and independent comedy.

TV.com: How did you get involved in the show? Did you have to audition like everyone else, or did they come after you?

Simon Helberg: Oh, gosh, I wish I was cool enough to tell you that they just came to my door in the middle of the night and made me a nice little offer. But no, I had to audition. But then they came to my door in the middle of the night and made me an offer. So yeah, I auditioned and then it wasn’t that arduous of a process. I got it not too long after and had to wait a little while before we shot. But yeah, it was great. I mean, it was an exciting thing to be a part of, still is.

TV.com: So did the casting call say it was looking for a suave nerd and you said, “That’s me?”

Simon Helberg: I have an agent that judges me like that. I could never put myself into that category. I would take nerd out of that. Suave, handsome, bilingual, trilingual. I did get a call that was along the lines of, “You might be perfect for this ridiculously nerdy guy.” And I guess I won’t take it personally that I got hired.

TV.com: What can we expect from the next episode, “The Loobenfeld Decay”?