For twelve seasons, audiences around the world tuned in to watch the quirky and endearing Howard Wolowitz, portrayed by the talented Simon Helberg, navigate the world of science, friendship, and love on ‘The Big Bang Theory’.
But as the curtains closed on this iconic show in 2019, many fans were left wondering: What happened to Simon Helberg after he hung up Howard’s tight-fitting turtlenecks and belt buckles?
From silver screen roles to behind-the-scenes ventures, join us as we delve into the dynamic career trajectory of Simon Helberg post-‘The Big Bang Theory’ and discover how he continues to leave an indelible mark on Hollywood.
Background info
Born in Los Angeles on December 9th, 1980 to German actor Sandy Helberg and Harriet B. Helberg, a casting director, it seemed Simon Helberg was destined to be in the spotlight.
Just another middle and high school student at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Simon was raised in the Jewish faith. His grandparents on his father’s side survived the Holocaust and made it to the United States after WWII.
Through his wife Jocelyn (through her French mother) Simon was able to obtain his French citizenship for a role in 2021.
Simon knew he wanted to be an actor from a young age, and like a lot of actors, attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University under the training of the Atlantic Theatre Company. His high school buddy turned college roommate was Jason Ritter.
Acting Career
For Simon, the love of acting all started in 1999 with his first roles in small guest spots here and there, perfecting his ability as a sketch comedian and character performer. His first acting credit was in the 1999 movie Mumford.
From 2000 to 2007 Simon worked nonstop, appearing in movies like National Lampoon’s Van Wilder alongside Ryan Reynolds in 2001 to Will Ferrell’s comedy hit Old School in 2003. In 2001 alone Helberg made guest appearances on five different TV shows including Popular and Undeclared.
His longer stints include five episodes on the comedy sketch show that wasn’t SNL, MADtv, from 2002 to 2003, four episodes on the Friends spinoff show Joey from 2004 to 2006, and a bigger 14-role episode stay on the Aaron Sorkin dramedy Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip from 2006 to 2007.
The Big Bang Theory
In 2007 Simon got the role that will undoubtedly be his most recognized. He played the not-a-doctor aerospace mechanical engineer Howard Wolowitz. His character was in all 279 of 279 episodes of the show across the 12 seasons that aired. He technically wasn’t in one episode, if you count the fact that he was not in the original unaired pilot.
Wolowitz provided main character Sheldon with a moving target for his smarty-pants comments and a more loyal friend to characters Leonard and Raj.
Initially the creeper of the group, Howard calms down (just a little) when they introduced a partner to him in the form of adorable but loud Bernadette.
Money talks
Off screen, like on most mega-hit shows, the cast renegotiated their salary a few times as the series grew in popularity. Earning $100,000 per episode in the early 2010s, Helberg’s contract upped him to around a mid-six-figure number in 2014.
Though still not making what the other main characters were making, Simon, along with Nayyar (Raj), were able to renegotiate again to get on board with Parson, Galecki, and Cuoco’s one million per episode deal.
To allow room for the female co-stars who were helping to carry the show into seasons 10 and beyond, Helberg (and the rest of the main cast) took a ten percent pay cut to make room for Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch to increase their salaries.
Simon Helberg has been actively involved in various projects post the show’s conclusion. Some of his recent acting endeavors include voicing a character named Dr. Revanche in the TV series “American Dad!”, playing Luca in the TV series “Poker Face”, portraying Dimitri in “Space Oddity” and taking on the role of Nathan in “As They Made Us”.
Additionally, he lent his voice to the character Howard Wolowitz in “Young Sheldon” and played a role in “Annette” as The Accompanist.
Moving houses
If you were in the market for a slice of Hollywood real estate stardom, Simon put his Los Feliz Oaks Spanish Colonial estate up for sale earlier this year after purchasing an English Tudor Revival pad in Pasadena.
Personal Life
In July of 2007, Simon married Jocelyn Towne, a fellow actress who also happens to be the niece of award-winning screenwriter Robert Towne.
Jocelyn is a pretty big powerhouse in her own right, having written, directed, produced, and acted in various projects. Her latest time on screen was in two episodes of the hit dramedy The Kominski Method.
Simon and Jocelyn have two children, each born during Awards Season, proving to be lucky charms for Simon.
His daughter Adeline was born in May of 2012, and his son Wilder was born in 2014, both right around the time Simon and The Big Bang crew were nominated for SAG Awards.
With nothing but good things happening to and for Simon, we can’t wait to see what projects we’ll see him in next.
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