that’s a wrap
Last night, I went to Stage 25, now known as The Big Bang Theory Stage, and watched the taping of the final episode of the show that has brought more joy into my life than anything else I’ve ever done in my professional career.
I have a lot of feelings and emotions to unpack, and they are all too raw and turbulent to do that today. Maybe after I go to the wrap party tonight. Maybe in a few days. Maybe it’s too personal to ever properly convey what it means and has meant to me since I joined the show in the second season. Maybe I’ll try right now and see what comes out.
I think it’s fair to say that if I built a tripod out of my career, the main legs would be Stand By Me, Star Trek, and The Big Bang Theory. It kind of blows me away that I get to say that. It is remarkable to me that I have gotten to have all of these things in my life, when honestly just ONE of them would be more than anyone could hope for on his or her resume.
Mainstream Hollywood doesn’t seem to be especially interested in me and what I bring to a production these days. I don’t know why, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to do anything to change that, but I can confidently say that I probably have an on-camera acting career today because of Big Bang Theory, and anything I do on camera for the rest of my career will stand on the shoulders of the work I’ve had the privilege and honor to perform over the last decade.
But all of that is just math and *work*, and while I’m grateful for the work, and proud of the work, what I will cherish for the rest of my life are the friends I’ve made among the cast, writers, and crew.
This is a picture of me with Kevin Sussman, who was in my very first episode way back before I had any grey in my beard, and I love it, because it’s this silly thing we did whenever we worked together on the stage.
“Hey, let’s take a super awkward selfie,” I would say to Kevin, and then this would happen. It’s moments like this, and relationships like this, that truly matter and make the difference in a life, and I’m so lucky and grateful that I have had so many moments like this, with these amazing humans.
newest »
I am so sad that this show ends with season 12.I love it so much and I would like more of it but at least there are so many sason that I will never get bored of
penny, penny, penny, penny I'm going to miss you and the rest of the gang
Well, I own that shirt. And you will find a place on screen again. Have you tried script writing? I have to think you would be stellar at it. Your social media posts are such effective dialogues. So is your non-fiction. This seems a logical extension of your work.
and all the other things Wil, to include, Reading Audible books and your efforts with Board Games. Thank you!
Ummm, please make it four legs and include Toy Soldiers, which is my very favorite movie to rewatch when I'm home sick! :-) You're great, Wil, and I look forward to seeing what other cool roles/writing/audiobooks you've got for us!
I have never seen your work without enjoying it! I have no idea if you will actually read this, but on the chance that you do --- thank you for so much entertainment. Some of it has challenged me --- STAND BY ME, certain STNG episodes --- and some of it has made me laugh so hard I spewed coffee through my nose (BIG BANG, of course, but dude --- THE GUILD!). I look forward to whatever you do next!
One of the saddest days of my entertainment life was when I heard that the WIl Wheaton project would no longer provide it's unique skew to the world of creative genius.
I've enjoyed watching your progressive relationship with Sheldon Cooper and will miss the laughs so much. But I've no doubt you'll continue to entertain us for years to come.
Thanks for sharing these things with us. Awesomely awkward photo -- for an awkward time, it being over and all. But you'll be able to give it a place, for sure. In time. :-)And that shirt of the company you do your dayjob at, suits you fine. Although sometimes I wonder if you, personally, take their slogan much more to heart than the company brass. Because you do actively keep Building a Better World; but sometimes I am not so sure of Wey-Yu as a whole...
(My atmosphere processor station broke down recently, and they won't even replace it. They said it's older than those LV-426 versions. As if that matters... Well, I hope my misfortune therewith made you smile. I can't; too much black goo in my eyes.)
;-)
Wil, I have watched you grow up. Your three pillars are three of my favorite things and a fourth leg you didn’t mention is, I think, almost my favorite of yours and that’s TableTop! I LOVE all that is board games. It is what me and my adult children use to stay close. I have a decent library approaching 400 board games and as much as I love to play them, I have loved watching you and your friends play too. Another thing we seem to have in common is reading, I have listened to you read Ready Player One twice now. I full well expect to continue to be entertained by you for decades to come whether that be through mainstream media or whatever new thing you get into. You are a staple for many of us “geeks” who love all that seems to be close to your heart as well!
Dear Wil, Mainstream Hollywood is often out of touch with what entertains a truly thinking, feeling and creative audience. I don’t have much use for the bulk of what comes from it. However, I do enjoy you. As a performer, as a writer, and as a human being. Actors rise and fall in popularity in Mainstream Hollywood, with most forgotten or used up within a few years as their “brand” becomes tiresome. The Big Bang Theory was a show about non-mainstream guys and millions identified with it. As a beloved guy who created iconic characters as a child and continues to warm our hearts with a variety of work and awkward selfies as his beard turns grey, I congratulate you. You represent the non-mainstream. And there are countless numbers of us cheering you on.
Good luck on all of your future endeavors.
John Jersey wrote: ..."Your three pillars are three of my favorite things and a fourth leg you didn’t mention is, I think, almost my favorite of yours and that’s TableTop!"No doubt about it. TableTop was the best of its kind.
Dear Wil, Hollywood is often stupid and can’t see what they have right in front of them. Your work is something that you can be proud of and hopefully Hollywood will open their eyes and see what you have to offer in the future. I will keep looking for you and I hope it doesn’t take them long to see what they have been missing. Stay strong.
In my unexpert opinion, I would say that show helped you to transition from child actor to adult actor, a transition that sometimes takes a decade or two. I think you will see more opportunities now that others see more than Wesley. And, for the record, I liked Wesley. I think it was an interesting, likable character, and I always wished they continued his story after he left Starfleet to go off with The Traveler.But anyway, I am happy for your recent success, and thought you were hilarious on "Whose Line." You seemed pretty comfortable with improv, which I hadn't expected. I also enjoy following your reading habit and your interview segments on GAR.
I've always loved Big Bang, but whenever you were in an episode it seemed the quality of the acting went up a notch or two. You were a tremendous asset and you and the entire show will be missed. As they say, 'Thanks for the memories.'
Every scene you did added to the show. It was a genuine pleasure to see you on the show. I hope the durrell brings you great things, and I will enjoy seeing you in reruns.
Wil, I love your work in the Big Bang Theory. I will miss the show terribly. The Wesley Crushers is one of my favorite episodes. What a great cast and writing group - everyone on that show is great. Thanks for sharing.
