Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco talks Penny's sexualised wardrobe

Kaley Cuoco has reflected on how her character Penny became less sexualised as The Big Bang Theory went on.

The actress famously took on the role in the long-running sitcom, which came to an end in 2019, and explained in a new interview how she pushed for Penny to be less sexualised over the years through her wardrobe.

"I started Big Bang at 21 years old," he told W Magazine. "I was the cute girl next door to the nerds. It was all about booty shorts, Juicy Couture zip-ups.

the big bang theory kaley cuoco as penny

Sonja Flemming//CBS

"And as the years went on – Penny grows up, Kaley grows up – all of a sudden it's like, 'Can I have a long sleeve shirt? How about a slack? How about a loafer? I never wanna see that high heel again!'

"I had every colour of the Uggs – Uggs with shorts, those were the days! I don't think it was hard to wear that stuff and be funny, I think. I love being funny no matter what. I think even that was kind of self-deprecating."

Cuoco further reflected: "And also that was so long ago. When I think about how many years ago that was, it was a different time.

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"Also, by the way, at 21 I was hot. I wanted to show that stuff off. You would not catch me dead in a sexy cat costume now! I just had a litter of kittens – never doing that again."

Noel Vasquez//Getty Images

Penny notably developed as a character as the show progressed through 12 seasons, with her early portrayal arguably highlighting sexist elements within The Big Bang Theory – notably the way she was judged for her choices by Sheldon Cooper and others for laughs.

Since The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco has gone on to have huge success with TV series The Flight Attendant and Harley Quinn, and has a number of projects lined-up including rom-com Meet Cute alongside The Suicide Squad's Pete Davidson.

The Big Bang Theory aired on CBS in the US. You can buy the complete boxset now on DVD and Blu-ray.

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