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.

50 thoughts on “that’s a wrap”

  2. This brings to mind the quote from The Office by Andy Bernard (Ed Helms): “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

  3. Thanks for so openly sharing such important accepts of your life and feelings. You are the shit! 💜

  4. Wil,

    I’d like to throw out there that TableTop is a very solid fourth pillar of your career. It probably has less cultural penetration than the other three, but you were central to its creation (I think) and definitely central to its success and running for three at least three seasons.

  6. Thank you for making “Big Bang” so much more then just a sitcom; the humor laced with pathos then back to humor is the reason I kept tuning on time and again! I’m sure we will see more of you on the small screen!

  7. Loved you on BBT… Still laugh out loud every time I hear you say “Game over, Moonpie” when I watch that ep in reruns. Thanks for the laughs.

  8. Confession time: I’ve never even heard of you until TBBT. I never saw Stand by Me. Never watched TNG as a kid. It was only recently that I binged TNG on Netflix. Now I feel all cool because I can now recognize the names of the TNG actors mentioned on TBBT. When I first started watching TBBT a couple of years ago, that was not the case…..I was “Penny” in that regard.

    Thank you for all your contributions, and thanks for inadvertently turning me on to the Trek universe, and Dungeons & Dragons.

    To better days!🙂

  9. We watch Big Bang every evening and never tire of the stories and characters. Always coaxes a laugh, even on ho-hum days!

  10. I’ve enjoyed everything you’ve been involved in, but, yeah, what a trifecta of cool acting moments. I’m a performing artist/musician, and I know we can second guess and be over critical of ourselves at times (or most of the time). But dude, you bring joy into many many other people’s lives. Keep making sure some of that joy finds its way back to you. Keep doing what you do and the world Wil be a better place for it. I did just type that.

  11. Before I started following you, and Mayim, on blogs and social media, Big Bang theory didn’t interest me much. I guess because all the oddball outcasts seemed to hit too close to home. But this last year, while I knew the show was closing, I’ve watched a lot. And all the YouTube cuts. And remember back to when I re-found you on The Guild and started following you. It was so odd to see you as a grown up, because I am easily 20 years older than you, and playing a bad guy. Well at least an ass hole. It’s like then I realized you are an actor, an artist. And I went down the Will Wheaton rabbit hole on the internet and discovered your books and stories, and this blog, where you shared your real self. I am grateful for the humanization of an artist, almost always. And in your case, most definitely. There is more work for you to do. You can’t turn off creative once it’s out there.

    1. Cyn, that’s why I love BBT.Afew of oddballs are just like my family.And I can laugh at it ,through tv and not at them.And when they first introduced Wil, I had no idea of who he was.But love him and his great combacks.Have a super day!

  12. Thank you so much for sharing so openly, Wil. I will miss Big Bang and I am so grateful for all of you on the show who have brought such happiness onscreen. Wishing you all the best😘😘😘😘

  13. The end of my favorite show of all time. And your episodes were some of the very best! I would always get so excited when you posted a picture of yourself next to your name on the dressing room door!!! Fortunately I have every season (except the current) on DVD.

  14. I don’t know why you don’t get booked dude, you’re a good actor. I’m a few years older than you, but grew up on Stand By Me and STNG. But I remember seeing you in a crime show as a younger adult, I believe it was numbers or criminal minds, playing (as I recall, I’m getting older) a delusional psychotic killer (he might have been just a sociopath, don’t recall). And you were chillingly effective. I spent twenty years as a print journalist in Canada at a pretty high level, interviewing thousands of people, including a looooot of crazy criminals (and narcissistic Hollywood types, too), and I bought it. You were great as Gordy, great in Big Bang. Maybe someone’ll give you another great character role yet, it’s happened to plenty of other character actors. Heck, Jackie Earle Haley was driving a limo when he got a call. I write fiction, and it’s sort of like acting. If you do it with integrity, some periods will always be lean. If you find a commercial niche and allow yourself to only do that for the rest of your life, you’ll make more money, but hate yourself and be smart enough to know why.

    2. My thoughts exactly! Thanks for sharing. Totally agree on his performance as a serial killer, it was his best work to date because it was unexpected and he performed it flawlessly, he should have been in psycho! Lol!

  16. So, I always ignore those Facebook posts asking you to post a reply to some dumb question. However, today, when I read one of them, my answer jumped to mind so quickly and clearly, that I had to post it. The question: if stuck on a 14-hour flight, what celebrity would you want in the seat next to you. Without hesitation, I thought of your name. Maybe it’s because I’ve enjoyed your work on TV and in the movies, maybe it’s the streaming shows, maybe it’s the books of yours that I’ve read, or maybe it’s the similarities in age and your love for your family that I identify with. Or all of that together. Hopefully this doesn’t sound too creepy, but I think it would be a fantastic trip, and I just wanted to pass that along.

  19. I also loved you in “Eureka”. Although this show never was as huge as TBBT, I really enjoyed your performance in it.

  20. I can’t believe this show will be over, it’s one of the few I watch. I loved what they did with your character. You all will be missed.

  21. Great show that I’ve been with since the beginning. Particularly relevant as I work in a UK university and have encountered some of the character types – yes, they really exist! So many laugh out loud moments and a shelf full of the box sets for posterity that get viewed when we need a pick-me-up. The great cameos have helped make it special; and the way you’ve played ‘yourself’ has been a joy to watch. I think it takes a special type of courage to play yourself in a comedy, when you know you’re delivering a fantasised version of self. You nailed it!

    So thanks, Wil. And best wishes to a wonderfully talented ensemble that has done something special in a world with so many challenges: made us smile for a few lingering moments every week… Hoping that Sheldon got his Nobel…!

  22. Wil to me it makes perfect sense! You had an awesome acting opportunity in connection with a very solid comedic core group of actors & actresses (I love Blossom & Amy played by Miyiam) who magically brought to life with TBB! I am so blessed to be part of this miracle ever occurring in the first place! Continue to express the gratitude and you ain’ t see nothing yet! This is my Jubilee year! I know that there are better things to come! Blessed Be! 🔥🌈🐢🌪

      2. I do not know if it is okay to post this! Please forgive me! I know you support NAMIWALKS and NAMI.

        I am now officially a Medicine Woman appointed by my Elder SAVON LEE to officially take my Mother’s place in Milwaukee and in our Tribal Nations Mohican, Oneida, Brothertown, and Ojibwe. I humbly accept Elder Lee’s appointment for me as Medicine Woman.

        Tomorrow my first Ceremony as newly appointed Medicine Woman is my Mom’s Memorial tomorrow Saturday May 4th at 1 PM CDT at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You are all invited to this New Moon Ceremony. I am considering live-streaming this for those out of town at YouNow.com/WenonaGardner.ZindeeFam

        I will be reading a list of names of my family and friends who have lost a loved one! Please list in comments if you are watching or attending this service and/or have a loved one you lost you want us to pray for. Chi Megwetch 🔥🌈🐢🌪

  23. Did you know you were in the Secret of NIHM? Dude you’ve been entertaining me most of my life. THE GUILD!!! EUREKA! So many great roles! plus you get to be Wil Wheaton the dude that helped me love science (through Wesley of course.)

    But yah, BBT shouldn’t end, can we get congress on making you all slaves to the property till we need to replace you?

  24. Wil, you should totally write a short story about that picture in which u explain what it is you guys are looking at😅🙃. Happy Trails,
    Sue

  25. Just watched the STTNG episode tonight with you playing the cadet who got in trouble with the flying group. I’m old enough to remember the day the new Usenet newsgroup alt.acting.ensgn.westley.crusher.die.die.die was created as a joke and we all got a good laugh out of it.

    One thing that struck me watching that episode was how significant that STTNG was in setting the plots, and general format for Science Fiction space travel TV shows. It seems like everyone since has just been retelling that series’ episodes and doing a poor job of it with a few notable exceptions – The Orville being one – you and the rest of the cast did great work on STTNG and I thank you for those memories and the occasional trip down memory lane when we pull out an episode.

  26. Hi Mr. Wheaton, I was A TNG Staff Writer and have been a writer and Story Editor for a bunch of other TV shows. I wrote and edited a lot of your TNG dialogue. I have read a lot of your work and think you’re a terrific writer. I would like to ask you a very big favor…I wrote a book that I’m proud of … one of the best things I have written. It’s about how to get and keep a career in the entertainment business or any business. A mention of my book on your blog would be much appreciated. I can send you an e copy if you would like. “The book is called: SECRETS YOUR TEXTBOOK WILL NOT TELL YOU about movies, TV and life.” It’s on Amazon. Thank you for your time and for considering a plug. Sandy Fries

    1. Sandy, you mentioned that you wrote a lot of Wil’s dialogue on TNG. Could you please explain the process and the thinking related to building and using his character in TNG?

  27. I feel like BBT shouldn’t end. That next season could be “18 years later” and suddenly its a show about your characters’ kids where all you main characters still have a part time role to play. (so you can be free to do other things while still being on the show often)

    you could call this new show Big Bang Theory: The Next Generation.

  28. I’m having a difficult time letting go – I can’t imagine how you are feeling. I record the episodes, (even the reruns) on my DVR, and when I don’t feel well physically or I’m super stressed and need an escape, TBBT is my refuge. I find comfort having it in the background if I’m feeling lonely or I’ve got busy work to do. I will miss eating with all of them, as they sit around the living room having their meals. After watching that program I had an unconscious smile that I carried with me hours later. This just makes me really sad………

  29. I like your role on Dark Matter. I hated when SyFy cancelled it. Hope to see you in similar roles in the future.
    Also, isn’t there talk of Big Bang spin offs?

  31. Will, You have so many fans and for so many reasons. How many actors get asked to play themselves on a show, let alone a recurring role? Then add it is a #1 show and that role keeps recurring. To me, that is a legitimate statement about your status as a Pop icon. I’ll grant you that title comes with pluses and minuses but be assured, via your fans there is a large amount of reverence on the plus side. As a proud geek (and TableTop card carrying member), I say with confidence that your part on TBBT, as you, was one of those key pieces that made the show that more real and transcending. What ever it may be, we all look for to the next chapter of Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeattooooooon!!!!

  32. Thank you so much for sharing this, Wil. I really appreciate that you write about your experiences so honestly, so sincerely.

    For me, my best experiences seem to happen when I’m surrounded by the best people. Whether it’s work, or vacation or volunteering or performing, it’s always been the people that make it stand out.

    So, does it work the other way around too? To have the best experiences, do you need to surround yourself with the best people?

  33. “Mainstream Hollywood doesn’t seem to be especially interested in me and what I bring to a production these days…”
    I totally do not get this. A couple times in the past year I have been watching something and remarked to my partner about a character, “Who is this wanna be Wil Wheaton character and why would they cast this guy instead of just getting Wil??” Makes no sense. I would love to see you in all the things!

    1. Us WRITER’S need to write roles for you! I got Camp NaNoWriMo in July I will write you a character in a movie script! This July for your birthday July 29. I am a Cancer born Lucky 7-11 and I am celebrating my 46 th birthday all month! What kind of characters would you like? What kind of movie? 🥳

  34. You are an amazing actor! No doubt u will find the perfect role for you!

  35. Yay! Thanks for the photo and the laughs and sharing how special this is for you. I’m starry-eyed thinking that an actual Hollywood star might be reading my message to him. Makes me a bit giddy and blush-y.

  36. Wil, I’ve read your blog for longer than either one of us cares to admit and I recall Wesley. Vividly. And with great fondness. I heard that!

    I loved your work on TBBT. It showed a version of you that was wickedly funny and yet, as that character evolved with the others, a warmth and camaraderie that was both a pleasure and a surprise.

    Food for thought here:

    Maybe, just maybe Hollywood is not your future. Not in the way you envision it to be. You do some great voice over work and your writing is fantastic. I watched you on Titansgrave and it gave me an entirely new POV for RPG. Heck, I even bought the book! And this was after inhaling TableTop.

    My point here is that we often get caught up in the “I should be doing this” game instead of moving our focus to the “I really like doing this or I seem to have a talent for this” game.

    We’ve read your struggle with your latest book and how invested you were with making it Just Right.

    We’ve seen you embark on a journey to learn to paint and even though you might not have been exceptionally thrilled with some results, some of us were not only amazed, but inspired.

    Hollywood tends to be pretty narrow focused. It often doesn’t see beyond the end of its corporate nose. Right now the focus is on Marvel and all the various bits and pieces within that world. Next month who knows?

    You did great work on TBBT. You met a lot of great people and made some wonderful friends. Enjoy that, be proud of that and keep those connections. But don’t get caught up in the idea that you’ve been left behind. You just turned a corner and started walking along a different path. If Hollywood can’t, or won’t, keep up it is their loss.

  37. Just last night I was reading about how they asked you to be on BBT playing yourself but you had to be a dick. It still makes me laugh. I enjoyed seeing you on there every time, my husband and I have been fans of yours since ST. Hope the people hiring get their heads out of their asses and realize what a talent you are and give you more to do. I know I will be watching! Thanks for sharing this post. Sad to see the show go and was interesting to see it from your perspective.

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