Despite The Big Bang Theory ending in 2019, actress Kaley Cuoco says she’s still in constant contact with one of her former co-stars.
During a February 5 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Cuoco, who played Penny on the CBSsitcom, was asked if “there is an active Big Bang Theory group chat.” Cuoco replied that there wasn’t, but she still texts Johnny Galecki, who played her on-screen love-interest Dr. Leonard Hofstadter throughout the show’s 12-season run.
“There’s one with me and Johnny. All the time,” said Cuoco during the Watch What Happens Live interview.
Kaley Cuoco & Johnny Galecki Were in a Romantic Relationship
Cuoco and Galecki were in a nearly two-year relationship until 2009, per People magazine. According to the publication, the former Big Bang Theory co-stars got candid about their romance in the 2022 book, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story, by Jessica Radloff.
Cuoco revealed that she “had a very big crush on Johnny early on” in the show’s production. She said while she and Galecki “were both dating people” during the show’s first season, which premiered in 2007, she “only had eyes for Johnny.”
“Then, when I found out he had eyes for me too, I was like, Uh‑oh, this is going to be trouble,” continued Cuoco, who is engaged to Tom Pelphrey, the father of her daughter, Matilda.
In the book, Cuoco also noted that she and Galecki weren’t open about their romance while they were dating. She explained that Galecki “was very protective of what the fans would think.”
“Because we wanted them to want Leonard and Penny together so badly, that if they saw us together in real life, it could ruin the fantasy,” said Cuoco in The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story, as reported by People.
She also said that one of the reasons she and Galecki ended up breaking up was because they “ran out of things to talk about” due to being co-workers. In addition, she asserted that “there was no foul play” when it came to the end of their relationship.
Cuoco also shared that while their breakup was painful, she and Galecki were able to quickly establish a friendship.
In the 2022 book, Galecki said that he has a deep appreciation for Cuoco.
“I adore the friends that we are. I think I might value my relationship with her more than any other previous relationship or relationship afterwards. We just have such a bond that I appreciate so much. And I think that’s part of our great friendship,” said the Roseanne star, as reported by People.
Kaley Cuoco Teased She Might Reprise Penny in a Spin-Off Series
Cuoco teased that Big Bang Theory fans might see Penny again in a January 2026 Entertainment Tonight interview. When asked if Penny would be appearing in the upcoming Big Bang Theory spin-off, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, Cuoco simply smiled and widened her eyes.
“Big eyes. I don’t know what that tells you,” said Cuoco with a smirk.
She also said she adores her Big Bang Theory character and attributed her role on the sitcom to her success as an actress and producer.
“I love Penny. It’s one of my favorite characters. It changed my life professionally, personally. What a journey. I learned so much,” said Cuoco during the Entertainment Tonight interview.
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.