The Jaw-Dropping Women Of The Big Bang Theory Have Come A Long Way

The Big Bang Theory has been making audiences laugh since its premiere in 2007, when we were first introduced to the geeky but brilliant crew of CalTech researchers and their neighbor, Penny. After 10 years on the air, here's what the cast looked like then and now.

Penny is the only one of the girls who has been on The Big Bang Theory since the pilot first began airing in 2007. A very pretty, aspiring actress who financed her ambitions by working at The Cheesecake Factory. Leonard developed a crush on her almost immediately, but never expected her to return his affections. To his surprise, Penny also developed feelings for Leonard and after several road blocks to their relationship, they eloped in Vegas in the ninth season.

Kaley Cuoco started acting as a teenager when she was cast as Bridget Hennessy, John Ritter's daughter in the sitcom, 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. Kaley is one of the best paid female actress on television right now, though that list is still topped by Sofia Vergara. Kaley's personal life hasn't been quite as smooth as Penny's, but she's still doing pretty well for herself with a $900,000 per episode paycheck for the upcoming seasons.

Mayin joined the cast of The Big Bang Theory at the end of season 3 as Amy when the guys conspired to set up a dating profile for Sheldon. Her sometimes tenuous grasp on social situations made her a good foil for Sheldon, as they had relationship experiences and expectations that were more on par with one another. Amy is neurobiologist, a degree that actress Mayaim Bialik actually holds in real life. The show has developed Amy and Sheldon's relationship slowly throughout the seasons.

Mayim has been acting since she was 12 years old, and prior to The Big Bang Theory was best known as Blossom, from the TV show with the same name. Mayim is the only cast member to hold a Ph.D in real life as well as on the show, where she gets to bring her scientific expertise into her role. She is also very vocal about her religious Jewish observance as well as her veganism.