Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons plays Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. His delivery makes Sheldon's long explanations feel meticulously prepared, while his reactions expose how poorly that preparation serves him in an ordinary conversation. The character's certainty is funny; the glimpses of enthusiasm and uncertainty keep him likeable.

Parsons won four lead-actor Emmys for the role, in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. He also provides the adult Sheldon's narration in Young Sheldon.

His stage work includes Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey and Tommy Boatwright in The Normal Heart, a role he reprised in HBO's film adaptation. Those performances sit alongside screen appearances in Garden State and The Muppets. Sheldon is his best-known part, but his theatre work gives a fuller picture of an actor whose command of timing extends beyond sitcom punchlines.