By Zina Markevicius
Special to The Lookout

March 18, 2016 -- Simon Helberg leaned back in his chair with a crossed leg resting on his knee. The father of two who attended Crossroads School in Santa Monica fiddled with the cuff of his slim fit jeans.

Big Bang Theory Actors. Photo by Zina Markevicius.

He considered the parenting advice he would give expectant father Howard Wolowitz, his character on The Big Bang Theory. “Don’t shake the baby,” Helberg concluded, with the same dry humor fans have enjoyed from Howard for nine seasons on CBS.

Helberg joined five fellow cast members plus three executive producers on Wednesday night at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood for a panel discussion hosted by The Paley Center for Media. The evening felt like a noisy dinner party among friends, as the actors teased each other and joked about how their characters have evolved over more than 200 episodes.

“I never thought Sheldon would have sex on this show,” said Jim Parsons, winner of four Emmys for his portrayal of idiosyncratic physicist Sheldon Cooper. He and co-star Mayim Bialik were both surprised when they first read the script detailing their long-anticipated union earlier this season.

Yet crediting the show’s writers, the actors agreed it felt like an organic development in the couple’s relationship. “I can’t wait to be back in bed again,” teased Parsons.

The cast reflected their characters both individually and as a group. Parsons, like Sheldon, exuded a unique charm. Kaley Cuoco, like her character Penny, played the stylish beauty with the loudest laugh. In contrast, Bialik, who portrays Amy Farrah Fowler, was understated. “My nerd cred runs pretty deep,” she said, relating her lifelong interest in comic books.

Helberg and Kunal Nayyar, who is Big Bang’s lovable astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali, played off each other like the Abbott and Costello buddies they portray on screen. Helberg’s TV wife, Melissa Rauch, was the only missing cast member due to another engagement in New York. Former cast member and native Santa Monican Sara Gilbert appeared on the 200th episode of the show, but she was also not in attendance.

Johnny Galecki, who portrays Leonard Hofstadter, revealed that Judd Hirsch will guest star as Leonard’s father later this season. Galecki took the initiative to invite Hirsch to the role at a tribute dinner to director James Burrows several weeks ago.

The most subdued of the bunch, Galecki likened Leonard’s role as “the voice of reason” for his ensemble to Hirsch’s role on Taxi, the comedy that ran from 1978 to 1983.

In addition to the actors, the panel also featured show runner Steven Molaro and co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. The three serve as executive producers.

While Lorre let the other panelists do most of the talking, the long-time producer shared the most insightful comments of the evening. He relayed how quickly and significantly the show’s fans influenced the series. “We didn’t understand how fragile these characters were, despite their brilliance,” said Lorre.

The audience wanted the characters to be “protected,” he continued. They did not want them to be put in harm’s way or for the show to become “too risque.”

Despite over 30 years in the TV business, Lorre is still nervous about the reaction from live audiences during taping. “Sometimes they’ll tell you with their silence, we’re wrong.” When the audience doesn’t think a scene is funny, “Sometimes you can hear the 134 freeway.” The writing team promptly reworks it “on the spot.”

The Big Bang Theory discussion was part of The Paley Center’s 33rd annual series called Paleyfest, bringing together cast and crew from popular TV programs for moderated panels followed by questions from the audience.

As Paleyfest has grown over the years and accommodated larger attendance, it has lost some of the intimacy that made the events feel like the public’s opportunity to join an insider conversation among entertainment industry leaders.

The Dolby Theater was nearly full, and the panelists and moderator Alie Ward seemed in part to be performing a comedy routine for the crowd. An in-depth discussion about the behind-the-scenes production of a hit show was missing.

“It’s like watching puppies fighting,” said Ward cheerfully about the interaction among the panelists. There was a lot of energy, but it didn’t lead anywhere.

However, this night was for the fans, and their enthusiasm was energetic. Attendees were of all ages, with some wearing red t-shirts with Sheldon’s catchphrase “Bazinga.” The March 31st episode was previewed, and the demise of Sheldon’s laptop revealed more quirks about his already-quirky personality.

Audience questions concluded with a question for Cuoco shouted from the balcony. “My sister is going to the prom. Do you have a dress she can borrow?” As the panel doubled over in laughter, cool Nayyar jumped in, echoing the spirit of Raj who is always on the prowl. “Does she have a date?”

Paleyfest continues through Sunday. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit paleycenter.org.