‘Big Bang Theory’: ‘Buffy’ Alum to Romance Howard’s Mother

Howard Wolowitz’s mother may have found someone to spend time with while her son was up in space on CBS’ The Big Bang Theory.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Ken Lerner has booked a guest episode on the upcoming sixth season of the nerdy comedy, The Hollywood Reporter has learned, playing the love interest to Mrs. Wolowitz — voiced by Carol Ann Susi.

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While Mama Wolowitz is rarely seen — eagle-eyed viewers caught a glimpse of the portly pink-clad parent at Howard’s (Simon Helberg) wedding in the fifth season finale — Lerner will appear on-screen in the episode scheduled to air Oct. 18, potentially when the astronaut will be returning to Earth.

“The glimpse on the rooftop is all you’re going to get for now!” executive producer Steve Molaro told THR. “Isn’t she better left to the imagination? There are no plans to actually see her on camera and I think it’s probably better that way.” 

Howard will start the season up in space, where Mrs. Wolowitz will continue to wreak havoc on her son through the wonders of technology. “He’ll be up there for a few episodes and then he’s back,” Molaro noted.

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Lerner joins the previously cast Margo Harshman as a guest star this season. The Bent alum will play Alex, Sheldon’s new assistant at the university and a potential threat to Leonard and Penny.

In addition to playing a Sunnydale High principal on Buffy, Lerner also had a recurring arc on Happy Days and did an episode of Blossom with Big Bang co-star Mayim Bialik. He’s repped by Ellis Talent Group.  

The Big Bang Theory returns Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit