The Big Bang Theory’ star Kaley Cuoco stated that having a child “wasn’t on my radar” until she crossed paths with her now-fiancé, Tom Pelphrey.Have you ever heard of love at first sight? Well, Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey have taken it one step further. Love at first sight is one thing, but love that sparks an instant desire for a baby? Yes, you heard that right—they were struck by a shared, “instantaneous” desire to start a family the moment they met. And what’s more, congratulations to this dynamic duo, who announced their engagement on August 14, 2024! But that’s not the only juicy tidbit we have today: Cuoco’s real-life pregnancy might just have been the secret ingredient missing from The Big Bang Theory’s recipe. What if the show had explored Penny’s gradual willingness to start a family, much like Kaley’s own journey with Pelphrey? Imagine how much more satisfying it would’ve been to see Penny—who spent years professing her disinterest in kids—just like Kaley, organically evolve towards motherhood. 

It’s like they were given a sneak peek into a new chapter of their lives—one with a little bundle of joy on the way. Their love story took a fairy-tale turn when they were set up by their shared manager, who had a hunch they’d be “perfect for each other” (via USA Today). Cuoco recalled meeting Pelphrey and described it as

I heard his voice, and I turned around, and it was like my life was over, or just starting. It hit me. It was love at first sight.In October 2022, the happy couple made their pregnancy announcement with a series of adorable Instagram photos. They welcomed their daughter, in late March 2023. And for the cherry on top of this already sweet story, Cuoco and Pelphrey took their love to the next level, announcing their engagement on August 14, 2024 (viaSometimes a character’s journey can feel like a rollercoaster—one moment you’re enjoying the ride, and the next, you’re thrown for a loop. For example, Kaley Cuoco’s Penny from The Big Bang Theory’s surprise pregnancy in the series finale was a bit unpredictable and a little off-putting.