Sometimes the biggest “what if” stories in television begin with a casting decision that almost happened.

For Kevin Sussman, The Big Bang Theory could have looked completely different.

Long before audiences knew him as Stuart Bloom, Sussman was reportedly the actor the creators wanted to play Howard Wolowitz.

The role was even written with him in mind.

But one existing television contract changed everything.

And somehow, the disappointment eventually led Sussman to a much bigger opportunity.

Howard Wolowitz Was Originally Written for Kevin Sussman

Before Simon Helberg became Howard, the character had another potential face.

According to co-creator Bill Prady, the role was written specifically for Kevin Sussman.

The connection went back to the show's original casting process.

Sussman had initially auditioned for Leonard in the original pilot, and the creative team was impressed enough with him that they eventually envisioned him as Howard.

It seemed like the perfect opportunity.

But there was one major problem.

Sussman was already committed to another television series.

Ugly Betty Changed the Equation

At the time, Sussman was appearing as Walter on ABC's Ugly Betty.

Because of his existing contract, ABC would not release him to join a competing CBS production.

That left The Big Bang Theory with a difficult choice.

The creators wanted Sussman.

Sussman wanted the role.

But the contract prevented the deal from happening.

Even Chuck Lorre reportedly viewed the situation as an especially frustrating move by the network.

The role ultimately went to Simon Helberg.

And television history changed.

The Way Sussman Found Out Was Brutal

The most painful part of the story wasn't simply losing Howard.

It was how Sussman discovered that he had lost the role.

He was reportedly celebrating with his manager at dinner, believing the deal had been secured.

They were celebrating what appeared to be wonderful career news.

Then the phone rang.

The deal had fallen apart.

The role was gone.

Imagine sitting at a dinner table celebrating the beginning of what you believe will be your next major chapter—only to discover that the opportunity has disappeared before the celebration is even over.

For Sussman, that's essentially what happened.

Simon Helberg Became Howard

Simon Helberg ultimately stepped into the role.

And the rest is sitcom history.

For twelve seasons, Helberg transformed Howard into one of the show's most recognizable characters.

Howard evolved from an immature, inappropriate womanizer into a devoted husband, father and friend.

He became such an important part of the ensemble that it is almost impossible to imagine anyone else playing him.

But the original casting story creates an intriguing alternate universe.

What would Howard have looked like with Kevin Sussman?

We'll never know.

Then Stuart Entered the Picture

Sussman's Big Bang Theory story wasn't over.

In Season 2, he returned to the series as Stuart Bloom, the socially awkward owner of the comic book store.

Initially, Stuart appeared to be little more than another recurring character.

But viewers connected with him.

His loneliness, financial struggles, awkward personality and unexpected kindness made him strangely lovable.

Over time, Stuart became a much more significant part of the show's world.

And the actor who had once nearly played Howard had created a completely different character audiences couldn't imagine the series without.

The Role He Lost Led to Something Unexpected

There's a beautiful irony in the story.

Sussman lost the opportunity to become one of the show's original core characters.

Instead, he eventually created one of its most beloved supporting characters.

And Stuart's story kept growing.

The comic book store owner who spent years standing on the sidelines ultimately became the central character of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

The actor who once lost Howard was now leading his own series within the Big Bang Theory universe.

Sometimes the Wrong Door Leads to the Right Room

Television careers are filled with moments that seem devastating at the time.

Sussman had every reason to be disappointed.

He had the role.

He had the support of the creators.

He had been celebrating it.

And then a contract he couldn't control took the opportunity away.

But years later, the story looks completely different.

Simon Helberg became Howard.

Kevin Sussman became Stuart.

And Stuart eventually became the character who gave Sussman his own leading role.

Sometimes losing the part you desperately wanted doesn't mean the story is over.

Sometimes it means the story is about to take a completely different—and unexpectedly better—turn.

Final Thoughts

Kevin Sussman's casting story remains one of the most fascinating “what if?” moments in The Big Bang Theory history.

He could have been Howard Wolowitz.

Instead, he became Stuart Bloom.

And while Howard became one of the show's central characters, Stuart slowly developed from a struggling comic book store owner into a character important enough to carry his own series.