On the recent finale of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon, the character played by Jim Parsons, shocked viewers when he proposed to his girlfriend Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik). And, in a case of life imitating art, Parsons has also tied the knot with longtime boyfriend Todd Spiewak.
According to Page Six, the couple were married this past Saturday night, May 14th. To learn more about Parsons and Spiewak and their surprise marriage, here are five fast facts.
1. They Have Dated For 15 Years
In an interview with The Actor’s Studio, Parsons revealed that he met Spiewak on a blind date at a karaoke bar in 2002, where Spiewak was singing Cher’s “I Found Someone.” Cut to over a decade later, and Parsons took to Instagram to celebrate their 14th anniversary, writing: “I met this guy (the one with the mic) 14 years ago today and it was the best thing that ever happened to me, no contest.”
Parsons went on to say that “One of his greatest gifts to me is that he no longer takes me to sing karaoke. Also, I believe this was a selfie with an actual camera, as our phones couldn’t do that back then hahaha! #todd #anniversary.” Parsons has also referred to Spiewak as “his favorite person on the planet” on several occasions.
The couple have also started the production company Wonderful Production LLC, and their next venture will be the film A Kid Like Jake starring Octavia Spencer, Claire Danes, and Parsons himself. Spiewak will serve as producer.
2. Parsons Came Out As Gay In 2012
Parson’s sexuality had been the source of media speculation for years. And, in an interview with the New York Times in 2012, he confirmed that he was indeed gay. Patrick Healy, who conduced the interview, wrote: “The Normal Heart” resonated with him on a few levels: Mr. Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship, and working with an ensemble again onstage was like nourishment, he said.”
At the time the interview was published, the identity of Parson’s significant other was left unknown, though many did suspect Spiewak– as the two had made countless monetary contributions to theater programs in New York City.
3. They Accepted An Award Together In 2013
Parsons and Spiewak made their first major public appearance together in 2013, when they were given an Inspiration Award at the 9th Annual GLSEN Respect Awards at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. “I we’re inspiring at all, it’s that we’re a very average normal just moving right along with our lives kind of people,” he said during his speech. Parsons went to say: “I’ve never considered myself an activist. I’ve never considered my relationship with Todd to be an act of activism. Rather Simply, it’s an act of love, coffee in the morning, going to work, washing the clothes, taking the dogs [out] — a regular life, boring love.”
“That doesn’t feel like you could possibly be inspirational when you’re going through those day-to-day motions,” Parsons added, “But I get it.” When it was Spiewak’s turn to talk, he took the opportunity to poke fun at Parsons, saying “Well, as always, Jim didn’t leave much for me to say.”
4. Marriage Rumors Have Surfaced In the Past
In 2015, rumors began circulating whether Parsons and Spiewak had gotten married in secret. According to The National Enquirer, “Todd has wanted to get married for a long time now, and he told Jim he felt like they were just treading water. Jim has kept telling him he wanted to make sure he was settled and secure before he took on such a major change, but Todd shot back, “You’re going to be making more than $20 million a year now, how set do you need to be?” Parsons dispelled the rumor with an Instagram post that read: Still very happy today… and NOT engaged #FYI #NationalEnquirerMakesS**tUp #duh.”
When Parsons appeared on an episode of The View that same year, he addressed his stance on marriage: “I’m 42 now and so much of my adult life that wasn’t really a possibility or whatever and I’ve grown more interested in the idea and I’m certainly supportive of the notion… [but] my own personal interest in it has never been that high.” Watch the full interview above.
5. They Were Married At The Rainbow Room
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Big Bang Theory showrunner Steve Molaro discussed the surprise of Sheldon’s proposal: “It was a surprise to us when we decided Sheldon was going to propose and I would like to think it would be a surprise to us when they get married.” This proved to be nothing, however, compared to the surprise that Parsons created when his real marriage got out.
Page Six reports that Parsons and Spiewak were married at the popular Rainbow Room venue in New York City. Parsons took to social media on Monday to confirm this, and to provide a few more details about the service. Melissa McNeely was apparently vital to the planning of the wedding, as Parsons wrote in his caption: “She’s our best friend, she was our wedding planner, she was our officiant and she played all three parts brilliantly this past Saturday.” Check out more pictures of the reception and the couple’s first dance as newlyweds above.
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Jim Parsons & Todd Spiewak Married: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know