Share and Follow
Though Stuart didn’t officially join the ranks of the main characters on “The Big Bang Theory” until Season 8, he had already captured the hearts of fans. Initially, he was the unassuming comic book store owner that the core group of friends occasionally visited. However, thanks to an ad-libbed line from actor Kevin Sussman, Stuart evolved into a more intriguing and layered character, eventually earning his spot as a fan favorite.
Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
Sussman’s portrayal of Stuart is undoubtedly his most recognized role, and with the aptly named spinoff “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” on the horizon, his association with the character is set to continue. Yet, Sussman’s career spans far beyond the confines of “The Big Bang Theory,” as he has made significant contributions to both television and film, including several well-loved comedies from the early 2000s.
Sussman’s cinematic journey includes a small part in “Almost Famous,” followed by a more prominent role in the ensemble cult classic “Wet Hot American Summer.” In 2008, just prior to his debut on “The Big Bang Theory,” Sussman appeared in the underrated Coen brothers’ film “Burn After Reading.”
Even if you missed Sussman in “Wet Hot American Summer,” it’s understandable given the film’s impressive lineup of comedy talent, many of whom were on the cusp of stardom. The cast boasted names like Paul Rudd, Michael Showalter, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, Janeane Garofalo, and Bradley Cooper, who was making his film debut. Sussman played Steve, a character with a seemingly magical ability to control the weather, a role he reprised for the 2015 prequel series “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.”
While Sussman’s parts in “Almost Famous” and “Burn After Reading” were even more minor, with his character remaining unnamed in the latter, his contributions to the comedy scene during the 2000s are noteworthy. He steadily built a diverse portfolio, appearing in films such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Hitch,” “For Your Consideration,” “Kissing Jessica Stein,” and “Taking Woodstock.” Additionally, Sussman made his mark on television with a role in the first season of “Ugly Betty” in 2006.
Kevin Sussman was one of many famous faces in the Wet Hot American Summer franchise
USA Films
Don’t be surprised if you didn’t realize Kevin Sussman was in “Wet Hot American Summer,” as that movie had an absolutely stacked cast of contemporary and future comedy heavyweights and superstars who were still on the rise. The incredible ensemble included Paul Rudd, Michael Showalter, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, Janeane Garofalo, and Bradley Cooper in his film debut. Sussman had a small role as Steve, a guy who seemingly possesses the power to control the weather as demonstrated during the talent show. Sussman reprised the role for the 2015 prequel series, “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.”
Admittedly, Sussman’s roles in both “Almost Famous” and “Burn After Reading” were even smaller, and his character actually doesn’t have a name in the latter. That being said, the actor’s comedy film output in the 2000s doesn’t end there. Sussman spent that decade quietly building up his body of character work in films like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Hitch,” “For Your Consideration,” “Kissing Jessica Stein,” and “Taking Woodstock.” He also had a role in the first season of “Ugly Betty” in 2006.
Sussman’s roles weren’t limited to comedies, either. The actor also appeared in the Stanley Kubrick-turned-Steven Spielberg sci-fi movie “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” the Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson legal thriller “Changing Lanes,” and the direct-to-video horror movie “Insanitarium.”
