The Harvey Effect: Jim Parsons on How His ‘Beyond Fun’ Return to Broadway is Improving His Personal Life

Two-time Emmy winner Jim Parsons is best known as cynical scientist Sheldon Cooper on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, but his new Broadway role in the classic comedy Harvey is bringing out the actor’s friendlier side. As Elwood P. Dowd, Parsons takes time to chat with everyone he meets, and is always quick to lend a helping hand. Elwood is the epitome of a great friend—especially to his invisible six-foot-three-and-a-half inch rabbit pal named Harvey. Broadway.com caught up with Parsons on Harvey's opening night, and found out Elwood’s cheerful attitude is rubbing off on the stage and screen fave.

“I can’t tell you what a lovely effect [playing Elwood] has had on me in my regular life,” Parsons said. “There is so much you can personally gain from taking your time with people and talking to people and really trying to connect with them.” Parsons hopes Harvey audiences will have a great time at the show, but also learn a lesson from Elwood’s patience and kindness. “Most of the time I settle for the quick fix joy of an e-mail,” Parsons admitted. “'Ooh, I got mail!'" he said, imitating his reaction to seeing a full inbox. "God forbid I look at somebody!” The actor is resolving to be more like Elwood from now on.

After making his Broadway debut in The Normal Heart last year, Parsons is thrilled to be back on stage, although he noted “things go wrong” almost nightly. “Things don’t go as they were planned all the time,” Parsons said with a laugh, adding that Harvey is no exception. “But there’s something about this play. There’s something in the story that sweeps you right back in,” he said. “[Harvey] is beyond fun! It's just a joy to perform.”