Kunal Nayyar is a well-known Indian-British actor, voice artist, and writer, best known for his role as Dr. Raj Koothrappali in the popular TV sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. Here is everything you need to know about him.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Kunal Nayyar was born on April 30, 1981, in London, England, to an Indian family. He grew up in New Delhi and attended St. Columba’s School before moving to the United States for his further studies. Nayyar earned a Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Finance from the University of Portland and later received a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Career
Nayyar made his acting debut in 2004 with the film S.C.I.E.N.C.E. and later appeared in several TV shows, including NCIS and The Big Bang Theory, which was a breakthrough role for him. He played the character of Dr. Raj Koothrappali, a shy astrophysicist who has trouble talking to women without consuming alcohol. The show ran for twelve seasons from 2007 to 2019 and gained immense popularity worldwide.
Apart from acting, Nayyar has also lent his voice to several animated TV series, including Sanjay and Craig and Trolls: The Beat Goes On!. In addition, he has written a memoir titled Yes, My Accent is Real: And Some Other Things I Haven’t Told You.
Personal Life
In 2011, Nayyar married former Miss India, Neha Kapur. The couple met at a party in New Delhi in 2008 and have been together since then. They tied the knot in a traditional Indian wedding ceremony in New Delhi, followed by a reception in Mumbai.
Physical Stats
Nayyar stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs around 63 kg (139 lbs). He has brown eyes and black hair.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Kunal Nayyar has a net worth of $5 million. He reportedly earned $750,000 per episode during the final season of The Big Bang Theory, making him one of the highest-paid TV actors.
Unknown Facts
- Nayyar does not smoke but drinks alcohol occasionally
- He is afraid of heights and closed spaces like lifts.
- He is also a hardcore fan of the TV series, Game of Thrones.
- Nayyar has mentioned in interviews that his character, Dr. Raj Koothrappali, has several similarities to his real-life personality.
Conclusion
Kunal Nayyar is an accomplished actor and writer who has gained global recognition for his role in The Big Bang Theory. He has also lent his voice to various animated series and authored a memoir. Nayyar is happily married and enjoys writing and playing video games in his spare time.
