Kaley Cuoco’s Penny on “The Big Bang Theory” starts out as the stereotypical knockout blond in the apartment across the hall from genius pals Leonard Johnny Galecki and Sheldon (Jim Parsons). As the series progresses, however, Penny evolves in sometimes subtle, sometimes more pronounced ways, gradually growing into a more self-aware and assertive young woman. In later seasons, instead of the guys’ high-IQ banter simply flying unacknowledged over her head, Penny often confidently shoots them down with snark that’s as witty as any dark matter double entendre they toss out.

Kaley Cuoco revealed in Jessica Radloff’s newly published behind-the-scenes book, “The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series,” she had a clear position on the prospect of Penny suddenly finding herself eating for two.  I actually wished that they did not  Cuoco said, because I loved that message [of Penny not wanting kids so much.” However, the actor appreciated how the storyline development was handled. “It was cute how the writers did it at the end with Penny’s surprise pregnancy, and all in all I’m glad.

When it comes to the character of Penny herself, her opinion is spelled out in Season 12, Episode 3, when Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) is giving her grief about not wanting children. “I know I’d be great [at being a mom], but the point is, I don’t want to be one,” Penny says. “You know, not everyone needs to have kids to be fulfilled.