Big Bang Theory: What happened to Ramona Nowitzki? Why did she leave?

Despite first appearing in one episode of season two, Ramona Nowitzki (played by Riki Lindhome) made quite the impact on Big Bang Theory characters and viewers alike. Introduced as a besotted grad student desperate to work with Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Ramona was determined to get the best out of Sheldon, much to the dismay of Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and his pals. The character proved so popular, the CBS sitcom brought her back for a brief stint in 2017 and this is what happened to her.

What happened to Ramona Nowitzki on Big Bang Theory?

Ramona first left the gang in season two after Sheldon refused to share credit with her on a paper.

There clearly wasn’t too much ill-feeling as she returned in the season 10 finale to work with him once again.

In the time since her departure when she was a grad student, it’s explained on the CBS sitcom Ramona had been working with CERN in Switzerland.

On her return, she was working at Caltech University to help further her research.

Her reintroduction to the group, however, was marred by the fact that this time she clearly had a romantic interest in Sheldon.

After spending more and more time together, including a swimming trip, Amy (Mayim Bialik) began to question their working relationships.

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Big Bang Theory: Ramona and Sheldon in season 2

Big Bang Theory: Ramona and Sheldon in season 2 (Image: Getty/CBS)

Big Bang Theory: Ramona in season 10

Big Bang Theory: Ramona in season 10 (Image: CBS)

At the same time as Ramona’s comeback, Amy was away at Princeton University for work.

In her absence, Ramona decided to kiss Sheldon in the hopes of winning him over.

It had the adverse effect, however, as Sheldon decided after the kiss that he wanted to propose to Amy.

Sheldon headed to New Jersey, proposed, Amy said yes and they returned to Caltech three months later where Ramona was still working.

Instead of furiously confronting her, Amy hugged Ramona and thanked her for inadvertently getting Sheldon to propose.

This is the last fans see of Ramona as she’s not seen or brought up again.

But why did the actress leave The Big Bang Theory in the end?

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Big Bang Theory: Ramona and Sheldon reunited in season 10

Big Bang Theory: Ramona and Sheldon reunited in season 10 (Image: CBS)

Why did Riki Lindhome leave Big Bang Theory?

The reason Lindhome left the Big Bang Theory was down to the writing of the character.

The actress was never signed onto the Golden Globe-winning series in a recurring or main cast capacity.

In fact, showrunner Steven Molaro TVGuide revealed all about the decision to bring Lindhome back, albeit briefly.

He said: “With Amy away for a few months, we liked the idea that Sheldon was essentially on his own for the first time as far as what we’ve seen on Big Bang Theory, living in an apartment by himself, his girlfriend who he’s very attached to is now far away,

“We wanted to explore what that would mean for his character.”

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Big Bang Theory: Riki Lindhome and the Big Bang cast

Big Bang Theory: Riki Lindhome and the Big Bang cast (Image: Getty)

He added: “One of the things we thought could be interesting based on that was what would happen if another woman came along while Amy was gone and what would that do to Sheldon as well as his group of friends.

“Then once we had that thought, what if another woman comes sniffing around after Sheldon, the next question was who would that woman be?”

The Big Bang boss then revealed how Ramona and Lindhome was a clear choice.

He said: “We had always loved when Riki played Ramona in season two, so we quickly called her to see if she was available, and she was, and it happened very quickly after that. Everything fell into place. We love her.”

The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on Netflix now.

source: express.co.uk