Golden Globes nominations: Jim Parsons

"The Big Bang Theory" star Jim Parsons says he was sleeping when his publicist called with the news of his nomination in the best performance by an actor in a TV series, comedy or musical category. “It was one of those things where the phone is ringing and it’s pitch dark, so I had a suspicious feeling that either I’d been nominated or something really horrible had happened.”

This is a first nomination for Parsons and also the first for “The Big Bang Theory,” which is in its fourth season. Asked why the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. chose to nominate him now, Parsons says, “It’s been a slow climb. Maybe having us on a new night is showing us to different eyeballs. But I think it’s also that the writers have always remained honest to the characters, and those characters are getting deeper.”

After four seasons, does he feel like it’s about time? “I’d need to be fired from Hollywood if I had that attitude!” he says. “It’s obviously an honor and I’m looking forward to having us all do this together with chocolates and Champagne.”

Having worked as a presenter last year, Parsons hopes he’ll have the chance to talk to people more this year. “I’m a shy person, and I can be a bit of a wilting flower when I see people I’ve watched all my life,” he admits. “Last year, I stood next to Meryl Streep when I was waiting for my car, and I couldn’t even talk to her. How can you not talk to Meryl Streep? This year, I hope I’ll have the courage to say hello.”

-- Melissa Maerz 

Credit: Jim Parsons. Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty Images