Chuck Lorre says 'The Big Bang Theory' stars were outraged over proposed pay cut

Chuck Lorre says 'Big Bang Theory' stars resisted pay cuts to fund salary raises for Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch Photo: AFP Chuck Lorre has revealed behind-the-scenes tensions involving The Big Bang Theory cast, claiming its leading stars were outraged when asked to accept a pay cut to accommodate salary increases for co-stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. In his new memoir, Sitcom, the television producer recalled how Bialik and Rauch joined the series towards the end of its third season before becoming regular cast members in season four. Lorre credited their additions with helping sustain the sitcom, suggesting it might otherwise have run out of steam after seven or eight seasons. According to Lorre, executives Les Moonves and Bruce Rosenblum later approached the main cast, who were earning $1 million per episode plus profit participation, and asked them to take a 10% pay cut to fund raises for the two actresses. Lorre said he expected the actors to agree but was surprised by their reaction. He recalled that they were outraged by the request, leaving the executives to withdraw from the discussion without securing the expected cooperation. The memoir also revisits Lorre's turbulent working relationship with Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men. Lorre described the early years as enjoyable but said the production became increasingly difficult during season eight, when Sheen frequently missed work. He recalled a particularly troubling incident in which Sheen struggled to remember his lines and needed furniture to remain upright during filming. Lorre said the situation raised serious concerns about the actor's wellbeing and ultimately led him to shut down production. Elsewhere in Sitcom, Lorre discusses casting challenges, including CBS executives' initial opposition to Melissa McCarthy for Mike & Molly. He also reflects on his brief involvement with Scientology and his marriage to Arielle Mandelson. Lorre's memoir offers a candid account of the disputes and decisions behind several successful television comedies.