Jim Parsons: I Had A Hard Time Accepting My ‘Hidden Figures’ Role At First | TODAY

Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jim Parsons is most recognized for his work on “The Big Bang Theory,” but in the new film “Hidden Figures,” his character tries to obstruct the contributions of African-American women to NASA’s space program. On TODAY the actor admits, “It took me a few reads to accept the part. Paul Stafford represents a personification of the major hurdles of that time … but I accepted that.”

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Jim Parsons: I Had A Hard Time Accepting My ‘Hidden Figures’ Role At First | TODAY

[duellegend]

Isn't ironic that sheldons now a engineer ....;)

[nadiaathali]

in Big Bang Theory he always makes fun of Howard for being an engineer. and in this movie he's the lead engineer I mean 😂 I just love that

[jennjoint]

Paul, the scientist, in Hidden Figures represented more than the attitudes of the time. Some still have those attitudes today. But we have come a long way collectively.

[ericpaulgoldie]

Jim Parsons was brilliant in Hidden Figures, a very, very difficult role, but much like the entire cast, Teraji, Octavia, Janelle and Kevin they were all amazing.

[MaryVA]

Why does he say, he represented that figure who had those views "at the time." Truth be told, those views are still prevalent. I really loved this movie, but I cried, because it was so painful, seeing what these women endured.

[emmamiele]

I saw the movie today and it felt weird to see him wearing a wedding ring and not wearing a superhero t shirt

[EtzEchad]

His character arc in "Hidden Figures" is one of the more interesting. He wasn't really a bad guy, but he was a man of the times. By the end of the movie he had overcome most of his bigotry.

[gohjuchendelphine]

i wish the interviewer asked him questions pertaining specifically to his role, which was the personification of institutionalised racism in the 60s. Although Jim Parsons (bless his heart) addressed these points as well as he could have given the nature of the questions i was a little surprised that the questions were open-ended to the point that it could have been directed at any other engineer movie role when it clearly shouldn't be, and would have been missed entirely if Jim Parsons wasn't as astute and mindful of it as he was.

[bcatypical]

Jim played the part well, as did everyone in their roles. REALLY good movie.

[gailthomas]

Always love listening to Jim Parsons. He is intelligent and articulate and listens to the questions being asked. Wish more actors would follow his example.

[theninjacat]

So was the sexism THAT BLATANT in the 1960s? I mean, the guy comes right out and says 'there's no protocol for women'. He didn't dance around it...it's like a 'little boys club' and women aren't allowed! ARGH!

[Justmyhandle]

This movie and its presentation of this story will undoubtedly become a classic for science & history lovers and families in general for generations to come. It took A LOT LONGER than it should have but thankfully has finally gained the public's acknowledgement. These are the heroes we need to see more of, those BEHIND the scenes of turning points in society.

[aetie]

Matt was disappointing...let Jim talk about the film....not about your dreams and how Jim looks like an engineer...Jim is on your show to talk about the film and the issues it addresses, not how he is dressed...what is that about?

[KlondikeKun]

Jim you were basically a racist Sheldon don't be modest

[davidthaler]

I love how diplomatic he is about the character he plays....which is an arrogant chauvinistic royal pain in the ass.

[Alexp]

I know this is old, but I appreciate Jim trying to talk about the racial issues and stuff, and the host is just totally throwing him on tangents to not discuss it. This is a huge problem w/ media. Racism/racist acts are in every part of this country. It needs to be talked about.

[Renatavinorojo]

Saw the movie yesterday and it was such a joy and inspirational movie. These ladies ..AMAZING! Jim did a wonderful job it was nice to see him in a different environment.

[avocadopit]

"lead engineer"
thats like the most anti sheldon thing ever

[DoubtingThomasOriginal]

This film should have won the oscar for all of their work.

[lilithdecker]

if I played a part like that I did have a hard time accept it too.