Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco on her bold new series, The Flight Attendant

Kaley Cuoco can’t seem to escape this particular question ever since she wrapped filming the Big Bang Theory.

Kaley Cuoco wrapped on the Big Bang Theory just over a year ago following 12 seasons.

And ever since, there seems to be a recurring question she is asked.

“People like to ask me, ‘Oh you must be so excited to get away from Big Bang?’” Cuoco told news.com.au.

“I absolutely don’t feel that way. Every job I get, I owe to Big Bang. I feel strongly that way because it changed my life. I wouldn’t be here without it, so it would be crazy for me to shy away from it.

“I’m so proud of that show and what we did.”

The 34-year-old actress’ first big role post Penny is a stark contrast to the sitcom that catapulted her to fame.

Cuoco stars in HBO’s The Flight Attendant, which hits streaming on Binge on Thursday, a dark thriller in which her character Cassie wakes up next to a murdered man she had just had a one-night stand with.

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Kaley Cuoco plays Cassie in the hugely anticipated series, The Flight Attendant. Picture: Supplied/HBO

Cuoco also executive produced the series, which has been met with rave reviews since airing in the US last week.

“Any project I was going to choose after Big Bang I knew was going to get a lot of attention, good or bad, no matter what I chose people would have thought it was either a good idea or not,” she said.

“I wasn’t necessarily looking for this sort of drama or character but I knew that the right project … I would know deep in my gut.

“So when I saw the book (of the same name) three years ago I simply thought, ‘Wow, this could be a great character for TV.’

“It wasn’t me trying to get away from Big Bang, or move on – it just felt like the right move. “And the icing on top was I had all these different emotions. I got to play action, adventure, mystery, emotion, but also moments of laughter.”

Start streaming The Flight Attendant on Binge from November 26. New to Binge? Get a 14-day free trial. Sign up at binge.com.au

Kaley said she ‘knew in her gut’ the role was right for her. Picture: Supplied/HBO

The Flight Attendant streams on Binge from Thursday. Picture: Supplied/HBO

Truth be told it was always going to be hard for Cuoco to break free from Penny. She cites Jennifer Aniston and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as her biggest inspirations in navigating that path.

The two have managed to pave successful careers while still regularly paying homage to Friends and Seinfeld, respectively.

“That’s why I love Jen so much, she’s had a huge career past Rachel,” Cuoco said.

“Obviously Rachel was so iconic and Jen’s never shied away from that. I also love what she’s done with her career, she knows what she’s good at and hasn’t tried to be someone she’s not. That’s why everyone loves her so much.

“Another great example is Julia Louis-Dreyfus. She’s had a huge career outside Seinfeld but still reminisces on those days, she hasn’t buried it like it’s something she doesn’t want to talk about, she’s proud, and that’s how I feel.”

Cuoco’s popularity could be measured by various things, from her millions of Instagram followers, to regularly being plastered on the front of tabloids and entertainment websites.

But perhaps the greatest barometer is that her star power meant she managed to command a $US1 million ($A1.37 million) salary per episode in 2014 for Big Bang Theory alongside her co-stars – who became the highest paid TV stars in the world.

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The Big Bang Theory stars were paid more than $1 million per episode.

Despite her successes, Cuoco said she wasn’t fazed by that level of fame.

“I don’t even have to block it out, it’s really not how I live my life,” she said.

“Everything to me is the same. I forget for other people it’s not the same, but for me nothing has changed. I do all the same things.

“People laugh at me, they can’t believe I still get excited for jobs. I’m really not jaded. I don’t care who you are or even myself coming off the biggest show – it doesn’t matter.

“It doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to get hired. I still want to work for that.

“I get proud for those moments. I get proud people want to interview me and talk about my projects.

“I know that can be taken away quickly. Others get shocked but that’s just who I am and it won’t ever change.”

As for the divisive Big Bang Theory finale, Cuoco – who admitted she wasn’t ready to leave the show – believes it was written perfectly.

“I’m biased but I loved the finale so much,” she said.

“I got so emotional. It really let all of our characters tie it up with a pretty bow. Some people judged that, they thought it’s too cute. I thought it was so special.

“We were proud of it and what we accomplished and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

The Flight Attendant hits streaming on Binge on Thursday