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

[@duellegend71]

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

[@jhonkemod3493]

omg

[@likesmusic11]

duellegend71 I said the exact same thing...

[@duellegend71]

Given how much flak he's given Howard it's pretty funny lol

[@ladonnayoung8259]

duellegend71 Rotfl I didn't think of that.

[@ladonnayoung8259]

Sam Armstrong What are you talking about? It sounds like you are the one that need to get a grip, or at least comprehend what you are reading before calling yourself trying to smart of to someone. Smh!!

[@nadiaathali99]

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

[@eumesm9770]

As in the 'go-no-go' that they talk about in the movie, on the Big Bang Theory show, they talk about a 'go-not-going' also

[@spaceman081447]

In the real world, those who are "scientists" tend to look down on those who are "engineers." For their part, engineers think of scientists as impractical dreamers. Furthermore, in the world of physics specifically, there is a split between the theoretical physicists and the experimental physicists.

[@lani4069]

Nadia Athali the irony

[@ronaldomadrebien7045]

Athali N. ...........Karma

[@delaneymartin8006]

Katherine? Howard? Im seeing a connection *Theatre kids where are you*

[@jennjoint6123]

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.

[@fopifopfopifop3540]

Jenn Joint you are very right and there no skin color involved. We always have a colleague who acts exactly like Jim act in the movie

[@theninjacat7200]

I was shocked to hear the guy come right out and say 'no protocol for women'.

[@theninjacat7200]

So you're saying the guy was freaked out by a woman...not necessarily her race? Yet, the way she was treated with the coffee pot shows clearly race was a factor!

[@Godscountry2732]

Your so right,we have come a long way.

[@funnbafan123]

The bathroom too

[@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.

[@emmamiele5850]

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

[@godsgirl7201]

He plays his role so good I forgot he's a real person out side of the big bang or can play other roles

[@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.

[@kmbbmj5857]

Yes. While in many ways his role was to help the others shine in this move, his character probably experiences the most growth and change from beginning to end. The ending where they co-author a paper and he hands her a cup of coffee bring things full circle.

[@kendallbedford2523]

And part of his character is also harsh towards women. I think the color and gender was the part of him that was played well.

[@dxwallace55]

The "coffee" scene at the very end of the movie really ties it all together. He gives her a cup of coffee (if you saw the movie, you know about coffee incidents), and you might have missed that after he handed her the coffee, he proceeded to read the document she typed up which had her name on it, and. He was opposed her name being on the documents through the whole movie, but this time it didn't affect him at all. The subtlety of the scene hits harder than some overly dramatic apology or remorseful "acceptance of her" speech on his part.

[@MXGIRL87]

A man of the times was a bad guy though that’s just the way things were, I don’t think we should act like that made it “okay”

[@Matthew-vp9rh]

That’s exactly what people say to disguise racism. “A man of the time” get out of here with that

[@Mary2020VA]

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.

[@samanthanickson6478]

lots of people today honestly don't realize that the struggle is ongoing. its a shame; that it still occurs and that there is true cluelessness.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

COLLECTIVELY as a society, we have VASTLY improved. Society has come a long way, BUT still has a long way to go. Yes, there are still people like that character today, but FAR LESS prevalent than it was before.

[@msrain1235]

Mary, you're very right. I have actually experiencedo what Taraji and Octavia went through.

[@archied202]

gjaddajg "stop whining"? having rights isn't a privilege. We as humans deserve rights and many POC and women still have a long way to go until they fully are given each and every single right as of a "White Man"

[@saskiafaull5036]

Fighting for legal rights was the objective in the twentieth century, fighting for prejudices to end, prejudice that still hold women, POC and anyone of any minority group back, is the objective of today. With equal rights, we have come a long way, but there's still people like Paul out there and unless people fight those views will remain. Maybe the way it's being fought isn't the right way but until someone finds a better way to fight it, you shouldn't stand in there way!

[@gailthomas2631]

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.

[@gohjuchendelphine6307]

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.

[@namrakhan4269]

DW he got fired for sexual harassment

[@DoubtingThomasOriginal]

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

[@michellebermingham2350]

Sadly Hollywood always gets it wrong with the films they choose for Oscars. Apart from Gladiator sweeping the boards in 2000 that is.

[@KlondikeKun]

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

[@algriffin7630]

😂😂😂

[@trulor]

Fax

[@alexbalderas198]

True

[@animangafan342]

Ur prize is a DVD box set of "Roots" (The Big Bang Theory reference)

[@chandllerbing]

Sheldon isn't racist, he doesn't care about anyone

[@theninjacat7200]

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!

[@alhambralions5985]

THE NINJACAT YES. Get an, admittedly fictionalized , taste of it from Mad Men. Yes, we had to endure that, the butt-pinching, the sexist jokes, and more

[@priyankasomani2898]

THE NINJACAT It's still pretty blatant in other places in the world...

[@harlempunk4481]

Well the only reason you think sexism before is so disturbing and makes you scream internally is because you weren't probably born in that time. Acts like that is very normal like how people dislike gay people 20 years ago and even today.

[@spaceman081447]

Actually, he WAS dancing around it. His real motivation was racism; he couched his objection in terms of sexism because sexism was more "respectable" and "acceptable" at least officially.

[@missrayelyn3045]

Absolutely! Hard to believe unless you've lived it.

[@bcatypical]

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

[@godsgirl7201]

He did good

[@aetie001]

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?

[@chjgfdfghjhhg]

Oh wow! I thought I was the only one to think this.

[@Vdauntless30]

He was asking his pre-approved questions. He was following the script and being the puppet he's paid to be. All the world's a stage.. That also includes the news.

[@jeansafiera96]

Vdollz Dauntless 30 well what do you expect? This is not snl with their impromptu skits

[@TheWinterShadow]

This sort of crap is happening more during these interviews.

[@Loachie90]

@@TheWinterShadow well guys Matt’s not a problem anymore 😂😏

[@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.

[@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.

[@summerbreeze6567]

Like something the Lord made - a movie on the pioneering of heart surgery for blue babies

[@godsgirl7201]

🙌🏼

[@TheScreamingMime]

It's just sad that almost none of it was true to actual events.

[@davidthaler7018]

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

[@kmbbmj5857]

Basically an engineer.

[@avocadopit151]

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

[@Alexp36500]

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.

[@bobcaygeon6799]

LOL. And I thought it was just me!!! I'm ashamed to say I haven't seen this movie. Just snippets here on KZbin. Next time I'm out (Walmart maybe?) I'm just buying it. Shameful this was not part of our history lessons but glad the 'real' ladies got to see that we 'see' them now 🙂 Makes you wonder what else is missing from our ancient stories 🤔

[@jessejohnson159]

I had wondered how Tim Parsons felt about portraying 'that guy'. I'm glad he took the time to think it through and do an excellent portrayal!

[@lilithdecker6156]

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

[@Topself24]

I'm a houstonian too. NASA is a part of our lives

[@JaniceLDN]

How pathetic you are Sebastian Grain. To try and denigrate this film which depicts the contribution these women made to the space race says so much about you. By the way, not all black people use the N word. Just as not all white people are as ignorant as you.

[@Brittany__S]

+Sebastian Grain You're so ignorant. Keep hating. lol

[@zhanejackson5062]

Sebastian Grain so why is it okay to have white movies all over any theater?? but it's a problem for a historic black movie to come out?? Listen here you Ignorant man, when there is history, people make documentaries of it. that's how life goes. and because of thoughs girls, women let alone black women would not be where they are today. this movie just isn't about black women. it'd about all women in general. Notice how when the smartest black women got a promotion, there was already only 1 women that was working there?? that was because women did not have enough rights! stop trying to bring racism back in the world because it's going away and it's never coming back!

[@Neneham1966]

Sebastian all of those woman had advanced mathematic degrees idiot, they weren't just typist.

[@Neneham1966]

***** and all of mankind originates from the black man. You dont really look black either but trust and believe it's in your bloodline. You're either ignorant or fearful. Please know that this will be my only response to you as I dont practice having conversations with ignorant people.

[@MsLivinghealthy]

Very talented actor. Congratulations on your impressive career! I will be watching...signed...Cdn sister in SAG-AFTRA.

[@Ilove2teach52]

When are we going to put these ladies in the history books.

[@godsgirl7201]

🙌🏼

[@Brotherken1234]

Don't hold your breath!

[@swisschoco25]

Watching Hidden Figures in 2021....shows me that yes we have come a long way, but we have a ways to go.

[@ronkirk5099]

Great movie. Sure glad these women's story finally got told about how they contributed to the space program.

[@zahemi914]

I was really surprised to watch him in a total contrast of his usual hillarious character in Big Bang.. awesome acting

[@ObnoxiousAgnostic]

If I met Jim in real life, I would call out "Sheldon! Sheldon Cooper!"

[@One20Forty]

ObnoxiousAgnostic Doctor, Dr. Sheldon Cooper (he insists).

[@dj3114]

Suppose he's ever heard that before?

[@TheWinterShadow]

Give the guy a break.

[@kamogelomolotsi8757]

He finna say "You mean Dr Sheldon Cooper "😭

[@tahoemike5828]

Wow, what a timewarp. Matt Lauer still had his job, and I hadn't seen Hidden Figures 250 times.

[@bobapbob5812]

The character that comes off the best is John Glenn. I have a much higher opinion of him now. RIP

[@Back2bibleVideos]

Bob ap Bob John Glenn was really nice like that in person Too. I can see him walking over to them and talking to them despite the time.Met him a few times real down to earth.

[@kevinskipp8016]

And apparently he really did personally request "that girl" to double check the numbers before he'd go ahead. I thought that was Hollywood bullsh... but it was all officially recorded in the transcript of the communications.

[@robertmorris8997]

I met Senator Glenn during Desert Shield. That was before he was corrupted by the Clintons, and sold out his integrity for a ride on the space shuttle. very disappointing.

[@alejandrogonzales743]

@@robertmorris8997 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@danielb337]

I loved Jim Parsons in this movie he did an outstanding job in playing an engineer it was a very difficult job but he made it memorable and made the movie worth watching

[@marilynseptember21]

Major hurdles and attitudes at the time. It's 2020 and we are still going through these issues. Even with over 18years experience, they want me to trouble shoot messed up work but no promotion or raise.......

[@connieverbeck1110]

I am really relieved that you struggled. And you are right, it was a sign of the times. You were very convincing. Lol

[@kristinalowe8627]

Jim Parsons is a gifted actor. I just watched him in the new series, “Hollywood.” The guy is amazing!

[@trenae77]

Just the fact he addresses Taraji by name shows the respect he holds for his fellow cast.

[@nannyann65]

I love me some Jim Parsons.

[@silverfoxx8115]

JP totally killed, I forgot he plaid Sheldon in BBT the moment he came on to the screen, my fav part was the bathroom scene and the end when he gives TP her props, I will def go to see this again, I took my mom , sister, daughter and a friend and they all enjoyed it as well!

[@joe_isom]

Paul Stafford & Al Harrison were actually my favorite characters when it comes to character building in the film. It is so inspiring it moved me to tears at the end credits. Films *very* rarely do that to me.

[@ashc3504]

Can we just appreciate how posh and polite he is

[@36nikkijane]

I love Jim Parsons, just wanna hug him.

[@AquarielCharms]

One of my favorite movies. The actors were perfect for this one. I never heard of Jim Parson until I saw Hidden Figures. He was perfect as the prejudiced engineer. Hard to believe that such brilliant minds were so racist and the drudgery people of color had to endure in those times, and still do. It's no wonder they're stronger than most whites. Sometimes suffering does that - makes you stronger, wiser and more spiritually advanced.

[@anileb100]

Cannot wait to see this movie

[@Streetsmart1984]

anileb100 it's excellent I saw it last night

[@boomer2095]

Loved that Jim was so smart to go outside his typecast and being able to work outside his comfort zone. When you look at the BBT you have actors who have been in sitcoms or on Broadway since they were old enough to go on auditions ,

[@wittafa]

The dude interviewing was trying his best to dodge the racial aspects of Hidden Figures

[@pcbacklash_3261]

I have no doubt Jim felt a bit out of place playing a character so unlike himself, but I can only imagine how Taraji felt! She played an extremely straight-laced, reserved lady who -- from what I've seen -- is NOTHING like Taraji. She's so vivacious I imagine she turns every room into a party just by walking into it!

[@nunyabiz1029]

He completely ignored the vital black history that Jim was trying to bring to light

[@deborahswanson8457]

One of my favorite scenes is when Jim brings Katherine a cup of coffee!

[@tazariaaa7300]

just watched it, such a great film

[@suzywernet5312]

Truly enjoyed the film!

[@brianneeley4471]

Jim is a very good actor.

[@teddygraham5230]

Incredible that even the actors who watched NASA growing up never know this story

[@godsgirl7201]

😮😮😮

[@godsgirl7201]

The lady who they made the story after the main chat she just died last year she was like in her 90s

[@roytee3127]

Nobody - including us space nerds - had any inkling of this.

[@clfisher10]

Howard walowitz would be so proud of how good of an engineer Sheldon became

[@mewmew9762]

jim parson is one of my favorite actors he is just really funny and is just a cool person in general plus sheldon is my favorite character

[@filejw862]

That must have been hard for him to play but that was brilliant. 😎

[@jdmarr2259]

Jim Parsons was channeling Sheldon Cooper alittle there in his choice of words. He's very articulate.

[@buttascotchluv247]

I love him so much he’s awesomeeeeee

[@ShiftsInReality]

Truth is I never heard of Jim Parsons until I saw him in Hidden Figures for the 1st time in Dec 2017. Since then I've watched this film well over 20 times from start to finish. Maybe other actors could have pulled off his scenes but I thought JP's performance was perfect. At the beginning of the film... those unwelcome, cold-hearted looks at Katherine, were brilliant. I will definitely watch other films he's in.

[@CazzyZaccy24]

ShiftsInReality you should check out Big Bang theory he's in that too, he plays Sheldon Cooper in that

[@tineyconerwillians4758]

I was fascinated by the space program u were n he keep on talking 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂

[@sage_mints29]

2:37 off topic but in the background on the right you could see someone trying to get into the shot and is immediately blocked by a poster😂😂

[@loluoresegun5844]

I couldn't stop seeing him as Sheldon throughout the movie, waiting for when he'd blurt out BAZINGA somewhere in there.

[@dianemurphy6589]

I love Jim Parsons!

[@SMD24]

Lol Jim is basically sheldon and possibly in real life

[@selinapoochie]

Great guy and great actor!

[@nyd2021]

he did an amazing job! 👏

[@user-ee5gb4uj4d]

OMG MY TWO ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE ACTORS/ACTRESSES EVER IN THE SAME MOVIE

[@slime129]

Phenomenal movie!!

[@farab4391]

I only watched Hidden Figures a couple of weeks ago. Before then never knew it existed. OMG, what an amazing movie. This is one of the few movies I'm looking forward to seeing more than once.

[@peachyannie9351]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH AND I LOVE JIM'S ROLE!!!

[@after_midnight9592]

Those people in the background are annoying asf. It's impossible to watch Jim speak.

[@anastasia10017]

I saw this movie today. it was excellent. go see it !!!

[@teagugo1353]

oh the irony, the scientist doctor Sheldon Cooper that always mocks engineers, plays an engineer ha

[@tankell32]

My Shelly.

[@juliana_MFF]

Love him ❤️

[@tigerkhanshort7868]

I'm glad you made this clip. In the movie I was thinking Man, he is so nasty to her but you really played the part, good work.

[@susanqtips]

In this day and age with the attempt to eradicate the injustice of racism, its important to present the truth.

[@CurtisDonDeano]

great movie

[@Mia7189]

He's good in this film.

[@consuelanewhams9486]

Rewatching hidden figures brought me here today in 2023. Still a great movie that invokes so many emotions.

[@jaydee5156]

I'm PO'd twice. First, because I never knew about them. Second, because I've never heard of this movie. I didn't watch documentaries or read books about it. I watch the launches dating back to the Mercury Program. These ladies and so many other unknowns are heroes. We need to see their faces. We need to know their names. We need to hear their stories.

[@iambmattward]

*knock, knock, knock* Taraji, *knock, knock, knock* Taraji, *knock knock knock* Taraji 😂😂😂

[@davidcarlson1208]

very good movie, a joy! K

[@tdurhamm]

But you were amazing at it.. playing a character who's nothing like you,, shows great range and talent..

[@Coen_Jaeger]

Jim parsons is one of my favourite actors

[@eggshelleytheegg2777]

when I was watching this movie with my friend when Paul was on camera I kept saying..."PAUL!"

[@BB-rz4yy]

No matter what role he plays, I can never unsee Sheldon

[@sanadaniel7824]

2:05 Sheldon laughs

[@macpakinga377]

Awesome Jim you played that roll like a professional. Nice. 🤗👍🥰💐🙏🌏FNZealand

[@marydonohoe8200]

(From now in 2021) Hidden Figures was a great flic, and so important to the history of space flight. And like Parsons, I never knew about any of this before the movie. No surprise...

[@godsgirl7201]

So much history has been erased or overlooked

[@gyverproductionstudiotm7301]

Intro Twitter: @GyverStudioHI Developer at Gyver Production Studio Producer at Gyver Production Studio

[@lepredator189]

I was looking for him to blurt out BAZINGA in the movie

[@tyronejones7470]

How are you in hw and dont know who taraji is?

[@liabilitycomputer5485]

I knew he had a hard time being that character honestly I think everyone must of had, but amazing film

[@samanthanor332]

Thanks guys in a big thanks to Jim love you more than anything.

[@daveenyart]

The film is a true gift to all of us.

[@chinita1pr]

Jim is just a beautiful man; inside and out.

[@TubeWatcher]

That first part..I have never heard this story before.

[@phoneoperator]

wild to see this guy on the scene interviewing jim since his downfall

[@souviksaha5456]

I love Jim

[@davidwolf2562]

I had a problem accepting him playing Stafford ... he seemed to be uncomfortable in his role but that might have been an undercurrent in Stafford himself ... it was a good breakout for Parsons ... it was a story for these times for sure ...

[@deesalmon9632]

😂😂😂😂 Sheldon Cooper had a hard time accepting that he was a pain in the butt