Jim Parsons was prepared for fame when he joined 'The Big Bang Theory'.
The 41-year-old star plays socially awkward scientist Sheldon Cooper in the hit US sitcom and he feels being in his thirties when the show started helped keep him grounded, despite his newfound fame and millions.
He explained: "I was 33 when I started the show and I'd never done anything in the public eye before. But I do feel I had a decent handle on who I was when all the s**t hit the fan, in the best of ways.
"I had other friends who were working so I knew enough to know I'd probably sign a five-year contract and earning an amount of money I'd never seen before.
"I don't remember how much but it didn't matter - anything would have been impressive to me."
Jim has earned several awards for his role as Sheldon, including three Best Actor prizes at the Emmys, but the humble star thinks the character's success is down to the show's writers.
He told the Metro newspaper: "The show's creators and writers created a character that's unique to television and I'm taking no credit for that. I don't even think about [awards] or I wouldn't be able to play it properly. Sheldon has something broken about him, which I think endears him to a lot of people."

Salsa dancing granny Paddy Jones has been forced to withdraw from 'Britain's Got Talent'.
The 79-year-old dancer - who wowed judges with her daring routine with dance partner Nico Espinosa - will not take part in Saturday's (31.05.14) live semi-final due to injury.
A 'BGT' spokesperson said: "After seeking medical advice, Paddy will not be able to perform in the semi-final. Unfortunately because of this Paddy and Nico have had to withdraw from the competition."
Paddy and Nico appeared in the first episode of the latest series of the ITV talent competition and impressed judge Amanda Holden enough to press the Golden Buzzer, which assured the salsa dancing act a place in the live shows.
It's believed Paddy injured her ribs after taking a fall in rehearsals.
Amanda is "devastated" the duo won't be able to continue on in the competition.
She said: "Ever since I first saw Paddy dance I fell in love with her. I was so looking forward to her and Nico wowing us with another amazing routine in the semi-finals and I really think she could have won the whole show.
"The most important thing though is that she makes a speedy recovery and gets back to living life to the full."

Anthony Mackie wants to star as Olympian Jesse Owens in a new biopic.
The 35-year-old actor "badly wants to play" the athlete who was known for sprinting and his ability to excel during the long jump, reports Deadline.com.
Owens won four gold medal performances at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and infuriated Adolf Hitler by doing so as the dictator was hoping German athletes would dominate the games with victories and therefore let him show the world a resurgent Nazi Germany.
Mackie reunited with 'We Are Marshall' writer Jamie Linden, and they're teaming up to produce the film which was scripted by George Olson.
The sportsman's - who died in Arizona, on March 31, 1980, surrounded by his family - life was previously detailed in 1984 'The Jesse Owens Story', where Dorian Harewood played the athlete and the drama won a 1985 Primetime Emmy Award.
Meanwhile, Mackie recently hit the big screen in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' alongside an A-List cast which includes Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan.

James McAvoy says the 'Frankenstein' movie isn't true to the narrative in Mary Shelley's novel.
The 35-year-old actor, who plays Doctor Frankenstein in the forthcoming film, claims it explores the themes outlined in the book but insists there are a number of differences in the plot itself.
He told CraveOnline.com: "It's faithful to the essence of what she was writing and it's faithful to the themes of obsession and transgression and crossing moral and ethical boundaries and stuff, and whether man can become the creator and all that. Definitely all about the same things, but narrative-wise it's different."
McAvoy stars opposite Daniel Radcliffe and previously revealed the titular monster isn't at the centre of the film.
He previously said: "It's set in the period but it's not really the existential kind of monster's [story], it's more about the relationship between Doctor Frankenstein, who I play, and Igor who Dan [Daniel Radcliffe] plays. The character of Igor isn't in Mary Shelley's book, you know what I mean?"

Eliza Doolittle is happy for ex-boyfriend Benji Madden and his new girlfriend Cameron Diaz.
The 'Big When I Was Little' hitmaker, who was in a relationship with the Good Charlotte rocker between 2011 and 2012, is still on good terms with the musician and is pleased he has found love with the Hollywood actress.
Asked if she knew about their blossoming relationship, Eliza exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I didn't know that, I don't Google for it.
"Benj is a friend, I only have positive vibes for him!"
The guitarist only stated dating the Hollywood actress a few weeks ago after being introduced to her via his twin brother Joel Madden's wife Nicole Richie, but he is reportedly already completely smitten with her.
Meanwhile, Eliza, 26, has also moved on and is now dating Jack Leslau, the son of property tycoon Nick Leslau.
Talking about her new beau, she said: "[It's going] great. We've been loving for a little while now."
Eliza, who is the face of Malibu's new Best Summer Ever campaign, insists she's learnt a lot about her past relationships and having her heart broken when she was younger.
She said: "The thing I've learnt most since then though is to live and love in the moment. What will be will be. If it lasts for a lifetime then great and if it last for 10 years then great and if it lasts a few months then great. The only thing that holds true happiness is that moment when you're in it. Nothing can be controlled."
To watch Malibu's Best Summer Ever video, visit www.youtube.com/MalibuRum and visit www.MalibuBestSummerEver.co.uk for more information.

The Vamps' James McVey has blasted One Direction.
The guitarist hit out at Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson over leaked video footage of them apparently smoking and discussing marijuana in Peru last month, suggesting their actions could "ruin" their careers and condemned them for disregarding authority.
James tweeted: "Just seen something that sucks. Hate seeing people ruin their careers.
"To clarify, I love one direction... Just.not a fan off undermining authority.
"It's not that that frustrated me, it was how Louis was talking about the police... Went to a country and acted like that.
"It doesn't matter who you are or how old you are, if you're a guest in a country you should respect the residents. 🙂 (sic)"
James later apologised to fans who he had "upset" with his remarks.
He said: "Sorry if I upset people today, that was in absolute no way my intention. I love ya'll . Forever and always xxxxx (sic)".
One Direction - who have begun the UK leg of their world tour - have yet to comment on the contents of the leaked video but their representatives are currently investigating how the private footage - which was filmed by Louis - was made public.

Malin Akerman has bought a house for her hair stylist.
The 'Rock of Ages' actress rewarded her hairdresser and close friend Maranda Widlund by forking out $811,000 to help her buy a luxury cottage in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood.
The generous 35-year-old star - who split from Roberto Zincone, the father of her 13-month-old son Sebastian, last November after six years of marriage - will have a 27 per cent interest in the two bedroom, one bathroom property, according to TMZ.
Meanwhile, Maranda and her husband will own the remaining 73 per cent and be responsible for paying the mortgage.
Malin is rumoured to be dating 'Rizzoli & Isles' actor Colin Egglesfield after the pair were seen enjoying a romantic dinner date at Sugarfish Sushi in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, in April.
Although her romance with the 41-year-old star is still new, the Swedish-born beauty is reported to be smitten with him.
A source said: "They're taking it slow. She thinks he's almost too hot for her."
Another insider added: "They're getting to know each other. They're taking it slow."

Kim and Rob Kardashian reportedly argued before her wedding because she was tired of him "moping" around their hotel.
The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star - who married Kanye West in Florence, Italy, last Saturday (24.05.14) after starting the celebrations in Paris the previous evening - also accused her brother of leaking negative stories about her and claimed he was tarnishing the family name with his recent weight gain.
A source said: "Kim and Rob haven't been speaking to each other for months...she thinks he is lazy, and bringing down the family name because of his physical appearance.
"After arriving in Paris, Rob and Kim got into a very heated argument because she thought he was just moping around the hotel. She encouraged him to go out and sight see, which he declined to do.
"This made her extremely angry, and they exchanged words. During the course of the argument, Rob was accused by Kim of leaking negative stories about her to the press. That was the final straw for Rob, because that is something he would never do."
Following the argument, Rob refused to attend the wedding - which he felt was "over the top" and flew back to Los Angeles.
The source added to RadarOnline.com: "So, he packed his bags, and left Paris before the wedding. He wanted nothing to do with it, and thought it was ridiculous that Kim's third marriage was so over the top."
While Rob is said to have vowed to get back into shape, friends fear his problems will only escalate further if he doesn't have the support of his family.
A source said: "The last thing Rob should be worried right now is about his weight....it's just a symptom of his problems. He is clearly struggling and needs the support and love of his family. Judging him, making snarky comments about his weight, and so called lack of ambition isn't helping."

Quentin Tarantino is reportedly dating Uma Thurman.
The 'Pulp Fiction' director, 51, has "loved" the newly-single actress - who he previously called his "muse" - for years and they are said to have taken their relationship to the next level after travelling to the Cannes International Film Festival together to attend the closing ceremony last Sunday (25.05.14).
A source told UsMagazine.com: "They had a thing and got together again recently. He's loved her for years."
The duo - who also collaborated on the 'Kill Bill' films together - walked the red carpet arm-in-arm before presenting 'Winter Sleep' director Nuri Bilge Ceylan with the prestigious Palme d'Or at the end of the star-studded film festival.
Another insider said: "There has always been an attraction. She has indulged from time to time, and that's how their relationship has always worked."
Uma, 43, recently ended her engagement with French billionaire Arpad Busson for the second time, with whom she has 21-month-old daughter Luna.
The blonde beauty, who also has daughter Mia, 15, and son Levon, 12, with ex-husband Ethan Hawke, previously admitted that she is happier than she has been in years.
She said: "I'm happier now than I've been in many, many years. I'm trying to live as peaceful a personal life as possible. I guess I'm less jaded now than I've ever been, definitely less than when I was younger."

Jessica Simpson reportedly "spends half the day" in the gym.
The Weight Watchers spokesperson, who has lost more than 60 lbs. since giving birth to her second child, Ace, last June, has worked extremely hard for her toned figure and runs six miles almost every day.
An insider told Life & Style magazine: "Jessica has gotten her best body ever. She truly feels like she's in better shape than she was in her early 20s.
"She set out to get the best body of her life - and she's accomplished it."
The 33-year-old blonde beauty, who is gearing up to marry fiancé Eric Johnson in Santa Barbara, California in July, with whom she also has two-year-old daughter Maxwell, works out "three to five times a week" with her personal trainer, Harley Pasternak, and spends a lot of her free time on the treadmill.
The source said: "She'll watch TV on it, talk on the phone. Jess probably spends half the day there... She's incredibly proud of the way she's stayed on track."
Jessica recently insisted she had no regrets about gaining weight, as she learnt a lot from the experience.
She said: "I fluctuate, I'm a woman. I feel like we all need to enjoy life. If I'm five pounds heavier or 50 pounds heavier or five pounds lighter, I don't think that should define who you are."

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter walked around New York City completely topless on Tuesday (27.05.14).
The former couple's second eldest child, Scout Willis, posted several photographs of herself wearing just a skirt and sandals on the streets of Manhattan on Twitter to protest Instagram's nudity policy after her account was suspended.
She captioned one shot: "Legal in NYC but not on Instagram," and another: "What @Instagram won't let you see #FreeTheNipple"
She told her followers that she was boycotting the photo-sharing site after it removed one of her photos - of a sweatshirt she designed, The Babe Bomber, featuring two topless women - for violating its Community Guidelines.
The 22-year-old aspiring singer also tweeted: "If you don't like what you see, simply unfollow me.
"My comfort with my body should not be dictated by how others perceive me. However, I don't wish to force this view on anyone."
She also pleaded to Instagram: "Can I please just have all my photos back??? I won't even have an account anymore I just want my photos!"
'Diehard' star Bruce, who also has daughters, Rumer, 25, and Tallulah, 20, with Demi, as well as Mabel, two, and three-week old Evelyn with wife Emma Heming-Willis, is unlikely to be happy about Scout's protest.
A source previously revealed he was "mortified" after he saw pictures of Rumer showing a lot of skin at a red carpet event.
The insider said: "Bruce was mortified. As every knows, he's actually a very conservative guy and doesn't like to see his daughter parading around in next to nothing."

Lana Del Rey performed at Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's pre-wedding bash for free.
The 'Summertime Sadness' hitmaker hit back at rumours she was paid up to $2.8 million to perform three tracks at the couple's lavish party at the Palace of Versailles near Paris last Friday (23.05.14) on the eve of their wedding in Florence, Italy.
The 27-year-old singer told gossip website TMZ.com: "I would never let a friend pay me to sing at a wedding, that would be crazy."
Asked how much she would charge to sing at a normal wedding, she said: "I'll do it for free like I did this one!"
The couple asked the star to entertain their guests after Kanye, 36, hired an orchestra to perform her hit 'Young and Beautiful' when he proposed to the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star at AT&T Park in San Francisco on her 33rd birthday last October.
Sources previously claimed that Lana had "politely declined" his request to sing the track, which is one of Kim's favourites.
An insider said at the time: "(Kanye) asked Lana to perform for Kim at surprise marriage proposal in San Francisco.
"Lana politely declined, and didn't give any reason for not being able to perform. It was a very firm no from Lana and her camp. Kanye did try to push it, but didn't get anywhere. Kanye decided to hire an orchestra to perform the song for Kim, and he was much happier with how it turned out.
"Kim was bummed that Lana didn't perform for the big event, but she is still a huge fan. She just loved that Kanye tried to make it happen. Kim is jokingly saying Lana will want to perform at their wedding."
The couple also hired Andrea Bocelli to sing at their wedding ceremony and John Legend performed at their reception on Saturday (24.05.14).