Johnny Galecki's character in The Big Bang Theory had a doctoral degree.
Leonard Leakey Hofstadter , Ph.D. , is a fictional character in the CBS television series The Big Bang Theory , in which he is portrayed by actor Johnny Galecki .. The Big Bang Theory. The Big Bang Theory. Johnny Galecki. Johnny Galecki. CBS. CBS. Leonard is an experimental physicist , who shares an apartment with colleague and best friend Dr. Sheldon Cooper -LRB- Jim Parsons -RRB- .. experimental physicist. experimental physicist. Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Sheldon Cooper. Jim Parsons. Jim Parsons. For his portrayal , Galecki was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award in 2011 .. Primetime Emmy Award. Primetime Emmy Award. Golden Globe Award. Golden Globe Award. It is possible that Leonard is based on the show 's co-creator , Bill Prady , back when he was a computer programmer .. Bill Prady. Bill Prady. Leonard has been described as the straight man of the series .. straight man. straight man ( stock character ). Penny -LRB- Kaley Cuoco -RRB- is Leonard 's next-door neighbor and main love interest , and the teasing of romance between the two of them is a major force driving the series .. Penny. Penny ( The Big Bang Theory ). Kaley Cuoco. Kaley Cuoco. In `` The Gorilla Dissolution '' , they finally become engaged , marrying in Las Vegas at the beginning of season 9 .. Las Vegas. Las Vegas