Johnny Galecki Sets Acting Return as Tennessee Williams in Chicago Presentation of ‘Kowalski’ (EXCLUSIVE)

After taking a seven-year break from acting, “The Big Bang Theory” star Johnny Galecki is set to portray renowned playwright Tennessee Williams in the Chicago stage presentation of “Kowalski,” Variety has learned exclusively.

Colin Hanlon (“Modern Family”) is directing the new play written by Gregg Ostrin for Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company, with performances running Sept. 19-Oct. 25.

The story takes place in 1947 Provincetown and, according to an official plot synopsis, imagines the “electrifying” first meeting between Williams and Marlon Brando that led to “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951); that award-winning film earned Brando his first of many Oscar nominations, as well as his reputation for deeply committed method acting.

In a statement, Galecki explained what drew him back to the stage: “The planets aligned. Gregg’s writing, Colin’s vision, and the feeling that after seven years of quietly observing life, I finally had something new to bring back to the work. Add to that the privilege of portraying one of my artistic heroes, and it became impossible to say no.”

“At its heart, ‘Kowalski’ is about the collision of extraordinary talents and the lasting impact those encounters can have on art and culture,” Ostrin added in his own statement. “Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando helped redefine American theater, and it has been thrilling to see audiences connect with this story.”

Galecki was previously in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway play “The Little Dog Laughed.” Before becoming known for his Emmy-nominated work as Leonard Hofstadter in “The Big Bang Theory,” he starred in multiple seasons of “Roseanne” ranging from 1992-2018. Additional credits include “American Dreamer,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Vanilla Sky,” “Hancock,” “Entourage,” “In Time” and “Rings,” with voice roles in “American Dad,” “Family Guy” and “A Dog’s Journey.”