Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki Returns to Acting After 7-Year Hiatus

‘Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki Shares Rare Glimpse of His Wife and Kids at Disney World

Johnny Galecki is returning to the spotlight.

The Bing Bang Theory alum is ending a seven-year hiatus from acting—though it may feel like 14 billion years ago since fans last saw him on TV—to portray famed playwright Tennessee Williams in the upcoming Chicago stage production of Kowalski.

The 51-year-old shared his excitement over the bazinga-worthy news on social media while also acknowledging gratitude for his extended break from the stage and screen.

"For the last seven years, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend more time living than performing," Galecki—dad to daughter Oona with wife Morgan Galecki in addition to son Avery, who he shares with ex Alaina Meyer—wrote on Instagram July 7. "It turns out those aren’t separate pursuits for me. Honored to return to the stage and in my city by the lake (where the embers never fade and) where I first began working, as one of my literary heroes, Tennessee Williams in KOWALSKI this Fall."

"The planets aligned," the Emmy nominee told Variety in a statement. "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."

And though Galecki is notoriously private when it comes to his personal life, he previously shared a rare glimpse inside what his hiatus looked, posting highlights from a family bonding trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. with Morgan and his two kids.

"More unforgettable memories made," Galecki captioned a carousel of Instagram photos posted Oct. 29. "Such a perfect age for the Shorties. (And by 'Shorties,' I mean the Wife and I.)"

He added, "Thank you to all who made it so wonderful. And a special thank you to our new, profoundly talented friends."

Kowalski runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 25. Tickets go on sale July 15.

In the meantime, keep reading to see more stars who left Hollywood for their own extended breaks from acting.

Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images

"The planets aligned," the Emmy nominee told Variety in a statement. "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."

And though Galecki is notoriously private when it comes to his personal life, he previously shared a rare glimpse inside what his hiatus looked, posting highlights from a family bonding trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. with Morgan and his two kids.

"More unforgettable memories made," Galecki captioned a carousel of Instagram photos posted Oct. 29. "Such a perfect age for the Shorties. (And by 'Shorties,' I mean the Wife and I.)"

He added, "Thank you to all who made it so wonderful. And a special thank you to our new, profoundly talented friends."

Kowalski runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 25. Tickets go on sale July 15.

In the meantime, keep reading to see more stars who left Hollywood for their own extended breaks from acting.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App