Jim Parsons, 48, decided it was time to quit The Big Bang Theory between seasons 11 and 12, according to an interview he did with USA Today.

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[{"selector":"#anim-3bf68495-1b6a-4ad6-8e64-a19e4829cc91 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.502801310051069%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1dcc169d-7e55-4059-bef8-fbc142411548","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d02cdfcf-08af-4c8a-893b-d67609d4aba1","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-115.2381%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] He told USA Today that the feeling came during the summer after season 11 ended.

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He also attributed his leaving to the death of his dog and reflecting on the passing of his father.

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Upon leaving the show, he told Big Bang writers Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro that "if you told me that like my father I had 6 years left to live, I think there's other things I need to try and do."

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Similarly, actress Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny on the series was asked by a fan on Watch What Happens: Live with Andy Cohen about Parsons’ decision to end the series.

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The fan asked: “Were you disappointed when Jim Parsons' decision to leave the show ended The Big Bang Theory, when it could have gone on and on for many more years?"

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