Howard Joel Wolowitz

Immature and "creepy" early on – In the early seasons, Howard is the group's most problematic member. He uses invasive pickup techniques, gives Penny a teddy bear equipped with a webcam, and drives a remote-controlled car under her skirt . He is described as the most hated character on the show by some fans .

Despite everything, a loyal friend – Behind his inappropriate behavior, Howard is always there for his friends. He is there for Raj, for Leonard, and even for Sheldon, often despite himself . Beverly Hofstadter describes his relationship with Raj as an "ersatz homosexual marriage" .

Dependent on his mother – His relationship with Debbie Wolowitz is one of the strangest on the show. He lives with her into adulthood, she coddles him, feeds him, and controls him. When Bernadette asks him to choose between her and his mother, Howard chooses Bernadette — but he returns to his mother after realizing Bernadette didn't want to become his new mother .

Competent but underestimated – Howard is the only one in the group without a Ph.D., but he is also the only one whose work has real-world applications. He works on equipment for NASA, the ISS, and the Department of Defense . He is also a talented musician, playing piano and forming a "filk" band with Raj, "Footprints on the Moon" .

Secretly insecure – Despite his bravado, Howard lacks confidence. His compulsive womanizing behavior is a compensation for his failing self-esteem. When Penny calls him out in Season 2, he spirals into a depression .

In profound transformation – Howard is the character who evolves the most in the series. From "creepy womanizer," he becomes a loving husband and devoted father. His song for Bernadette in "The Romance Resonance" is considered one of the most touching moments of the series .

Clumsy but endearing – He remains clumsy, makes questionable jokes, and doesn't always know how to behave. But his heart is in the right place, and he eventually becomes one of the most beloved characters among fans .

Fearful but brave – Howard is afraid of everything: germs, heights, space, spiders. But he faces his fears, notably by going to space despite his terror, which gives him new pride and self-confidence .

A proud geek – Howard is a fan of science fiction, comics, and technology. He speaks fluent Klingon, owns an impressive collection of memorabilia, and has no shame about his passions .

A father who learns – His own history with his absent father terrifies him at the thought of becoming a father himself. But he learns, makes mistakes, and eventually becomes a present and loving father to Halley and Michael .**

Episodes with Howard often revolve around:

His pickup attempts – In the early seasons, Howard constantly tries to seduce women with absurd and often offensive pickup techniques. He is systematically rejected, but he never gets discouraged .

His relationship with his mother – Debbie Wolowitz is a character in her own right, even though she is never seen. Howard constantly talks to her, she yells at him, and their relationship is both comedic and strangely touching .

His marriage to Bernadette – Their relationship begins in Season 3 and evolves chaotically. They break up, get back together, get married on a rooftop, and learn to live together, manage money, and raise children .

His trip to space – Howard is selected for a space mission in Season 5. Despite his fear, he goes, and this experience transforms him profoundly .

His engineering career – Howard works on secret projects for NASA and the government. He gets the Mars rover stuck in a ditch, creates a robotic arm used inappropriately, and designs guidance systems for the military .

His friendship with Raj – Howard and Raj are inseparable. They form a band, tell each other everything, and argue like an old married couple. Their friendship is one of the strongest on the show .

His rivalry with Sheldon – Howard and Sheldon constantly tease each other. Sheldon mocks Howard's lack of a doctorate, and Howard mocks Sheldon's lack of social skills. Their relationship improves over time .

His transformation into a father – Bernadette's pregnancy and the birth of their children force Howard to grow up. He learns to take care of the kids, change diapers, and balance work and family .

His song for Bernadette – In "The Romance Resonance," Howard writes and performs a song for the anniversary of their first date. It is a moment of vulnerability and pure love that marks a turning point for his character .

1. With Raj

Howard: Raj, you're my best friend. My brother. My soulmate. Raj: You say that every time you need something. Howard: That's because every time I need something, you're the only person who can help me. Raj: That's touching. What do you want? Howard: I need you to help me hide a robot in Sheldon's apartment before he gets home. Raj: I knew it was too good to be true.

2. With Bernadette

Bernadette: Howard, you left your socks in the living room again. Howard: Those aren't socks. They're works of art. Fabric sculptures. Bernadette: They're dirty socks, and they smell like cheese. Howard: That's my signature scent. Eau de Howard. Bernadette: (stares at him) Howard: Okay, okay, I'll pick them up. You're so bossy when you're angry. It's attractive.

3. With Sheldon

Sheldon: Howard, you're the only one of us without a Ph.D. Does that place you in an intellectually inferior category? Howard: Sheldon, I'm an engineer. I sent a rover to Mars. I've been to space. You write equations nobody understands. Who's more useful to humanity? Sheldon: (silence) Howard: That's what I thought. Sheldon: I didn't say you were right. I said I was thinking of a response that would put you in your place. Howard: Take your time. I'll be in space while you do.

4. With Penny

Penny: Howard, remember when you gave me a teddy bear with a hidden camera? Howard: Ah, yes. That was a different time. I was a different man. Penny: You were a pervert, Howard. Howard: A creative pervert. There's a difference. Penny: There's no difference. Howard: Bernadette says the same thing. You two should form a club. The club of women who think Howard is a pervert. Penny: Bernadette would be president. Howard: And you, vice president. Have you found a location yet?

5. With Leonard

Leonard: Howard, don't you think you're a little... clingy with Bernadette? Howard: Clingy? I'm attentive. It's different. Leonard: You call her twelve times a day. Howard: Eleven times. The twelfth was a voicemail. That's not the same. Leonard: You sent her a song you wrote for her. With an orchestra. Howard: It was romantic. Leonard: It was... a lot. Howard: Leonard, you married Penny three times. Three. You don't get to judge me.