Many fans of The Big Bang Theory have wondered if the actor who played Sheldon Cooper, Jim Parsons, is related to another famous Parsons in Hollywood: Estelle Parsons. Estelle Parsons is an Oscar-winning actress who has appeared in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, Rachel, Rachel, and Dick Tracy. She is also known for her role as Beverly Harris, the mother of Roseanne and Jackie, on the sitcom Roseanne and its spin-off The Conners. But are Jim and Estelle Parsons really related by blood or by marriage? Here is what we found out.
No Family Connection
According to Wikipedia, Jim Parsons was born in Houston, Texas, to Milton Joseph “Mickey/Jack” Parsons Jr. and teacher Judy Ann (née McKnight). His sister, Julie Ann Parsons, is also a teacher. He attended Klein Oak High School in Spring, Texas, and graduated from the University of Houston with a B.A. degree in theater. He later earned a M.F.A. degree in classical theater from the University of San Diego. He married his longtime partner, Todd Spiewak, in 2017.
Estelle Parsons was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Elinor Ingeborg (née Mattsson), a native of Sweden, and Eben Parsons, who was of English descent. She attended Oak Grove School for Girls in Maine and graduated from Connecticut College in 1949. She initially studied law at Boston University School of Law, but later pursued a career in acting and singing. She worked as a writer, producer and commentator for The Today Show before making her Broadway debut in 1956. She married Richard Gehman in 1953 and divorced him in 1958. She married Peter Zimroth in 1983 and remained with him until his death in 2021. She has three children: twins Abbie and Martha Gehman, and Benjamin Zimroth.
As you can see, there is no evidence that Jim and Estelle Parsons share any common ancestors or relatives. They have different parents, siblings, spouses, and children. They also have different ethnic backgrounds and grew up in different states. They are not even distant cousins or in-laws.
Just a Coincidence
So how did the rumor that Jim and Estelle Parsons are related start? It is possible that some people assumed that they are related because they share the same last name and work in the same industry. However, this is just a coincidence. The surname Parsons is fairly common in the United States and England. It derives from the occupation of a parson or a clergyman. According to Ancestry.com, there are over 200,000 people with the last name Parsons in the United States alone.
Another possible reason for the rumor is that Jim and Estelle Parsons have both appeared on Roseanne and The Conners. Jim Parsons guest-starred as Jimmy, a former classmate of Darlene’s who is now a successful writer, on two episodes of Roseanne in 2018. Estelle Parsons reprised her role as Beverly Harris on several episodes of Roseanne and The Conners since 1989. However, their characters never interacted on screen or had any connection to each other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jim and Estelle Parsons are not related by blood or by marriage. They are two talented actors who happen to have the same last name and work in the same field. They have different family histories and backgrounds. They have never claimed to be related or acknowledged any kinship between them. Therefore, the rumor that they are related is false and should be dismissed as such.
