Sorry, Folks: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Finale Won’t Answer This Burning Question

With the series finale of The Big Bang Theory just six weeks away, our minds are reeling with every unanswered question from the past 12 seasons. However, if you’ve been wondering about Penny’s (Kaley Cuoco) last name (besides the one she married into, Hofstadter), don’t hold your breath.

Over the weekend, executive producer Steve Molaro appeared on the Wondercon panel, where he confirmed the character will remain surname-less. “We got nervous and superstitious about giving her [a last name],” he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “It will always be Hofstadter.”

The announcement might surprise some fans, since BBT executive producer Bill Prady previously revealed that we’d find out eventually.

Even Cuoco spoke out about her character’s mysterious past in an interview with CBS News in 2017. The 33-year-old actress revealed that she created her own “idea” in her head of what Penny’s last name should be.

“It’s kind of a personal thing,” she said. “It feels like a jinx. We haven’t said it for so long. I feel like if we said it, the world will explode.”

Although Penny had several boyfriends throughout the show, she eventually tied the knot with Leonard in season nine, ultimately inheriting his last name: Hofstadter. Other than that, not much has been said about the character’s surname, and it appears it’ll stay that way.

Season 12 of The Big Bang Theory airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS. The series finale premieres on May 16. (No last name Penny, included.)