Say, it's been a long time since we've had one of these: a genuine good old-fashioned Nerd Man of the Month! January's honoree, just barely sneaking in before the month comes to a close, is Jim Parsons, who plays the wildly popular Sheldon Cooper on the wildly popular "The Big Bang Theory." Yes, whether he likes it or not, Parsons has become something akin to the poster child of the new "nerds are cool" movement afoot. (A movement we, of course, heartily endorse.)
In addition to being the Neil Patrick Harris of "Big Bang" -- meaning he's pretty much the one we all wait to see on screen every week -- Parsons also gets bonus nerd points for having been something of a theater geek in his college days, founding his own non-profit theater company. And, according to Wikipedia, he was quite possibly voted "friendliest person" in his graduating high school class. We always give a big nerd flag wave to any and all skinny dudes voted "friendliest" anything. Plus, seriously, look at that picture. Who wouldn't want to pinch those cheeks and pretend you know about quantum physics with this guy?
Most importantly, he just seems like a sweet, shy, charming guy -- the kind of fellow we'd all watch from the back row of bio class and secretly pine for. Or perhaps not so secretly. If you need more convincing, just check him out here with Craig Ferguson. He even cites "Lost," bless him.
For representin' our geeky brethren with honor and makin' us proud, The Park Bench is pleased to name Jim Parsons as its Nerd Man of the Month.
