On a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, actress Kaley Cuoco opened up about a painful experience she had with an acting teacher when she was just 10 years old. Cuoco revealed that during an acting class, her teacher called her a “pots and pans actor” in front of her peers. This hurtful comment left a lasting impact on Cuoco and made her doubt her abilities as an actor.

Despite the negative experience, Cuoco pushed forward and continued with the class, determined to prove her teacher wrong. She finished the course but never took another acting class again. However, she never forgot the teacher’s words and even admitted to believing that she is that kind of actor in some ways.

But Cuoco also acknowledged that being labeled a “pots and pans actor” can be seen as a good thing. It has pushed her to carve out her own path and embrace her unique style of acting. Cuoco’s story follows a common theme of perseverance and proves that success can come even after being told “no” by others.

Conan O’Brien chimed in with his own perspective, mentioning several guests on his show who have also faced similar challenges in their careers. He emphasized the importance of sharing these stories to inspire others and let them know that insecurities and self-doubt persist even after achieving success.

Cuoco’s career has evolved significantly since her breakout role in “The Big Bang Theory.” She has taken on diverse roles that showcase her versatility as an actress, such as her recent role in the drama series “The Flight Attendant.” She explained that she wanted to challenge herself and prove that she can handle both light comedy and more serious, dramatic roles.

Both Cuoco and O’Brien touched on the evolving landscape of entertainment, where shows and movies no longer fit into strict classifications. They praised the current era of entertainment for its mix of comedy and drama, allowing for complex and unpredictable storytelling. Cuoco mentioned that her latest project had a blend of funny and dark moments, signaling how the industry has embraced more nuanced narratives.

Despite her journey, Cuoco remains grateful for the role that defined her career, Penny from “The Big Bang Theory.” She acknowledged that being associated with the character for the rest of her life is something she is completely fine with. The experience taught her valuable lessons and propelled her to where she is today.

As the interview concluded, Cuoco expressed her desire to continue working with people she loves and taking on enjoyable roles. She emphasized the importance of having fun in her work and mentioned how exciting it was for her to return to O’Brien’s show once again.

Cuoco’s story serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that setbacks and criticism should never deter us from pursuing our passions. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the entertainment industry.