Kaley Christine Cuoco - born November 30, 1985 - is an American film and television actress. She first came to attention for her role as Bridget Hennessy on the Emmy Award-winning sitcom 8 Simple Rules. She later starred as Billie Jenkins on the final season of the supernatural drama series Charmed. She gained international acclaim and recognition for her current role as Penny on the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning comedy series The Big Bang Theory, which became the highest rated comedy on television among adults 18-49 for the 2009-10 season.