Simon Helberg, widely recognized for his portrayal of Howard Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory, is primarily an English speaker. Born and raised in the United States, English is his first language, and it’s the language he predominantly uses in both his personal and professional life. However, his talents extend beyond just speaking English, especially in the context of his acting career.
Throughout his career, Helberg has portrayed characters who speak a variety of languages. One of the most notable examples is his character, Howard Wolowitz, in The Big Bang Theory, who is depicted as being fluent in several languages. In the show, Howard is seen speaking Russian, Mandarin, and Arabic, which is a testament to the character’s multi-lingual abilities. While these languages are a significant part of Howard’s persona, it’s important to note that Simon Helberg himself does not speak these languages fluently, and these lines were learned for the role.
In addition to acting, Helberg’s professional roles have sometimes required him to learn new languages or accents. For instance, in the 2021 film Annette, Helberg played a conductor and needed to learn French for his role. He dedicated time to mastering the language, showing his adaptability and commitment to his craft. His immersion in French wasn’t just for the film—Helberg’s wife, Jocelyn Towne, is French, and their children attend a French school. Helberg even became a French citizen, further cementing his personal connection to the language.
While Helberg’s primary language remains English, his involvement in roles that require language skills, particularly French, has given him a unique edge in his career. His versatility as an actor, paired with his dedication to learning new languages for his roles, shows his commitment to bringing depth and authenticity to his characters.