DJ Qualls Reveals Why Few Residuals Hit As Hard As his ‘Big Bang Theory’ Bucks

Big Bang Theory fans may not remember DJ Qualls’ single-episode arc in “The Loobenfeld Decay,” but CBS’ Accounts Payable Department certainly does. 

The Road Trip star recently reflected on his short-lived role as theatrical particle-physics research assistant Toby Loobenfeld during the show’s first season, revealing that even after almost two decades, it still helps him pay the bills. 

“That is a dope residual,” Qualls recalled during an appearance on Joe Vulpis’ Lightweights Podcast. 

Landing a part in a “network” series with lots of widely-aired TV reruns like The Big Bang Theory is increasingly rare nowadays, according to the actor. Beyond using a largely bygone format of the 22-episode season, most shows in the age of streaming have just 8 to 12 episodes and are confined to a single network. These factors can make it harder for actors to cash in on their work. 

“It’s not going anywhere, you’re not earning any residuals off that platform,” he explained of the difference between a “single platform” series like The White Lotus and an old-school network show like The Big Bang Theory. 

With the latter, Qualls explained, “That’s the reason why you made decent residuals on other things. When you syndicate, they go other places. That goes away from CBS. It goes to a Fox affiliate, or wherever it goes.” 

Which is how he’s gotten way more bang for his Big Bang Theory bucks than he could have ever imagined.