'The Big Bang Theory' season 9: New change for Penny, plus another Hofstadter to make first appearance on the show?

Season 9 of American TV series "The Big Bang Theory" showed major changes among the characters for this season, and it seems like Penny will have another progress in her career. The gang will also be meeting a new character: Dr. Hofstadter, Leonard's father.

According to TVLine, actor Judd Hirsch has been recently confirmed to play the role of Leonard's anthropologist dad who is also not affectionate towards him. Johnny Galecki who plays the character of Leonard, admitted that he personally invited Hirsch for the role when they met during NBC's James Burrows tribute.

"I ran up to him and just kind of bombarded him with verbalization. I did share with him, and this is true, that when we were shooting the pilot I watched the first two or three seasons [of 'Taxi']. Not because I wanted to base Leonard on his character, but the purpose that his character served in this group of people. [He was] just as much, at times, a voice of reason as he was just as confused as everyone else," Galecki laughingly explained in an interview with Variety.

As for Penny's role, the show's executive producer Steve Molaro believes a change is about to come for her career. "We're starting to think about where Penny is in her life professionally," he told Entertainment Weekly." While she's doing well in her current career, she may not be in love with it. There will be another step." On the other hand, acting might not be an option for her. "Hell no," says Kaley Cuoco who plays Penny. "I never want to shoot 'Serial Ape-ist' again. That fake movie was the torture of my life. No, I'd like her to stay in real life and really have her have a real job."

Due to the NCAA championship airing, "The Big Bang Theory" will have its new episode on March 31.