The Big Bang Theory Season 9 has already brought some big surprises. And we've been introduced to some often heard about, but never seen characters such as Sheldon Cooper's great Meemaw, played by June Squibb. Now, we're going to get to meet a member of Leonard's family that has long been absent. His dad!

Yes, apparently Leonard Hofstadter comes from great stock. The character, played by Johnny Galecki, already has a mother played by Emmy-winning actress Christine Baranski. And now he's getting two-time Emmy winner Judd Hirsch as his dad! So who was Dr. Beverly Hofstadter formerly married to?

Judd Hirsch will be playing a scientist in an upcoming episode of the show before The Big Bang Theory brings its latest run to a close. Johnny Galecki recently revealed at the PaleyFest panel that he met Judd Hirsch during the Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows special that aired last month. It was there that the actor asked the sitcom legend to be his father.

Judd Hirsch is perhaps best known as Alex Reiger on the sitcom Taxi. He also headlined the popular sitcom Dear John. In the late 90s, he starred on the comedy George & Leo. And in 2003, he took a lead role in Regular Joe. Most recently, he's played father to Marc Maron on the hit IFC series Maron, which returns with all-new episodes this summer. And he plays Murray's father Ben 'Pop-Pop' Goldberg on The Goldbergs, which has already been renewed for Season 4.

So, Judd Hirsch will be playing father to three very different iconic TV characters in 2016. In terms of playing Leonard Hofstadter's father, the man will be an anthropologist. And he is not at all affectionate towards his son. What do you think? Is this perfect casting? Or has the Judd Hirsch renaissance hit its overload? Sound off in the comments below.