Howard Joel Wolowitz, is a fictional character on the CBS television series The Big Bang Theory, portrayed by actor Simon Helberg. Among the four main male characters in the show, Howard is distinctive for being an engineer —rather than a physicist —and lacking a PhD.

A standout among the cast members is Simon Helberg as the aerospace engineer and part-time astronaut Howard Wolowitz, who became more and more important to the series with each passing season. In fact, his characterization is tied directly to a real person, whose personality helped lay the groundwork for the fictional scientist.

Howard is the only character to have had a completed story within the confines of the show. All the other characters may have faced marriage, kids, career changes, dream fulfillment, and a long journey of self-development. However, Howard is the only one to have ticked every box. He completely evolved into a new man.