Kaley Cuoco, best known to audiences worldwide as Penny from The Big Bang Theory, has welcomed her second child with fiance and fellow actor Tommy Pelphrey. The couple's new daughter, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey, was born on October 12, 2026, with Cuoco sharing the joyful news via a series of photographs posted to her Instagram account.
The 40-year-old actress described the moment in deeply personal terms, writing that there are "no words to describe this feeling once again" and calling the arrival "what a blessing." She also confirmed the family feels complete, writing: "We are so grateful for the crazy, wild up-and-down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete."
Baby Philomena Joins Big Sister Matilda
Philomena is the couple's second daughter together. Cuoco and Pelphrey welcomed their first child, Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey, in March 2023. The actress hinted at the excitement building at home, joking in her announcement post that it was "time to bring Matilda's baby home," suggesting the toddler has been eagerly anticipating her new sibling's arrival.
Pelphrey also posted a heartfelt tribute to mark the occasion, describing Philomena as "another miracle" and welcoming her as the "youngest queen" of the family. He reserved special praise for Cuoco, writing that she "showed up in every way as a partner and a mom, even when you weren't feeling your best," calling her a "champion" and saying the girls and he "would be lost" without her.
Cuoco returned the sentiment, writing in her own post that life "exploded" the minute the two met and that "the gifts keep coming."
Big Bang Theory Co-Stars Flood the Comments
The announcement quickly drew warm responses from Cuoco's former castmates on The Big Bang Theory, the long-running sitcom in which she starred as Penny across all 279 episodes from 2007 until its conclusion.
Simon Helberg, who played the lovable Howard Wolowitz on the show, greeted the newest arrival with enthusiasm, writing: "PHILOMENA!!! You're stunning. Welcome!" Melissa Rauch, who portrayed Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz and was one of Penny's closest friends on screen, also offered her congratulations, writing: "The biggest congratulations and so much love to all of you!!" Kunal Nayyar, who brought Raj Koothrappali to life over the course of the series, kept his message brief but affectionate, telling Cuoco: "LOVE YOU SIS."
How Cuoco and Pelphrey's Relationship Began
The couple first crossed paths in April 2022 at the Season 4 premiere of Ozark, the acclaimed drama in which Pelphrey played the role of Ben Davis. They went public with their relationship later that same year, and in August 2024, Pelphrey proposed, with the pair remaining engaged at the time of Philomena's birth.
Kaley Cuoco's Career and Personal Journey
Cuoco first broke into the entertainment industry in 2002, playing Bridget Hennessey in the sitcom 8 Simple Rules. Her career reached new heights when she was cast in The Big Bang Theory in 2007, a role she held for the entirety of the show's run across 279 episodes. She later made a guest appearance in one episode of the spin-off series Young Sheldon.
On the personal front, Cuoco was previously married to show jumper Karl Cook. The marriage ended in September 2021 after three years together. Her relationship with Pelphrey has since blossomed into an engagement and now, with the arrival of Philomena, a family of four.
