In the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Penny’s maiden name was never revealed primarily due to a superstition that developed among the show's creators and writers. Originally, there was no specific reason for the omission; they simply hadn't thought of a surname they liked. As the show grew into a massive global success, the writers felt that giving her a last name after so many seasons might "jinx" the show’s chemistry or feel like an unnecessary retcon. Producer Steve Molaro once noted that the mystery eventually became a "lucky charm" they were afraid to tamper with. Although a prop package in an early season briefly showed the name "Teller" (a nod to the magic duo Penn & Teller), the creators have explicitly stated this was just a set dresser's decision and is not considered canon. Once Penny married Leonard, she officially became Penny Hofstadter, finally giving her a canonical surname while keeping her maiden name one of television's most famous "unsolved" trivia questions.