Monster: The Ed Gein Story fans do double take as Big Bang Theory star has major role

Netflix has just released Monster: The Ed Gein Story, and fans have been quick to spot a familiar face from The Big Bang Theory among the cast.

The series is the latest offering from Glee and American Horror Story director and writer Ryan Murphy, who continues his exploration of real-life horror stories for Netflix viewers to devour.

While the first series delved into the life of the Milwaukee Monster Jeffrey Dahmer and the second season centred on brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, this third instalment focuses on the chilling story of Ed Gein.

Known as The Butcher of Plainfield, Gein caused terror in 1950s Wisconsin through his gruesome acts of murder, grave robbing and wearing the skin of his victims.

His macabre deeds served as inspiration for some of Hollywood's most iconic horror films, including Alfred Hitchcock's unforgettable Psycho, largely due to his unhealthy obsession with his mother Augusta.

Augusta, a deeply religious woman, isolated her two sons from the outside world. Following her death, Ed preserved parts of their family farmhouse as a shrine to her.

As such, Augusta plays a pivotal role in The Ed Gein Story, and fans of The Big Bang Theory will recognise the actress who brings her character to life.

Laurie Metcalf, who famously portrayed Sheldon Cooper's (Jim Parsons) religious mother Mary Cooper in the award-winning sitcom, takes on the role of Augusta.

In The Big Bang Theory, whenever Sheldon was overly demanding of his friends and needed a stern talking-to or some spiritual guidance, whether he wanted it or not, his mother Mary was always there to provide it.

Metcalf, a familiar face from Uncle Buck, Norm, Desperate Housewives, Easy Money, The McCarthys, Getting On, Lady Bird and The Accidental Wolf, is perhaps best known for her role in the 1980s sitcom Roseanne.

The 70-year-old actress starred alongside fellow Big Bang Theory actors Johnny Galecki and Sara Gilbert.

Since 2018, Metcalf has returned to our screens as Jackie Harris in the Roseanne spin-off The Conners, alongside original cast members John Goodman and Gilbert.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story is available to watch on Netflix.