Inside Kaley Cuoco’s Rescue Ranch, a ‘Magical Place’ and Getaway From Hollywood

‘The Big Bang Theory’ star’s Thousand Oaks ranch is home to a variety of rescued animals.
Inside Kaley Cuoco’s Rescue Ranch, a ‘Magical Place’ and Getaway From Hollywood
Kaley Cuoco attends the Los Angeles Season 2 Premiere of the HBO Max Original Series "The Flight Attendant" in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 12, 2022. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Audrey Enjoli
5/1/2024
Updated:
5/1/2024
0:00

Kaley Cuoco has given fans an inside look at her sprawling California ranch, nestled in the suburb of Thousand Oaks just northwest of Los Angeles.

In an exclusive interview with People, “The Big Bang Theory” star and outspoken animal advocate introduced readers to her many farm animal rescues, including pigs, cows, horses, and even goats, describing the ranch as the perfect place to go when she’s seeking respite from Hollywood.

“I come out here, and there’s no phone. The animals are all running up to you,” the 38-year-old shared. “It feels like an honor to have this space.”

According to the publication, Ms. Cuoco—who shares 1-year-old daughter Matilda with her partner, actor Tom Pelphrey—acquired the property six years ago. Although the ranch is now brimming with a slew of furry farm animals, the “Role Play” actress and skilled equestrian said the rescued livestock are relatively new additions to her burgeoning animal brood.

“Obviously I rescue dogs, and everyone knows that about me, but I’ve really expanded to farm animals and even Thoroughbreds and horses off the track,” Ms. Cuoco explained. “Really anything with four legs is welcome here. We don’t turn anyone away. It’s become this magical place.”

‘Oh Norman!’

Ms. Cuoco rescued her first animal in 2007—a pit bull mixed-breed, whom she named Norman, per the Los Angeles Times.

The actress told the publication that she was drawn to the breed largely because of the many common misconceptions surrounding pit bulls, such as that they are inherently aggressive.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my God. I’m obsessed with this kind of dog,’” she declared in the August 2017 interview. “I just found them to be so incredible. I realized what great dogs they were, and how horribly they were seen. And I just didn’t want that to happen anymore. So it became a passion.”

That same year, Ms. Cuoco founded the film and television production company “Yes, Norman Productions,” named after her dog, which has since produced a variety of television shows, such as “Harley Quinn” and “The Flight Attendant,” per IMDb.
However, in 2021, Ms. Cuoco took to Instagram to reveal the sad news that her beloved rescue pup had died. “Earth shattering deep gut wrenching pain I didn’t know was possible,” she wrote in a since-deleted post, per People.

“Norman, you were my entire world for 14 years. Thank you for smiling at me as you left this world, confirming for me once again our language was ours alone. You will always have my heart,” she shared.

In 2023, Ms. Cuoco launched a line of eco-friendly and ethically sourced canine products called Oh Norman! in honor of her late dog. The brand, which carries dog treats, toys, and wipes, among other products, donates a portion of each purchase to help support rescue dogs “just like Norman,” the actress notes on the company’s website.

Ms. Cuoco recently reflected on the company’s success six months after its launch.

“Building a business that gives back to rescue dogs has been such a hilarious, challenging, purposeful, ridiculously crazy adventure… and we couldn’t do it without you,” she wrote in an April 4 Instagram post alongside a reel displaying clips of some of the brand’s biggest milestones.
“And Norman,” she added, “Thank you for inspiring it all.”

‘Lucky to Be Loved by Animals’

Ms. Cuoco told People that one of her favorite things about the rescue animals residing on her ranch is that “they love you no matter what.”

“We’ve taken animals out of terrible situations, and to see the growth in how they thrive here, they’re all so happy,” she continued. “To be able to give them that second chance at life. A lot of them are so much older, and it’s like living out their golden days here. It means the world to me to be able to give them that.”

In March, the actress announced the death of Blue, another one of her cherished rescue pups.

“I have cried harder over the loss of this gorgeous creature than I have in a long time. We have had to put down three dogs in the last year and this one has made me reflect,” she emotionally shared, recalling some of her favorite moments spent with the German Shepherd.

“He was the quiet mascot of our home but Tom was and will always be his one and only. They saved each other. I think this hit deep because I felt their relationship was similar to me and Norman’s. I know that love and pain and many have felt this too,” she continued.

“We are so lucky to be loved by animals. They are gifts from above and we have been given the honor to cherish them on this earth. To be their voices. To teach our children how to treat them and how to love them.”

Audrey is a freelance entertainment reporter for The Epoch Times based in Southern California. She is a seasoned writer and editor whose work has appeared in Deseret News, Evie Magazine, and Yahoo Entertainment, among others. She holds a B.A. from the University of Central Florida where she double majored in broadcast journalism and political science.