Jim Parsons Among Upcoming Guest Co-Hosts on ABC's LIVE! WITH KELLY

Jim Parsons is among the upcoming guest co-hosts joining Kelly Ripa on ABC's syndicated morning program, LIVE! WITH KELLY. Parsons is best known for playing Sheldon Cooper on the CBS sitcom 'The Big Bang Theory', for which he has received several awards including the Television Critics Association award for the highest individual achievements in comedy,the National Association of Broadcasters Television Chairman's Award, and two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Parsons most recently starred in the Tony-winning production of THE NORMAL HEART. It was recently reported in the NY Times that Parsons may be returning to Broadway in Roundabout Theatre Company's unconfirmed revival of HARVEY.

Along with Parsons, the network announced the first group of guest co-hosts and guests for the new year: 

January 2, 2012 - Kelly's husband, Mark Consuelos, kicks off the week as Kelly and Mark welcome Tyra Banks and the new Bachelor, Ben Flajnik.

January 3, 2012 - Jim Parsons co-hosts as actor William H. Macy stops by to chat with Kelly and Jim.

January 4, 2012 - "Californication" star David Duchovny returns to the guest co-host chaiR. Kelly and David will speak with actor Terrence Howard.

January 5-6, 2012 - Actor Rob Lowe closes the week on "LIVE! with Kelly, with a guest lineup that includes "Glee's" Darren Criss and actress Kristin Bell.

"LIVE! with Kelly" is distributed in national syndication by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Produced by WABC-TV in New York and executive produced by Michael Gelman, "LIVE! with Kelly" airs in more than 200 markets across the U.S.