It's a Wonderful Life

I have long believed that Frank Capra's "It`s a Wonderful Life" (1946) rests at the center of the universe.

Here is an example: Nick, the bartender who says to George Bailey `I don`t know you from Adam`s off ox,” was played by Sheldon Leonard, who in his later years produced "The Danny Thomas Show" (1953-64), "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960-68) and "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-66). Many people know that the "Sesame Street" characters, Bert and Ernie, are named for George's best friends, Bert (the cop) and Ernie (the cab driver). Should it be any surprise that with Sheldon Leonard being such an icon in the world of sitcoms that the two stars of "The Big Bang Theory" are named Sheldon and Leonard?