LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kaley Cuoco, actress and star of “The Big Bang Theory” will host PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2012, LIVE from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT), on the CBS Television Network.

The People’s Choice Awards are the only major awards show where fans determine the nominees and winners across categories of music, movies and television. Voting is currently open in 41 categories, on http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/nominations/vote.jsp to determine this year’s nominees. Voting for the winners will commence on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, following the People’s Choice Awards press conference at the Paley Center for Media.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kaley as the new host of the People’s Choice Awards,” said Executive Producer Mark Burnett. “She’s been making people laugh on top-rated comedy series for the last decade, first with “8 Simple Rules” and now with “The Big Bang Theory,” Thursday’s #1 show. I’m looking forward to working with her on a fun-filled, comedy-packed show in January.”

Prior to her role as “Penny” on “The Big Bang Theory” – winner of the 2010 People’s Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy — Kaley Cuoco was best known to television audiences for her role as Bridget Hennesy in the series “8 Simple Rules” – winner of the 2003 People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy.

Recently, Cuoco appeared on the big screen in “Hop,” opposite James Marsden. Additionally, she has completed production on the independent feature, “The Last Ride,” which is playing at film festivals across the country. Kaley has also recently completed filming a starring role opposite Rob Lowe in the Lifetime television movie, “Untouchable: The Drew Peterson Story.”