Melissa Rauch of ‘Big Bang Theory’ poses as dominatrix for Maxim

Melissa Rauch, a.k.a. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz from “The Big Bang Theory,� is showing that she’s got just as much brawn as she’s got brain in the latest issue of Maxim.

And here she follows in costar Kaley Cuoco’s 2011 footsteps...

The petite star of the Emmy-winning CBS comedy vamped it up in a dominatrix-style jumpsuit and a black bra and bustier that showed off her ample cleavage, teasing her photo spread in the December issue of the men’s magazine.

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It’s definitely a titillating departure from the demure dresses and classy cardigans Bernie sports as a doctorate-holding microbiologist on the hit sitcom. We’re pretty sure all of Howard Wolowitz’s nerdy synapses are firing faster than we can say “cowl neck.�

But don’t go drooling too much, fellas: Rauch is married to writer Winston Beigel. But she admits to the magazine that she’s got a soft spot for guys who make her laugh.

“I absolutely love a funny guy. I am a sucker for it,� the 33-year-old actress told the magazine.

The full interview hits newsstands Sunday.

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