These Actors Got Out of their Million-Dollar Contracts Early.

If there’s one thing Hollywood loves, it’s a big payday. So when an actor signs a million-dollar contract, you can be sure they’re in for some serious money. However, sometimes even the biggest stars get out of their contracts early. So, let’s find out who those celebrities are and what pushes them to back out.

 

Tamra Judge

Left: The Real Housewives of Orange County

Reason: Her ex-husband and current husband’s health issues

Est. Salary Loss: $900,000 per season*

Tamra Judge is currently best known for her role on the reality television show The Real Housewives of Orange County. However, what many people don’t know is that she almost quit the show during its 14th season.

The reason? Tamra’s ex-husband Simon Barney was diagnosed with cancer, and her current husband Eddie Judge was also experiencing heart problems. This made the reality television star rethink her priorities and decide that “reality television was not the place for her anymore.” Fortunately, both Simon and Eddie are now doing better, and Tamra has decided to continue appearing on The Real Housewives of Orange County.

 

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi

Left: Jersey Shore

Reason: She “just couldn’t do it anymore”

Est. Salary Loss: $150,000 per episode*

It seems like only yesterday that Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi was first introduced to the world on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore. But after a decade on the show (and its spin-offs), the star has decided to quit. On her podcast It’s Happening With Snooki & Joey, Snooki revealed that she won’t be returning to Jersey Shore due to “many reasons” but mostly because she “can’t do it anymore.”

While many believed this meant she wouldn’t do reality television anymore, the star has continued appearing on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation and Snooki & Jwoww: Moms with Attitude. So what’s next for Snooki? It seems she’s ready to leave her party girl image behind and focus on her family.

 

Mischa Barton

Left: The Hills: New Beginnings

Reason: Bullying behind the scenes

Est. Salary Loss: more than $150K per episode*

It seems like celebrity cast members leaving reality shows is becoming a trend. After Mischa Barton left The O.C., she also ended up leaving MTV’s The Hills: New Beginnings. According to Mischa, she was “bullied” by some of the men on set, which led to her departure.

However, it has been speculated that the producers were not happy with Mischa’s low amount of drama compared to the other cast members. Either way, it seems as if both sides were pleased with the termination.

 

Carmen Electra

Left: Baywatch

Reason: The role wasn’t right for her and her schedule was too hectic

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Carmen Electra joined the cast of Baywatch in 1997, playing the role of Lani McKenzie. However, she left the show after just one year due to the demanding schedule and the fact that her mother was ill at the time.

Thankfully, Carmen had a change of heart and decided to return for the reunion movie. She now looks back on her time on Baywatch fondly, saying that she would jump at the chance to be part of a reboot. It’s great to see that Carmen is still as passionate about Baywatch as ever.

 

Ricky Whittle

Left: The 100

Reason: He refused to continue working with showrunner Jason Rothenberg

Est. Salary Loss: $400,000 per season*

It’s no secret that celebrity feuds can make or break a show. Just look at what happened with The 100 and Ricky Whittle. The CW’s post-apocalyptic drama The 100 was certainly one of the hottest television shows, thanks in large part to Whittle’s portrayal of Lincoln. Unfortunately, the actor left the show after season three reportedly because he refused to continue working with showrunner Jason Rothenberg.

Whittle revealed that the showrunner “abused his position” and made the actor’s job “untenable.” He also said that Rothenberg “belittled” him and rarely responded to his questions.

 

Laurie Holden

Left: The Walking Dead

Reason: Her character got written off

Est. Salary Loss: $515,000 per season*

Laurie Holden is a celebrity who is currently best known for her role in The Walking Dead. She portrayed Andrea from 2010 to 2013 when she said goodbye to the post-apocalyptic horror show.

After a lot of back-and-forths, the writers decided to kill her character off as it got distanced from the comic book version of it—something that Holden heavily criticized later on. The actress found out about it less than a week before her final episode got filmed. Fans were not happy about this at all, which lead then-showrunner Glen Mazzara to quit.

 

Nicole Kidman

Left: Expats

Reason: She couldn’t adjust to life in Hong Kong

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million per episode*

It seems like celebrity drama is currently following the production of Amazon Prime’s upcoming show Expats. Nicole Kidman, who is set to play Margaret, caused quite the delay in filming when she decided she needed to return to Australia.

Reportedly, the actress couldn’t adjust to life in Hong Kong and found it difficult to find a place to stay that was quite tough for her.  Kidman eventually returned to continue working on the project, but it’s rumored that she and director Lulu Wang are not on good terms.

 

Peyton Alex Smith

Left: Legacies

Reason: He joined ​​the show All-American: Homecoming

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per season*

Legacies fans were certainly surprised when Peyton Alex Smith’s character Rafael was written off the show after just three seasons. While it’s unclear exactly what led to his departure, it seems that it was amicable and Smith remains part of the CW family with his new show All-American: Homecoming.

Fans are hopeful that Rafael may make a return appearance on Legacies someday, but for now, they’ll have to content themselves with seeing Smith in his new role. Either way, he’s a talented actor who is currently making waves in the entertainment industry.

 

Charles Michael Davis

Left: Younger

Reason: Left because of scheduling and Covid-related matters

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Charles Michael Davis, who played Zane Anders on Younger, left the show in 2021 after Covid-19 made things difficult for the entertainment industry. The actor revealed that the virus was a major factor in his decision to leave, as it made scheduling and other aspects of production more difficult.

Fellow Younger star Hilary Duff also left the show due to similar Covid-related issues. Darren Star, the show’s creator, explained that both actors’ exits were due to “scheduling problems” and “Covid-related matters.”

 

Jesse Metcalfe

Left: Chesapeake Shores

Reason: He wanted to focus on his film career

Est. Salary Loss: $1.4 million per season*

Jesse Metcalfe is currently a celebrity best known for his role on the drama show Chesapeake Shores. He left the show midway through season five in 2021 and fans were devastated. The actor portrayed Trace Riley from 2016 until his departure. In a statement, Metcalfe said that he was proud of the work he did and that he was part of a great ensemble cast.

A rep for the show also revealed that it was Metcalf’s decision to leave but that he would remain a valued member of the Crown Media family.

 

Morris Chestnut

Left: The Resident

Reason: He joined the cast of Our Kind of People

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Morris Chestnut is currently starring in the Fox medical drama The Resident. He joined the cast of the show in its third season, playing the role of neurosurgeon Dr. Barrett Cain. However, in 2021 he was downgraded from main cast member to recurring for season five.

The actor revealed that the main reason he couldn’t give his full attention to playing Dr. Cain was that he joined the cast of the drama show Our Kind of People last year. He said that he “loves the cast” and “everything about that show” but when he read the script for Our Kind of People he “wanted to be part of that world.”

 

Barrett Foa

Left: NCIS: Los Angeles

Reason: He felt it was the right time to leave

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

It’s the end of an era for NCIS: Los Angeles fans. Barrett Foa, who has played Eric Beale on the show for 12 years, is saying goodbye to the character. Foa revealed that the decision to leave was mutual between him and the writers. They had been “winding down his character” and everyone agreed it was time for him to move on.

The actor acknowledged that the show had allowed him to “live an incredibly blessed life.” However, he did reveal that he isn’t opposed to making an occasional comeback as “the creators have very much kept the door open for Beale to return.”

 

Emilio Estevez

Left: The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers

Reason: Ran afoul of the show’s vaccine mandate

Est. Salary Loss: $330,600 per season*

As one of the most well-known celebrity faces on television, it came as a surprise to many when Emilio Estevez was not brought back for the second season of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. According to reports, Disney decided not to bring the actor back after he chose not to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

However, Estevez has since come forward and revealed that there were actually creative differences between him and the showrunners which led to his departure. He also voiced his disappointment over Disney’s decision but wished the cast all the best for the future. Whether or not we’ll see Estevez back on our screens anytime soon remains to be seen.

 

Rockmund Dunbar

Left: 9-1-1

Reason: Ran afoul of the show’s vaccine mandate

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

Rockmond Dunbar is the latest celebrity to find himself at odds with his employer over the vaccination mandate. The actor, who played Michael Grant on 9-1-1 for four seasons, was abruptly written off the show after he refused to comply with the requirement.

Dunbar requested a medical and religious exemption from the mandate, but both were denied by Disney. In a statement, Dunbar confirmed the reasons for his departure and said that he will “cherish the time” he spent with the show.

 

Patrick J Adams

Left: Suits

Reason: He left to focus on his family

Est. Salary Loss: $900,000 per season*

Patrick J. Adams is a celebrity who is currently best known for his role in the legal drama Suits. The actor left the show in 2019 after seven seasons of playing Mike Ross. The reason for his departure was his family as he was often away from home and he wanted to spend more time with his wife, actress Troian Bellisario and his daughter (in 2021 they welcomed their second one).

Patrick J. Adams admitted that he started “thinking about leaving at the end of the first half of season six” and that he knew he would leave halfway through season seven. However, the actor revealed that he did dear that he “somehow let down the millions of people who watched the show.”

 

Jessica Raine

Left: Call The Midwife

Reason: She wanted to pursue a career in Hollywood

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Jessica Raine may have left the BBC period drama Call the Midwife back in 2014, but she’s still very much in touch with some of her former co-stars. The actress, who played Jenny Lee on the show, decided to leave London for career opportunities in a Marie Curie cancer hospice. Reportedly, Raine decided to pursue work in Hollywood, and in interviews, she did reveal that she wanted to explore other roles.

Raine admitted that she hasn’t been watching the show since her departure but remains “in touch with some former co-stars.” While the actress hasn’t been in any Hollywood blockbusters, she did have roles on shows like Doctor Who and Wolf Hall.

 

Michael Learned

Left: The Waltons

Reason: She had grown bored of it

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000-$200,000 per year*

Celebrity Michael Learned is best known for her portrayal of Olivia Walton in the long-running CBS drama show The Waltons. Learned has been on the show since 1972, and in 1979 she decided to leave the series because she had grown bored with it.

Later on, the actress revealed that there were moments when she regretted it, but she knows that at the time she “just couldn’t do it anymore.” Apart from being bored, the actress also knew she had earned enough money.

 

Tyra Banks

Left: America’s Got Talent

Reason: She left because she had too much on her plate

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Currently, Tyra Banks is not the host of America’s Got Talent. She was replaced by Terry Crews for the 13th season of the show. Reportedly, Banks had too much work at the time as she was producing and acting a lot.

Back then, Banks was working on the television movie Life-Size 2, gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit—and she simply couldn’t manage to find the time to be the show’s host. However, many hoped she would return for the next season.

 

Barney Harris

Left: The Wheel of Time

Reason: Ran afoul of the show’s vaccine mandate

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

With the news that Barney Harris is being replaced by Dónal Finn in season two of The Wheel of Time, many are wondering why the actor left the show. While there has been plenty of speculation, it is believed that Harris was actually fired from the series.

Reportedly, the actor was not fulfilling the vaccination requirement which meant that he could not continue playing the part.  However, his character couldn’t be killed off which is why the showrunners needed to recast the role.

 

Kate Jackson

Left: Charlie’s Angels

Reason: Producers wouldn’t let her work on other projects simultaneously

Est. Salary Loss: $10,000/episode*

Kate Jackson is a celebrity who is currently best known for her role on the hit show Charlie’s Angels. Jackson ultimately decided to leave after the third season, because producers wouldn’t let her out of her contract so that she could also work on film roles that could’ve advanced her career.

Fawcett quit before Jackson, leaving Jaclyn Smith as the only original cast member for seasons four and five of the hit show. Jackson went on to do a lot of mostly smaller film roles and another starring role on television in Scarecrow and Mrs. King. These days, Kate Jackson is enjoying a more low-key life away from the celebrity spotlight.

 

Justin Lin

Left: Fast X

Reason: Creatives differences

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Justin Lin is a celebrity director who is currently leaving the Fast and the Furious franchise. He cited creative differences as the reason for his departure, though he didn’t go into specifics. This decision comes as a surprise to many, as Lin has been with the franchise since the third installment.

Some are speculating that behind-the-scenes conflict may have led to Lin’s departure. Whatever the case, fans of the Fast and the Furious franchise will have to wait and see what direction the tenth installment takes without him at the helm.

 

Sylvester Stallone

Left: Creed franchise

Reason: Not sure of the role

Est. Salary Loss: $10 million*

Sylvester Stallone is not in the new Creed III movie. He has reprised the role of Rocky Balboa in several sequels and also appeared as the character in the spinoff Creed franchise opposite Michael B. Jordan.

According to Metro, Stallone decided to opt out of the third movie. He told reporters, “Well it’s different because actually, I bowed out of that one, I just didn’t know if there was any part for me.” He did wish production well, telling them to “Keep punching.”

 

Peaches Geldof

Left: OMG With Peaches Geldof

Reason: Poor ratings

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Even though she’s no longer with us, Peaches Geldof was one of the most famous celebrity daughters of her generation. The daughter of musician Bob Geldof, she grew up in the spotlight and seemed to enjoy the attention that came with it. Peach was a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers like Elle Girl, The Daily Telegraph, and The Guardian, and quickly became known as Britain’s newest ‘it girl’.

However, tragedy struck in 2014 when Peaches was found dead at her home after a heroin overdose. She was just 25 years old. Before her untimely death, Peaches had her own TV show called OMG! with Peaches Geldof.

 

Garret Dillahunt

Left: Fear the Walking Dead

Reason: He wanted to pursue other projects

Est. Salary Loss: $484,000 per year*

Garret Dillahunt is a celebrity who is currently best known for his role in Fear the Walking Dead. However, in December 2021 it was announced that he would be leaving the show and would not be appearing in the eighth season. In an interview with EW, the actor opened up about his exit.

“I loved my time on this show and will always cherish it. I get a little antsy after a while, and I’m not a kid anymore, and I have some things I wanted to do. And I’m just fortunate it worked out,” he said, adding that he was grateful for the opportunity.

 

Jodie Whittaker

Left: Doctor Who

Reason: She agreed to three seasons only

Est. Salary Loss: £200,000 and £249,999 per episode*

Jodie Whittaker is currently the thirteenth incarnation of The Doctor in BBC’s sci-fi show Doctor Who which has been running since 1963. In July 2021, it was announced that Whittaker is stepping down after three special episodes set to air in 2022.

In an interview with BBC, showrunner Chris Chibnall revealed just why Whittaker decided to say goodbye to the role “Jodie and I made a ‘three series and out’ pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we’re handing back the TARDIS keys.” Whittaker is the first woman to ever play the role of The Doctor.

 

Titus Makin

Left: The Rookie

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $60,000 to $120,000*

It looks like celebrity Titus Makin Jr. is currently saying goodbye to his role on the police procedural crime show The Rookie. His reasons have remained unknown, but showrunner Alex Hawley provided a little bit of information on the departure. In an interview with TV Line, Hawley revealed that they didn’t have a choice but to write the character off.

“It’s heartbreaking…but I didn’t really have a choice. (Titus Makin Jr.) wasn’t coming back, and because of the way we set things up with the character in the finale, it just didn’t make sense to try and force him into that story.”

 

Pete Davidson

Left: SNL

Reason: He wanted to focus on other parts of his career

Est. Salary Loss: $15,000 per episode*

Celebrity comedian Pete Davidson is leaving Saturday Night Live after six years. Fans are devastated to see him go, but he shared a heartfelt message through the show’s writer Dave Sirus’ Instagram (since Davidson isn’t on social media anymore). In his message, Davidson reflected on how much he’s grown since he first joined SNL at 20 years old. He said:

“It’s crazy to think that today I’ll be doing my last one. When I got the show I was 20 years old and I had no idea what I was doing. I still don’t but especially back then. I wasn’t really a sketch actor or anything like that.” But Davidson is grateful for the platform that SNL gave him.

 

Richard Burgi

Left: The Young and the Restless

Reason: He didn’t follow the show’s Covid policy

Est. Salary Loss: $ 400,000 per year*

It’s always a shame when a celebrity is let go from their job, especially when it’s due to an innocent mistake. Richard Burgi, who played Ashland Locke on The Young and the Restless, found himself in this situation recently when he was fired by CBS for violating the show’s Covid policy.

According to Burgi, he followed the CDC’s recommendation of a five-day isolation period and was unaware that the show had a 10-day isolation policy at the time. He expressed his feelings about the situation in an Instagram Story video, saying “I felt terrible about it. I still do. It bothers me mightily but it is what it is. I respect whatever the show’s decision was.”

 

Julian McMahon

Left: FBI: Most Wanted

Reason: He wanted to pursue other projects

Est. Salary Loss: Unconfirmed

As of 2022, Julian McMahon is no longer a part of the cast of FBI: Most Wanted. The actor had been with the show since 2020 but decided to leave to pursue other creative endeavors. In a statement, McMahon said that he and the producers of FBI: Most Wanted to be had discussed his departure and agreed that it was time for him to move on. He added that he wishes the show and its cast and crew the best of luck in the future.

Fans of FBI: Most Wanted will have to say goodbye to Jess LaCroix, as McMahon’s departure from the show means that the character will be written out as well. It’s unclear at this time how LaCroix will be written off, but fans will surely be sad to see McMahon go.

 

Jorja Fox

Left: CSI: Vegas

Reason: She didn’t think her character’s story shouldn’t be continued

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

As one of the original cast members of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Jorja Fox played a pivotal role in the show’s success. After portraying Sara Sidle for seven seasons, she reprised the role in 2021 for the reboot, CSI: Vegas. However, after just one season, Fox decided to leave the show again.

Taking to Twitter, she explained that her character’s story should not be continued without Grissom (played by William Petersen), with whom she has always been closely linked. While fans will be disappointed to see Fox go, her decision does make sense from a character perspective.

 

Lisa Edelstein

Left: 9-1-1: Lone Star

Reason: A decision made by the showrunners

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Lisa Edelstein of 9-1-1: Lone Star, decided to leave the show at the end of February 2022. The actress was a recurring cast member for season 2 and a guest in season 3. Edelstein’s character Gwyneth Morgan was killed off the show, and executive producer Rob Lowe opened up about the decision.

The producer admitted that this was “the best resolve of her character’s arc,” adding that it is “more dramatic than an unexpected death, as opposed to her just being on the phone every sixth episode or something like that.”

 

Richard Flood

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Three seasons “felt right” for him

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Richard Flood is currently best known for his portrayal of Dr. Cormac Hayes in the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. However, after three seasons on the show, Flood has decided to say goodbye to the character.

Showrunners decided to have Dr. Hayes resign as Head of Pediatric Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial after Flood’s departure. In an interview with Deadline, the actor revealed that he felt three years on the show was the right amount of time for him. He also added that “the arc of the character with all the developments in the story was probably coming to its natural end.”

 

Alexis Bledel

Left: The Handmaid’s Tale

Reason: Not specified

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000 per year*

As one of the stars of The Handmaid’s Tale, Alexis Bledel has helped bring the dystopian story to life for audiences around the world. But now, it appears that her time as Emily Malek is coming to an end.

The actress announced her departure from the show in a statement, though she did not reveal a specific reason for her exit. “After much thought, I felt I had to step away from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ at this time,” Bledel wrote. “I am forever grateful to (show creator) Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast, and crew for their support.”

 

Andrea Bordeaux

Left: Run the World

Reason: Ran afoul of the show’s vaccine mandate

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, celebrities are speaking out about whether or not they will get vaccinated. One celebrity who has made her stance clear is actress Andrea Bordeaux. In 2021, Bordeaux portrayed Ella McNair in the Starz comedy show Run the World.

When vaccines became available, the show mandated that the cast and crew be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Bordeaux decided to not get vaccinated and she was subsequently fired from the show. According to Bordeaux, she did not opt to leave the show, and “Lionsgate made no efforts to find a workable solution.”

 

Kate McKinnon

Left: SNL

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $25,000 per episode*

Kate McKinnon is currently one of the most popular celebrities in Hollywood. She is known for her roles in Ghostbusters, Office Christmas Party, Rough Night, and The Spy Who Dumped Me. In 2021, Kate McKinnon has been busy portraying Carole Baskin in the drama show Joe vs. Carole which premiered in March 2022.

Apart from this role, the actress is also known for her work on Saturday Night Live. However, she will be leaving the show in 2022. While she didn’t reveal the reason behind her decision, plenty believes that she wasn’t to pursue other projects in Hollywood.

 

Aidy Bryant

Left: SNL

Reason: 10 seasons felt enough for her

Est. Salary Loss: $25,000 per episode*

Aidy Bryant has been a celebrity favorite on Saturday Night Live for 10 seasons. Recently, she decided to leave the show. In an interview with Variety, she admitted that if it weren’t for the COVID pandemic, she would have left sooner. The actress gave no specific reason for her departure, but said that “10 felt like a nice, solid round number.”

Bryant quickly became one of SNL‘s most recognizable faces and over the years she impersonated numerous A-listers—from Adele to Rebel Wilson. While we don’t know why she’s chosen to leave the sketch comedy show, we do know that she will be missed!

 

Anthony Anderson

Left: Law & Order

Reason: End of contract

Est. Salary Loss: $400,000 per episode*

After Anthony Anderson decided to not return for season 22 of Law & Order, fans were wondering why the celebrity had chosen to say goodbye to his character once again. While the actor didn’t reveal his reasons, Deadline reported that he had “signed a one-year deal and has chosen not to continue on the upcoming season.” Law & Order was renewed for a 22nd season in May 2022.

It’s currently unknown who will replace Anderson as NYPD Detective Kevin Bernard, but fans are hoping that the new celebrity will bring just as much excitement and entertainment to the role.

 

Maia Mitchell

Left: Good Trouble

Reason: She is moving to Australia

Est. Salary Loss: $80,000 per episode*

It’s always bittersweet when a celebrity decides to leave a popular show. On one hand, fans are sad to see their favorite character go, but on the other hand, they’re excited to see what the celebrity will do next. Such is the case with Maia Mitchell, who is currently starring in the Freeform drama The Fosters and its spin-off series Good Trouble.

Mitchell announced that she would be leaving the show in 2022 to return to her native Australia. Showrunner Joanna Johnson revealed that it “took her a while to process” when she found out that Maia Mitchell would be leaving the show.

 

Miles Fowler

Left: The Resident

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Miles Fowler has decided to say goodbye to his role as Trevor Daniels in the medical drama The Resident after only seven months. Fowler’s representative told TVLine that “the actor only signed a one-year deal with the show,” while Fox declined to comment.

The Resident premiered in 2018 and was renewed for a sixth season set to premiere in September 2022. It is unclear how the show will handle Fowler’s departure, but it will undoubtedly be a blow to fans of the popular series.

 

F. Murray Abraham

Left: Mythic Quest

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

C.W. Longbottom, head writer on the comedy show Mythic Quest, is played by F. Murray Abraham. However, it was recently announced that Abraham will not be returning for Season 3.

A statement from Lionsgate, the studio producing the show, said: “F. Murray Abraham will not be returning to Season 3 of Mythic Quest. Beyond that, we do not comment on matters concerning personnel.” At this time, it’s not clear why Abraham is leaving the show. He has been a key part of Mythic Quest since it premiered in February 2020, and his departure will no doubt be felt by fans of the series.

 

Lina Esco

Left: S.W.A.T.

Reason: She wanted to “pursue new creative endeavors”

Est. Salary Loss: $111,726 per year*

Lina Esco, who portrayed SWAT officer Christina “Chris” Alonso on CBS’ S.W.A.T., announced her departure from the show after its fifth season finale in May 2022. Esco said that leaving the show was “one of the most difficult decisions” she ever had to make, but that she is excited to pursue new creative endeavors. She did not elaborate on what those new endeavors might be.

The actress added that she has enjoyed her time on S.W.A.T., and thanked the cast, crew, and fans for their support over the past five years. S.W.A.T.’s executive producer, Shawn Ryan, also thanked Esco for her contributions to the show and wished her well in her future endeavors.

 

Nick Zano

Left: Legends of Tomorrow

Reason: End of contract

Est. Salary Loss: $ 400,000 per year*

Currently, there is no celebrity more closely associated with time travel than Nick Zano. The actor, who played Dr. Nate Heywood on Legends of Tomorrow, announced his departure from the show earlier this year, after seven seasons.

Zano’s decision to leave was entirely his own, and he has said that he plans to focus on other projects going forward. Still, fans of the show are sure to miss him – he brought a lot of energy and humor to the role and will be difficult to replace.

 

Matthew Morrison

Left: So You Think You Can Dance

Reason: He didn’t comply with production protocols

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

There’s no denying that celebrity judges on reality competition shows can sometimes be a controversial topic. Just ask former Glee star Matthew Morrison, who was recently fired from his gig as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.

According to reports, Morrison was let go from the show after he “failed to follow competition production protocols.” In an Instagram video, the actor opened up about the rules he broke by sending a message to a dancer which he claimed he contacted for a potential job opening. While it’s always unfortunate to see someone lose their job, in this case, it seems like Morrison may have brought it upon himself.

 

Miguel Gomez

Left: FBI: Most Wanted

Reason: A mutual decision

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Miguel Gomez, who played Special Agent Ivan Ortiz on the crime drama FBI: Most Wanted, has decided to not return for the fourth season of the show. It seems as if the decision was mutual between him and the showrunners, with the actor citing creative differences as his reason for leaving.

Gomez joined the cast as a series regular midway through season 2 and quickly became a fan favorite with his portrayal of the tough but lovable agent. His departure from the show was announced shortly after season 3 wrapped up, with it being said that his character would be “returning to his hometown, Los Angeles, to take care of his sick father.”

 

Thomas Cocquerel

Left: The Gilded Age

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

As fans of the historical drama The Gilded Age wait anxiously for the show’s second season, they’re wondering who will be in the cast. Unfortunately, some main characters won’t be returning, including the unscrupulous young lawyer Tom Raikes, played by Thomas Cocquerel.

Director Adam Caldwell told Variety that their cast “can keep expanding,” adding the viewers might “get a little bit more of a glimpse into the Black elite world” and that it can be expected for “historical figures pop up too.” With so many possibilities, fans are eagerly awaiting to see what celebrity guest stars will appear in Season 2.

 

Laura Sohn

Left: The Blacklist

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $240,000 per year*

It’s always sad to see a fan-favorite character leave a show, and that’s exactly what’s happening with The Blacklist. Laura Sohn, who played the role of Alina Park, will not be returning for the upcoming season 10.

Sohn joined the cast of The Blacklist in season 7 as a recurring member, but she was promoted to the main character in seasons 8 and 9. While her departure from the show has not been officially announced, fans are speculating that it might be due to scheduling conflicts. However, there’s still hope that we might see Laura Sohn return to The Blacklist in the future. Her character was left alive and well at the end of season 9, so there’s a possibility she could make a guest appearance.

 

Charlotte Spencer

Left: Sanditon

Reason: Her character’s story was done

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

As of March 2022, news broke of Charlotte Spencer’s departure from the show Sanditon on which she portrayed Lady Esther Babington. Spencer’s character received a happy ending in the season 2 finale, which was already a sign that she might not be returning for season 3—something that was later on confirmed.

In an interview with Decider, Sanditon showrunner Justin Young revealed that Lady Esther Babington “got everything she’s ever wanted. She’s happy, married, and now she has a child that she adores” which ultimately led to her decision of her not to return for another season.

 

Alycia Debnam-Carey

Left: Fear the Walking Dead

Reason: She got cast in a different project

Est. Salary Loss: $90,000 per episode*

Alycia Debnam-Carey, who currently stars in the AMC show Fear the Walking Dead, has announced that she will be leaving the show after seven seasons. Debnam-Carey made the announcement after it was revealed that she had been cast in the Hulu show Saint X. While it hasn’t been confirmed, it is most likely that Debnam-Carey decided to leave Fear the Walking Dead to pursue her new project.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Alycia Debnam-Carey said that she was 21 when she got cast on Fear the Walking Dead and that she has done 100 episodes of the show. The actress added that “it was time for me to move on as an actor and as a person.”

 

Ruby Stokes

Left: Bridgerton

Reason: She got cast in a different project

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Ruby Stokes is currently one of the most popular actresses on television, thanks to her starring role in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. However, fans of the show will have to get used to seeing a new face in the role of Francesca Bridgerton in season 3.

While it’s not yet clear why Ruby won’t be returning to the show, we do know that she’s been cast in another Netflix project, Lockwood & Co. This adaptation of Jonathan Stroud’s book series is sure to keep her busy, and we’re excited to see what she does next. In the meantime, we’ll be getting to know Hannah Dodd, who has been cast as the new Francesca.

 

Jesse L. Martin

Left: The Flash

Reason: He got cast in a different project

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

It’s always sad to see a beloved celebrity leave a show, but sometimes it’s just for the best. Such is the case with actor Jesse L. Martin, who has been cast in a new NBC pilot. Though he’ll still appear in a couple episodes of season 9 of The Flash, he won’t be the main cast member anymore.

His portrayal of Detective Joe West has surely contributed to the success of the show, but after eight seasons on it, the actor opted for something new. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors!

 

Kyle Mooney

Left: SNL

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $25,000 per episode*

Actor Kyle Mooney is currently on Saturday Night Live. Kyle Mooney has been a regular cast member of the show from 2013 until 2022 when he announced his departure. A day before the finale of the show’s 47th season, Mooney decided to exit alongside fellow regulars Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, and Pete Davidson.

While the actor hasn’t revealed his reasons for leaving the show, it is believed that he wants to pursue other projects and work on more dramedies like his 2017 movie Brigsby Bear.

 

Jasmine Davis

Left: The Chi

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $500 per hour*

It’s always sad to see a fan-favorite character leave a show, and that’s exactly what happened when Jasmine Davis announced she would not be returning for Season 5 of The Chi. Davis played Imani on the show since Season 3, but after Season 4 wrapped up, she took to Instagram to share the news that she wouldn’t be back.

While we don’t know exactly why Davis decided to leave The Chi, we do know that she is grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the show. In her Instagram post, she thanked everyone who supported her during her time on the show.

 

Okieriete Onaodowan

Left: Station 19

Reason: He got cast in a different project

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Few celebrities have managed to make the successful transition from stage to screen quite like Okieriete Onaodowan. The actor first rose to fame with his breakout role in the 2015 musical Hamilton, and since then he has gone on to star in several hit television shows.

Most recently, Onaodowan has been starring as Dean Miller in the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off series Station 19. However, it was recently announced that the actor is leaving the show after five seasons. While Onaodowan has yet to comment on his departure, it is believed that he had to leave Station 19 to join the cast of Prime Video’s new Tom Clancy thriller series.

 

Maggie Grace

Left: Fear the Walking Dead

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $8,500 per episode*

Maggie Grace is best known for her role as Althea Szewczyk-Przygocki on Fear the Walking Dead. After appearing in four seasons of the hit show, Grace has decided to say goodbye to the TWD spinoff.

On Talking Dead, executive producer Ian Goldberg opened up about Grace’s departure from the show. “The episode that we saw her in with Isabelle, ‘Reclamation’, is the last time we’re going to see Al on Fear for the foreseeable future,” Goldberg said, adding “We really wanted to give her that rarest of things in the Walking Dead Universe, which is a happy ending.”

 

Angie Dickinson

Left: Police Woman

Reason: Cancelation

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Angie Dickinson is a celebrity who is currently best known for her role in the ’70s crime show Police Woman. However, there is more to her story than meets the eye. Dickinson became a TV staple when she took on the lead role in the ’70s crime show, becoming the first woman ever to star in a police procedural centered around a female cop.

While she initially enjoyed the show, she later began to tire of gratuitous scenes that painted the character in a “sexy” light. Despite this, Dickinson had no plans for leaving and was surprised when the show was canceled by the network four years after it premiered.

 

Nina Dobrev

Left: The Vampire Diaries

Reason: Felt the Character Had Run Her Course

Est. Salary Loss: $40,000 per episode*

Many fans were shocked when Nina Dobrev left Vampire Diaries after the sixth season. Rumors circulated that she left because of her break-up with co-star Ian Somerhalder, but it turns out that wasn’t the case. Dobrev has said that she always knew she wanted her character’s journey to end after six seasons.

She felt like Elena had completed her story and didn’t want to overstay her welcome. While it’s sad to see her go, we respect her decision and are grateful for the time we had with her on the show.

 

Shelley Long

Left: Cheers

Reason: To Try Movie Acting, Didn’t Like Frasier

Est. Salary Loss: $300,000 per episode*

The star of Cheers, Shelley Long, decided to leave the show after its sixth season. She reportedly had disagreements with co-star Ted Danson and was not happy with the direction of her character, Diane. Long’s final episode aired on May 7, 1987. Danson signed on for another season without her.

It is rumored that part of the reason Long left was that she did not get along with Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier on the show. Grammer’s character was made a regular during the seventh season, which likely upset Long.

 

Farrah Fawcett

Left: Charlie’s Angels

Reason: Unhappy with Her On-Screen Portrayal

Est. Salary Loss: $40,000 per episode*

When Farrah Fawcett was offered a role in Charlie’s Angels, she initially declined. She didn’t want to be typecast as just another pretty face on television. However, after some convincing from the show’s producers, she finally agreed to take on the role. And boy, are we glad she did!

Fawcett also gained critical acclaim for her work on the show. However, she later admitted that she left Charlie’s Angels because she was unhappy with how the show was portrayed to audiences. She felt that the show objectified women and didn’t give them the credit they deserved.

 

Micheal Keaton

Left: The Batman Franchise

Reason: Felt loyalty to Previous Director

Est. Salary Loss: $6 million per movie*

Michael Keaton is one of the most popular Batman actors out there. Many people love his portrayal of the dark superhero in Batman Returns.

However, after Tim Burton (Director) was replaced for the third film of Batman Forever. Keaton decided to offer his role to another actor. He did this out of loyalty to Burton’s original vision for the character. As a result, Val Kilmer stepped in to play Batman in the third film.

 

Pamela Anderson

Left: Baywatch

Reason: Wanted to Pursue Other Opportunities

Est. Salary Loss: $200,000 per episode*

Pamela Anderson became a star with her role as CJ Parker on Baywatch. After four years on the show, she left to pursue other opportunities in modeling and acting. However, she was happy to reunite with her castmates years later for the reunion special, Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding.

Her character was written off the show, with CJ leaving to live in Mexico with a rock star. star. Anderson had the offer to star in the movie, but she declined due that she wanted to pursue other opportunities.

 

Pauley Perrette

Left: NCIS

Reason: Cast Disputes

Est. Salary Loss: $22 million a season*

As a star on one of the most popular television shows of all time, Pauley Perrette was certainly no stranger to success. But when she was offered a chance to return to her iconic role on NCIS, she turned it down.

According to Perrette herself, the decision was due to growing disputes with the rest of the cast – often on a creative level. Seeking fulfillment elsewhere, Perrette has sadly stated that she will likely never return to the hit series. Given her massive salary and loyal fan base, it’s certainly a surprising move. But for Perrette, it seems that her happiness is more important than anything else.

 

Leonardo DiCaprio

Left: Berserker

Reason: Director accused of domestic violence

Est. Salary Loss: $10-$20 million*

When Mel Gibson first pitched the idea for Berserker to Leonardo DiCaprio, the star was immediately onboard. The Vikings-themed movie sounded like an epic adventure, and DiCaprio was excited to team up with Gibson, who he had previously worked with on Apocalypto.

However, when Gibson’s former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva accused him of domestic violence, DiCaprio began to have second thoughts about the project. He was concerned about being associated with Gibson in light of the allegations and eventually declined the offer to star in the movie. Despite DiCaprio’s departure, Gibson has not given up on Berserker.

 

Jodie Foster

Left: Hannibal

Reason: Scheduling conflicts, disliked the script

Est. Salary Loss: $10-$12 million*

Jodie Foster’s turn as Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs was one of her most famous roles. The chilling, spine-tingling horror movie was critically acclaimed and made millions at the box office. Though, Anthony Hopkins would reprise his creepy, serial killer role as Hannibal Lecter two more times, Foster chose not to.

Foster didn’t return for any of the sequels. According to the actress, the “official reason” she turned down Hannibal was because she was working on another movie, Flora Plum, at the time. However, that wasn’t the only reason. Reportedly, Foster was displeased with the script and felt it wasn’t as good as the original.

 

Cote de Pablo

Left: NCIS

Reason: “Personal”

Est. Salary Loss: $160,000 per episode*

It was a star-studded event when Cote de Pablo rocked up to NCIS in season 3 as Ziva. Fans were thrilled to see her on the show, and she quickly became a mainstay. However, in season 10, Cote decided she didn’t want to be on the show anymore. Her character was sent back to Israel.

Cote has been quite candid in interviews about why she left, explaining that it was a “terrifying” decision to make. Ultimately, she left because she didn’t like the way the character was progressing and felt like Ziva would have disappointed fans if she had stayed.

 

Tom Holland

Left: The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Reason: Tired of the role

Est. Salary Loss: $5 million per Spiderman movie*

It seems that Tom Holland’s time playing everyone’s favorite web-slinger is coming to an end. In a recent interview, the star announced his intention to leave the Marvel Cinematic Universe once his current contract expires. Holland has played Spider-Man in five movies so far, with one more currently in production.

However, he told GQ magazine that he doesn’t plan on renewing his contract when it’s up. Instead, he wants to give someone else a chance to don the costume. “Maybe what’s best for Spider-Man is that they do a Miles Morales film,” Holland said. “I have to take Peter Parker into account as well because he’s my favorite superhero of all time.

 

Mark Harmon

Left: NCIS

Reason: Felt it was time to leave, had previous issues with costars

Est. Salary Loss: $525,000 per episode*

Mark Harmon had a long-running role on NCIS as Agent Gibbs but left the show after eighteen years. According to rumors, Harmon had been wanting to leave the show for some time but stayed on for one more season out of fear that the show would be canceled if he left.

Harmon finally decided to pursue other opportunities and left the show at the end of the nineteenth season. This decision was reportedly due in part to problems with his costar, Pauley Perrette. The drama centered around Harmon’s dog, who bit a crew member. Despite the bite, Harmon kept bringing the dog back to work with him.

 

Steve Carell

Left: The Morning Show

Reason: Contribution to the narrative was complete

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million per season*

Steve Carrell has declined to return for the second season of The Morning Show. According to showrunner Kerry Ehrin, Carrell’s character Mitch Kessler was killed off at the end of the first season because his story arc had come to an end.

Carrell suggested that Mitch’s death could be an “active choice,” something that Ehrin said she found “interesting.” It is not yet known who will replace Carrell on the show.

 

Dean Norris

Left: Breaking Bad

Reason: New Project (Under the Dome)

Est. Salary Loss: $150,000 per episode*

According to Breaking Bad fans, the final season of the show was split into two parts to accommodate star Dean Norris’ schedule. Norris, who played Hank Schrader on the show, wanted to be written off so that he could pursue another project, Under the Dome.

However, Norris didn’t want to have to choose between Under the Dome and Breaking Bad, so producers helped him do both.  This left Norris with a lot on his plate, as he recently announced in March of 2020 that he would be taking a break from social media.

 

Dan Stevens

Left: Downton Abbey

Reason: Wanted to Pursue Other Opportunities

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000-$100,000 per episode*

Dan Stevens’ departure from Downton Abbey was a huge blow to fans of the show. The star, who played Matthew Crawley, was killed off in the third season, and many viewers were devastated.

However, it seems that Stevens is still apologizing for his departure, as DA fans have been slow to move on. Producers of the show have said that Crawley’s accident was the only exit that would be “credible” for his character. Stevens has revealed that he asked for the write-off, as he didn’t want to renew his contract. Instead, he wanted to pursue other acting ventures.

 

T. R. Knight

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Creative Differences

Est. Salary Loss: $350,000 per episode*

ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” has seen its fair share of cast changes over the years, but none was more shocking than when star T.R. Knight’s character was killed off in a freak accident. Knight had been with the show since its first season and was a fan-favorite, so his departure came as a huge surprise.

It later emerged that Knight had asked to leave the show due to creative differences and a strained relationship with showrunner Shonda Rhimes. Contract negotiations between Knight and ABC eventually resulted in his early departure from the series. Knight has gone on to appear on several other TV shows.

 

Mclean Stevenson

Left: M*A*S*H

Reason: Wanted a Starring Role

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

It’s always a tough decision for an actor when a new project comes along that offers them a chance to star in their own show. On one hand, it’s a great opportunity to stretch their acting chops and perhaps find some new fans.

For Mclean Stevenson, this was exactly the dilemma he faced when M*A*S*H writer Ken Levine offered him his own show. After much deliberation, Stevenson decided to take the offer and leave M*A*S*H in its third season. Sadly, Stevenson never quite found the success he was hoping for with his subsequent projects.

 

Sigourney Weaver

Left: The Aliens Franchise

Reason: Wanted to Pursue Other Acting Ventures (But May Return)

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million per movie*

When Sigourney Weaver agreed to star in the first Alien movie, she had no idea that it would become a franchise. She was paid only $35,000 for her role, but when director James Cameron came on board for the sequel, he insisted that she be paid more. He negotiated her salary up to $1 million, as well as a share of the profits.

Weaver said that she was surprised at how popular the first movie became and how quickly it spawned a sequel. However, she declined to star in the third movie, opting instead to pursue other projects. Recently, though, she hinted that she might be open to returning to the role that made her a star.

 

Dominic Monaghan

Left: Lost

Reason: Long work hours

Est. Salary Loss: $30,000 per episode*

It’s always sad when a beloved TV character dies, but it’s even more heartbreaking when the actor playing them wants to leave the show. Such was the case with Dominic Monaghan, who starred as Charlie on Lost. Monaghan apparently asked to leave after just thirteen episodes, and financiers and ABC execs reached an agreement with him to conclude his contract early after the third season.

Monaghan wanted to leave because the “pressure” of the show was harming his experience actually making it. This meant that writers had to re-write his arc to give his character a premature demise.

 

Ruby Rose

Left: Batwoman

Reason: Long Work Hours

Est. Salary Loss: $150,000 per episode*

It was a bit of a surprise when star Ruby Rose announced she would be leaving Batwoman after just one season. It’s not uncommon for actors to feel overwhelmed by the demands of a starring role, and Rose was no exception.

She gracefully asked ViacomCBS executives to let her leave the show, and they agreed. Recently, Javicia Leslie was cast as the new lead. We wish Ruby all the best in her future endeavors!

 

Emily Bett Rickards

Left: Arrow

Reason: Contract Ended and She Wanted to Move On

Est. Salary Loss: $40,000 per episode*

When Emily Bett Rickards decided to leave Arrow, she knew it wouldn’t be easy. The star had played Felicity Smoak on the CW show for seven seasons, and she knew fans would be heartbroken to see her go. But she felt it was time to move on and pursue other acting ventures.

The producers of Arrow offered Rickards a chance to return for a few episodes to give her character a proper send-off, but she declined. She didn’t want to drag out her goodbye any longer than necessary. So, in the end, Felicity got a touching farewell scene with Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), and then she was gone.

 

Andrew Lincoln

Left: The Walking Dead

Reason: Wanted to Spend More Time with His Family

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million per episode*

As most fans of The Walking Dead know, Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes on the show, is actually British. He lives in England when he is not filming the show. However, his time on The Walking Dead kept him away from his wife and kids for about half a year, as he had to return to Georgia to film.

Lincoln decided that he didn’t like being away from his family so much, so he asked to be written off the show. In season nine, Lincoln left the show. In July of 2019, though, Lincoln announced that he would return – but not for the AMC drama.

 

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Left: Lost

Reason: Wanted to Return to London, Family Issues

Est. Salary Loss: $30,000 per episode*

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje has declined offers to return to the show, according to producers. The actor, who played Eko on Lost, originally planned to only stay for four seasons but left after just one. He cited personal reasons for needing to move back to London as his primary motivation.

Despite leaving the show early, there was no bad blood between Akinnuoye-Agbaje and the crew. In fact, he’s gone on to have a successful career in film, most recently appearing in Suicide Squad (2016) and Thor: The Dark World (2013). While it would have been interesting to see where the character of Eko could have gone.

 

Josh Charles

Left: The Good Wife

Reason: Wanted to Move On and Get Married

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

It’s not every day that a TV star gets offered a bigger and better role on another show. So when it happens, it’s a big deal. Such was the case for Josh Charles, who played Will Gardner on The Good Wife.

He was recently offered a hefty raise to stay on the show but declined. The reasons for his decision are personal: he proposed to his now-wife around the time that he had to make the decision of whether to return. In the end, he chose not to return to The Good Wife. As a result, his character was written off in a shocking turn of events.

 

Raymond Cruz

Left: Breaking Bad

Reason: The Show Was Draining to Him

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

According to star Raymond Cruz, he actually asked to be written off Breaking Bad because the filming schedule was too draining. Twelve-to-fourteen-hour days were apparently “physically, emotionally, and mentally” exhausting for the actor. So when Tuco’s character was killed off, Cruz says he was “happy.”

Cruz also mentioned that he struggled with the brutality of Tuco’s character, a role he reprised for the Breaking Bad spinoff, Better Call Saul. It seems like playing such an intense character took a toll on the star both physically and mentally.

 

Connie Britton

Left: Nashville

Reason: Creative Differences, Wanted to Move On

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

Connie Britton was one of the stars of Nashville, a popular TV drama about the country music industry. The show was initially aired on ABC but was later moved to CMT. Britton decided to leave the show after six seasons due to creative differences.

According to sources, Britton was offered a significant amount of money to stay on the show, but she declined the offer. She felt that the creative differences between her and the show’s producers were too great to overcome. Nashville was eventually canceled after six seasons. The show had premiered to great reviews and decent ratings, but over time, it began to lose viewers.

 

Mischa Barton

Left: The O.C.

Reason: Felt the Character Had Run Her Course, Wanted to Pursue Other Projects

Est. Salary Loss: $15,000-$25,000 per episode*

When Mischa Barton was offered the role of Marissa Cooper on The O.C., she knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But after three seasons on the show, Barton decided to walk away from the role that made her a star. Barton says that she made the decision to leave The O.C. because she wanted to pursue other acting ventures.

Marissa, had run her course, “I just kind of woke up one day and realized that I wasn’t really enjoying it as much as I used to,” she said in an interview. Barton maintains that the decision to leave The O.C. was hers, and she asked to be written off the show.

 

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Left: Home Improvement

Reason: Wanted to Focus on His Schooling

Est. Salary Loss: $500,000 per episode*

Jonathan Taylor Thomas was one of the biggest stars of the 1990s, thanks to his role on the hit show Home Improvement. But when he left the show to focus on his schooling, many fans were disappointed.

In an interview in 2013, Thomas said that he had no regrets about walking away from Hollywood. He said that he’d been “going nonstop” since he was eight years old. Thomas actually reunited with his former Home Improvement dad Tim Allen on Allen’s latest series, Last Man Standing. It’s clear that Jonathan Taylor Thomas has no regrets about leaving Hollywood behind.

 

Amy Carlson

Left: Blue Bloods

Reason: Contract was Ending, Wanted to Move On

Est. Salary Loss: $200,000 per episode*

Amy Carlson has confirmed that she declined an offer to return to her role as Linda Reagan on Blue Bloods. The star, who left the show in 2018, said that she was contacted about reprising her role but decided to decline the offer. “I was contacted about coming back, but I declined,” Carlson said. “I’m grateful for the experience and happy to move on.”

Fans of the show were surprised by Carlson’s death, which occurred between seasons.  However, Carlson said that she understood why fans were upset and that her contract was simply up. “I know it was a shock for people because it happened between seasons,” Carlson said.

 

Topher Grace

Left: That 70’S Show

Reason: Wanted to Pursue a Movie Career

Est. Salary Loss: $700,000 per episode*

Topher Grace was a star on That ’70s Show, but he decided to leave the show to pursue his movie career. He declined an offer to return to the show, and ratings dropped after his departure.

Ashton Kutcher also left the show, and it was eventually canceled. Grace has gone on to star in Spider-Man 3, BlacKkKlansman, Breakthrough, Take Me Home Tonight, and more. His decision to leave That ’70s Show appears to have paid off.

 

Nicollette Sheridan

Left: Dynasty

Reason: Family Health Emergency

Est. Salary Loss: $200,000 per episode*

When Nicollette Sheridan was cast as Alexis Carrington on Dynasty, she originally never intended to leave the show. However, a family emergency struck and she found that she had to leave to take care of her seriously ill mother. Sheridan left in March of 2019, and a new actress was cast in her place.

It’s interesting to note that the reasons for Nicollette Sheridan’s departure from Desperate Housewives were very different than her reasons for leaving Dynasty. When Sheridan was on Housewives, she left because writers decided to kill off Edie Britt, her character.

 

Suzanne Somers

Left: Three’s Company

Reason: Contract Dispute

Est. Salary Loss: $35,000 per episode*

When Suzanne Somers first burst onto the scene as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company, fans were instantly charmed by her bubbly personality and comedic timing. So when Somers abruptly left the show following a contract dispute with ABC.

It was later revealed that part of the reason for Somers’ departure was due to a salary dispute. At the time, she was only earning $30,000 per episode, while her co-stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt were bringing in $150,000 and $100,000 respectively. Somers reportedly requested a pay raise as part of her contract renegotiations, but ABC denied her request.

 

Sophia Bush

Left: Chicago P.D.

Reason: Exhausting working conditions

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000 per episode*

Sophia Bush is one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, but she made the decision to leave her hit show Chicago P.D. after just four seasons. Though fans were stunned by her departure, Bush has opened up about why it was the right thing for her mental health.

Bush stated that the conditions on set were simply too exhausting for her to continue filming. Though there were some aspects of the show that she liked and would miss, ultimately her decision to leave was the best thing for her mental health. This is a powerful reminder that even though celebrities may seem like they have it all together, they’re human beings just like the rest of us.

 

Emmy Rossum

Left: Shameless

Reason: Wanted to Pursue Other Projects

Est. Salary Loss: $350,000 per episode*

Emmy Rossum shocked fans when she announced her departure from Shameless after nine years. Rossum played the head of the clan, Fiona Gallagher, and revealed her reason for leaving in an emotional Facebook post.

Rossum stated that she loved her castmates, who had become like her family. She thanked John Wells in particular for helping her grow as an actress. Rossum said that she felt it was time to move on from Shameless and pursue other roles. The dark comedy lasted longer than many expected, and Rossum’s character was written off after winning a large sum of money.

 

Shemar Moore

Left: Criminal Minds

Reason: Wanted to Pursue “Other Avenues” Of Life

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

Shemar Moore has declined to return to offer to star in the upcoming season of Criminal Minds. The actor, who played Derek Morgan on the show for 11 seasons, says he’s “grown” by playing the character and wants to pursue other ventures in life. “I already miss him,” Moore told TV Guide of his decision to leave the show.

“I’m grateful to have had the experience, but I’m ready to move on.” Criminal Minds’ shooting schedule takes up a lot of time, and Moore feels he isn’t getting to have a personal life. “I want to get married, have kids and travel,” he said. “I just don’t want to do it all on somebody else’s schedule.”

 

Damon Wayans

Left: Lethal Weapon

Reason: Health Reasons

Est. Salary Loss: $150,000 per episode*

It was a bombshell when Damon Wayans announced he was quitting Lethal Weapon. The show was rocked by the news, and it left many wondering what would happen next. Wayans cited “health reasons” for his decision to leave, and he wrapped up filming in 2018. He was still under contract at the time, so leaving the show wasn’t easy.

Lethal Weapon is based on the original hit film, and it has seen its share of cast changes over its three seasons on Fox. The show came to an end in 2019, but Wayans has since returned to acting (and producing) feature films.

 

Crystal Reed

Left: Teen Wolf

Reason: Age Difference Between Reed and Her Character

Est. Salary Loss: $600,000 per episode*

It’s not uncommon for producers to offer roles on Teen Wolf to actors who are in their twenties or thirties. This was the case with Crystal Reed, who was cast as Allison Argent. However, Reed felt that there was too much of a difference in age between herself and her character, and so she asked to be written off the show in season three.

Reed, who is 35, has stated that she would be open to appearing on a spin-off or reboot of Teen Wolf. In the meantime, she has taken on the role of Sofia Falcone on Gotham.

 

Steve Guttenberg

Left: Police Academy

Reason: Tired of the Role

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million per movie*

When celebrities are offered roles in sequels, they sometimes decline because they don’t want to be typecast. That’s what happened with Steve Guttenberg and his role in Police Academy. He grew disillusioned with the role and didn’t want to do any more sequels.

His character, Mahoney, could have been a lieutenant if he had stayed with the role, but Guttenberg turned down the offer. Police Academy producers later said that he gave a “firm no.” Guttenberg isn’t the only celebrity who has declined an offer for a sequel. Other celebrities have also turned down offers for sequels because they didn’t want to be typecast.

 

Josh Bowman

Left: Revenge

Reason: Wanted to Help the Story Move Forward

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000 per episode*

When Josh Bowman’s character, Daniel Grayson, was killed off of Revenge, it came as a shock to fans. But it turns out that Bowman himself was behind the scenes decision. According to Bowman, he wanted to help the story of the show move forward and felt that his character was preventing that from happening. Though he knows leaving the show wasn’t a good thing, he felt like he had no choice.

Fortunately, Bowman was happy with the way his character’s story ended and thought it was a fitting send-off. Not all fans agreed, with some feeling that he shouldn’t have been killed off at all. But ultimately, it was Bowman’s decision to make.

 

Monica Raymond

Left: Chicago Fire

Reason: Wanted to Diversify Her Roles

Est. Salary Loss: $700,000 per episode*

When the offer was declined, many were surprised. In a recent interview, Raymund said she felt that five years was enough and that it was time to move on and diversify her career. She did return for the midseason finale, showing that there were no hard feelings.

The character of Gabriela Dawson was strong-headed and hardworking. She left Chicago to go work in a hurricane aid job in Puerto Rico. Though it was a good ending, it did leave a void in her romantic interest’s life, as well as one on Chicago Fire.

 

Katherine Heigl

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Creative Differences

Est. Salary Loss: $30 million per season*

Katherine Heigl is an offer declines celebrity. She’s seen a roller-coast ride when it comes to Hollywood. But fans will recall that Heigl originally shot to fame on the hit series Grey’s Anatomy, quickly cementing her as one of TV’s most promising new stars.

She then landed an iconic leading role in the comedy Knocked Up, kicking off a film career. Her rising interest in film roles soon conflicted with her Grey’s schedule, leading her to depart the series due to creative differences.

 

Jerry Seinfeld

Left: Seinfeld

Reason: Loves the Number Nine, Wanted to Go Out on Top

Est. Salary Loss: $100 million for a tenth season*

When offers came to renew Seinfeld for a tenth season, Jerry Seinfeld declines. He was reportedly offered $5 million per episode, but he turned it down. Some believe that Seinfeld ended because Jerry Seinfeld didn’t want to do it anymore. Reportedly, he is fascinated with the number nine and always planned to end on nine seasons.

In addition to wanting to obey his lucky number, Seinfeld also wanted to go out on top. The show was at its peak, and he preferred to leave on a high note than take the money a new season would bring, sacrificing quality. However, there are other theories about why the iconic sitcom came to an abrupt end.

 

Dave Chappelle

Left: The Chappelle Show

Reason: A “Crisis of Conscience”

Est. Salary Loss: $50 million for two seasons*

Dave Chappelle walked away from a hugely successful show, but what many don’t know is that he also left comedy entirely for several years. In an interview, Chappelle explained that he had a “crisis of conscience” which led him to decline an offer for a third and fourth season of The Chappelle Show.

This decision caused tension between Chappelle and his close friend and collaborator Neal Brennan. Chappelle eventually made his return to comedy, admitting that leaving was a “stupid” decision. He has since become one of the most popular and well-respected comedians in the industry.

 

Jim Parsons

Left: The Big Bang Theory

Reason: It had Become “Too Difficult”

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million per episode*

When Chuck Lorre’s Big Bang Theory first aired, Jim Parsons was an instant fan favorite as the lovable Sheldon Cooper. The comedy series was a critical success, running for 12 seasons. But it was originally supposed to be 14 seasons long – until Parsons made the decision to leave.

Parsons told Hollywood Reporter that the show had become “too difficult” to keep up with, citing scheduling difficulties and the need for a break. His departure ultimately ended the series, as there was no way to continue without Sheldon. Looking back, Parsons says he knew CBS would never offer him the same deal again – but that didn’t make leaving any easier.

 

Lauren Cohan

Left: The Walking Dead

Reason: Contract Dispute

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000 per episode*

When Lauren Cohan was approached with an offer to return to The Walking Dead, she declined. The offer didn’t meet her demands for pay equality with her male co-stars. Cohan has been a long-standing member of The Walking Dead cast, and she’s one of the celebrity faces associated with the show.

However, she’s also one of the female actresses who had to fight for equal pay with her male co-stars. Cohan left during the ninth season of TWD because ABC refused to pay her the same as her male co-stars. She said that she would “always love Maggie,” her character, but she couldn’t play it.

 

Michael Weatherly

Left: NCIS

Reason: Was Feeling “Burnt Out”

Est. Salary Loss: $25 million per season*

Producers offer him to return to the show, but Weatherly declined. He cited his desire to try new acting roles as his reason for leaving. This was a risky move, as leaving such a popular show could have jeopardized his career.

However, it seems to have paid off, as he has since starred in the hit legal drama Bull. Weatherly has also spoken about his dissatisfaction with the departure of fellow NCIS star Cote de Pablo, which played a role in his decision to leave the show.

 

Skeet Ulrich

Left: Riverdale

Reason: He “Got Bored Creatively”

Est. Salary Loss: $40,000 per episode*

Skeet Ulrich, who played Jughead’s dad on Riverdale, recently went on Instagram Live to talk about his departure from the show. He said that he got bored creatively and wanted to move on. This is a pretty bold statement, considering that Ulrich waited until three months after announcing his intention to leave to offer any explanation.

Of course, Ulrich isn’t the only one who has left Riverdale recently. Marisol Nichols, who played Hermione Lodge, also announced her departure from the show. It’s not clear if her decision was related to Ulrich’s, but it’s certainly possible that both actors were unhappy with the creative direction of the show.

 

Matt Damon

Left: The Bourne Franchise

Reason: Loyalty to Previous Director

Est. Salary Loss: $26 million per movie*

It’s no secret that offers Hollywood celebrities get are often very tempting. However, sometimes a celebrity will decline an offer for a role, either because they don’t feel it’s the right fit or because they’re loyal to another project.

Such was the case with Matt Damon and the Bourne franchise. After original director Paul Greengrass left the franchise, Damon decided not to return for the fourth movie. However, in 2016 there were rumors that he and Greengrass might return for the sixth movie. As of now, however, Jeremy Renner has taken over the lead role in the film.

 

Ruth Wilson

Left: The Affair

Reason: Creative Differences

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

Many fans of The Affair were surprised and disappointed when Ruth Wilson abruptly left the show in 2019. Though she has never given a public explanation for her departure, it is speculated that creative differences played a major role. This means that we may never know how The Affair was supposed to end originally.

Wilson’s character had been a central part of the series from the very beginning, so her sudden departure came as quite a shock. Even though we may never know the full story, we can still speculate about what could have happened.

 

Rob Lowe

Left: The West Wing

Reason: Salary Dispute

Est. Salary Loss: $300,000 per episode*

When Rob Lowe asked for a raise on The West Wing, the network said no – and that was the beginning of the end of his time on the show. Lowe, who was thirty-eight at the time, requested a salary increase after learning that his co-stars were making more money than he was. But NBC refused, and Lowe eventually left The West Wing in 2002.

He went on to star in ABC’s Brothers and Sisters but returned to NBC for Parks and Recreation. After that show ended, Lowe moved to Fox, where he currently stars in 9-1-1: Lone Star.

 

Marg Helgenberger

Left: CSI

Reason: She Wanted to “Explore Other Opportunities”

Est. Salary Loss: $300,000 per episode*

It’s always sad when a fan-favorite celebrity leaves a show, especially when they’ve been on it for as long as Marg Helgenberger was on CSI. Helgenberger played Catherine on the show for twelve seasons, and she announced in 2012 that she wanted to leave to explore new opportunities in her acting career.

The writers wrote her out by having her leave the LVPD’s CSI team after being targeted by assassins. Catherine took a job in Quantico at the F.B.I., thus ending her twelve-year run on the show. Fans were sad to see her go, but we’re excited to see what she does next!

 

Chad Michael Murray

Left: One Tree Hill

Reason: Contract Dispute

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

It’s always a shock when a celebrity leaves a hit show. Fans can’t help but wonder what could have happened to make them leave. In the case of Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton, the reasons seem to be simple: contract negotiations.

Both actors reportedly requested higher salaries for their work on One Tree Hill, and when the network refused, they both chose to leave. This is a fairly common occurrence in Hollywood, but it’s still sad for fans who loved seeing them onscreen. We can only hope that they’ll both find success in their future projects.

 

Angus T. Jones

Left: Two and a Half Men

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $600,000 per episode (before season 10)*

It was a mystery to many when Angus T. Jones left Two and a Half Men after being a series regular for over a decade. Jones’ character disappeared during the end of season ten and it was later announced that he would only be appearing in season eleven as a recurring character, not a regular. This led to speculations about why the actor decided to leave the show.

In 2014, Jones finally confirmed that he was indeed leaving the sitcom. He released a statement saying that he had “been thinking about this for a long time” and that he was “grateful” for his time on the show. However, he did not give any specific reason for his departure.

 

Daniel Gillies

Left: Saving Hope

Reason: Wanted to be on Vampire Diaries

Est. Salary Loss: $20,000 per episode*

It’s always a shame when a celebrity leaves a show, especially when they seem to be having a good time. Daniel Gillies’ departure from Saving Hope was definitely a shock, but not entirely surprising. Gillies had another project, Vampire Diaries, lined up, and he was ready for his time on Saving Hope, a Canadian medical drama, to end. Gillies still defended the show, showing that there were no hard feelings.

When it was canceled by the network, before being reinstated, he called the decision “unfortunate,” “bizarre,” and “unfair to the show.” Saving Hope did eventually come back for another season, but Gillies was not part of the cast.

 

Jennifer Morrison

Left: Once Upon a Time

Reason: Wanted to Spend More Time at Home

Est. Salary Loss: $500,000 per episode*

When celebrity Jennifer Morrison announced she was leaving the ABC fantasy/drama Once Upon a Time in 2017, fans were shocked. In her Instagram post, Morrison stated that she wanted to “be home.” She said she was “at an age” where she wanted to spend time with her family and friends. Morrison also said she wanted to “have a personal life” as well as more time to “do other creative things.”

Morrison and producers hid her departure for a while, as neither party wanted to harm the “experience of the storytelling” for Once’s expansive fan base. However, eventually, the news leaked and fans had to say goodbye to Emma Swan, the leading character Morrison played on the show.

 

Kal Penn

Left: House

Reason: Wanted to Pursue a Non-Acting Job

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

Kal Penn’s character on House, Dr. Lawrence Kutner, shocked viewers when he shot himself on the show in 2009. Penn later revealed that he left the medical drama of his own accord to pursue a career outside of Hollywood. Penn’s decision to leave Hollywood was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some were understanding, while others felt that Penn was abandoning his talent and opportunities in Tinseltown.

However, it seems that Penn’s move away from Hollywood has paid off. He recently landed a major role in the new film celebrity offer Offers, which is sure to be a hit with audiences.

 

Anthony Edwards

Left: ER

Reason: To spend more time with his family

Est. Salary Loss: $35 million*

It’s always a sad day when a beloved celebrity character says goodbye. But sometimes, it’s understandable. Such was the case with Anthony Edwards’ Dr. Mark Greene on the hit show ER. After eight years on the show, Edwards decided it was time to move on.  “I think the next season will be it,” said Edwards at the time. “It’s been eight years of my family working around my schedule. It’s been a long time playing Dr. Greene.”

While fans were understandably upset, it was clear that Edwards had made up his mind. He wanted to focus on his family and other projects. And who could blame him? Eight years is a long time to play any role!

 

Jeff Conaway

Left: Taxi

Reason: Personal problems

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000 per episode*

Jeff Conaway was a celebrity in his own right when he joined the cast of Taxi in 1983. He was fresh off his role as Kenickie in Grease and was looking for his next big break. Unfortunately, Conaway’s star didn’t quite shine as bright as his co-stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Despite this, Conaway shone as Bobby Wheeler in the sitcom. However, by this point, his personal issues with substances were beginning to affect his work. He stayed on for three seasons, but when it became clear that he needed some time off to get himself together, Conaway bowed out.

 

Jason Priestley

Left: Beverly Hills, 90210

Reason: Boredom

Est. Salary Loss: $70,000 per episode*

It’s no secret that celebrity couple offers can be a major source of income. And while many are happy to take advantage of this, some feel differently. Jason Priestly, for example, regrets leaving his role on Beverly Hills 90210 when he did. “I felt that the character of Brandon had kind of run his course,” he explained in 2014. “I had explored everything I wanted to explore with him.”

He went on to say that by understanding more about the story and character, he believes “Brandon and Kelly would have ended up together at the end of the show” if he had stayed. Do you think celebrity couple offers are a good or bad thing?

 

Lisa Bonet

Left: A Different World

Reason: Conflicting ideas

Est. Salary Loss: $35,000 per episode*

When Lisa Bonet played bright-eyed youngster Denise on The Cosby Show and its spinoff A Different World in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, she was a much-loved character. So fans were shocked when Bonet departed the series in 1991.

While many fans thought it was Lisa’s personal decision to leave as she was pregnant at the time with her daughter, the actress tried to figure out a way to stay on the show. According to Debbie Allen, Bill Cosby didn’t want the character of Debbie to be pregnant, so Lisa agreed to leave and move on to pastures new.

 

Wil Wheaton

Left: Star Trek: The Next Generation

Reason: To Have more time

Est. Salary Loss: $65,000 per episode*

When he first appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wil Wheaton was just innocent Wesley Crusher. As the seasons began to tick by, he became a more central character. Fans liked him and Wheaton secured a loyal following on the back of it, but he wanted more time to explore other career opportunities.

Wil later said, “left Star Trek: The Next Generation when I was 18 years old and initially I thought it was a really smart business career move. In some ways it was and in more ways, it wasn’t.” Wheaton’s career never quite took off the way he had hoped, although he did experience a resurgence in popularity after appearing on The Big Bang Theory.

 

Chevy Chase

Left: Saturday Night Live

Reason: To pursue a relationship

Est. Salary Loss: $20,000 per episode*

When it comes to celebrity offers, some stars leave shows because they want to do other acting work, others want more money or just more time. But for Chevy Chase, the reason he decided to leave Saturday Night Live in the ’70s was much sweeter. “I left for a girl that I was in love with,” Chase said.

“It had nothing to do with lucrative film deals awaiting me. I didn’t make a movie for three years. It was just a lot of bunk…I was very much in love with a girl who just would not leave California.”

 

Michael Learned

Left: The Waltons

Reason: Boredom

Est. Salary Loss: $45,000 per episode*

When Michael Learned took on the role of Ma Walton, she had no idea that the show would become such a huge success. As a single mom with children to raise, she needed the income and the role proved to be perfect for her. After six seasons, fans were sad to see Ma go when she was written out of the show.

The actress had started to feel bored with the part after the return of John-Boy and felt that her character had become redundant. In one interview, Learned said she would often be sat around on set for over 14 hours with very little to do, so it just made sense for her to move on.

 

Sherry Stringfield

Left: NYPD Blue and ER

Reason: Little character development/having a family

Est. Salary Loss: $125,000 per episode*

Sherry Stringfield is one celebrity who has had success on more than one hit show. Stringfield played the part of Susan Lewis in the medical drama for the first three seasons but ended up leaving to start a family. She later returned, only to leave for a second time.

Later in her career, Sherry joined the cast of NYPD Blue as Laura Michaels Kelly. However, the character soon turned out to be redundant when writers couldn’t make room for her. Stringfield asked to be let out of her contract so she could pursue other opportunities. Even though things didn’t work out with Kelly, it’s clear that Sherry Stringfield is a talented actress who has had success on multiple hit shows.

 

Nathalie Kelley

Left: Dynasty

Reason: Too challenging

Est. Salary Loss: $75,000 per episode*

Nathalie Kelley’s departure from Dynasty after just one season came as a surprise to fans. The actress, who played Cristal Flores in the CW reboot, revealed that she wasn’t prepared for the challenges of a nighttime soap opera. “I signed on before I ever read the script,” Kelley told TVLine.

“There was a basic outline. I think I wasn’t up to the challenge of a nighttime soap.” The celebrity said she felt “limited and stuck” in the role and didn’t feel like she could dig as deep as she wanted to artistically. Despite beating out thousands of other hopefuls for the part, Kelley ultimately decided that Dynasty wasn’t the right fit for her.

 

Colton Haynes

Left: Arrow

Reason: No longer needed

Est. Salary Loss: $75,000 per episode*

It turns out that the reason Colton Haynes wasn’t asked to return as a series regular for Arrow’s final season was that his character, Roy Harper, simply wasn’t needed. “I didn’t exit the last season of Arrow,” Haynes said. “I was not asked to come back for the final season as a series regular. But y’all know Roy, he’s never gone for too long.”

Despite the initial backlash, Haynes did eventually return for the final season, though not in the same capacity as before. Still, it’s good to see that he is still involved with the show in some way, even if it isn’t in the same capacity as before.

 

Courtney Thorne-Smith

Left: Ally McBeal

Reason: Too look after herself

Est. Salary Loss: $65,000 per episode*

When Courtney Thorne-Smith left Ally McBeal after three seasons, she cited a desire to pursue a career in sitcoms. However, the actress later admitted that there was more to her decision than that. “I started undereating, overexercising, pushing myself too hard, and brutalizing my immune system,” she told US Weekly.

“The amount of time I spent thinking about food and being upset about my body was insane.” Thorne-Smith is just one example of a celebrity who has dealt with disordered eating in the entertainment industry.

 

Laura Benanti

Left: Supergirl

Reason: Scheduling conflicts

Est. Salary Loss: $125,000 per episode*

When Laura Benanti was cast as Alura in CW’s Supergirl, it seemed like the perfect fit. Unfortunately, due to work commitments in New York, Laura was unable to continue in the role and the part was recast. Erica Durance of Smallville fame took on the character.

While it’s always sad to see a celebrity leave a show, it’s great to know that there are other talented actors and actresses out there who can step in and take on the role. We wish Laura all the best in her future endeavors and we’re excited to see what Erica Durance brings to the character of Alura.

 

Meghan Markle

Left: Suits

Reason: She married a prince

Est. Salary Loss: $450,000 per year*

Meghan Markle is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. She gave up her role on Suits to marry Prince Harry and become a Duchess. Now, she’s living in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Meghan is truly a Hollywood story. She’s an actress who found love with a prince and sacrificed her career for him.

These days, Meghan is better known as a Duchess and mother than an actress. But she’s still a celebrity nonetheless. And we all know that celebrities get offers all the time. So, what kind of offers does Meghan Markle get?

 

Zach Braff

Left: Scrubs

Reason: Pursue other projects

Est. Salary Loss: $350,000 per episode*

When Zach Braff left Scrubs in 2009, fans were heartbroken. Braff was an iconic part of the show and his departure left a big hole. In an interview, Braff explained that he wanted to focus on writing and making films.

And he has delivered on that promise. He wrote and directed the film Wish I Was Here in 2014 and is now working on a new movie. We can’t wait to see what Zach Braff has in store for us next. He is a celebrity who always offers something new and entertaining.

 

Christopher Eccleston

Left: Doctor Who

Reason: Fear of being Typecast

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000 per season*

When Christopher Eccleston announced that he was leaving Doctor Who after just one season, fans were devastated. He had brought the iconic character back to life with his performance, and many felt he was the perfect Doctor.

However, Eccleston has since gone on to have a very successful career, starring in both independent films and box office hits. It’s clear that he made the right decision for himself, and we’re still enjoying his work today.

 

Joe Piscopo

Left: Saturday Night Live

Reason: To pursue a movie career

Est. Salary Loss: $35,000 per episode*

Joe Piscopo was one of the actors hired on SNL in 1980 in a bid to try and keep it afloat. As part of an all-new cast, Joe faced a lot of criticism. Viewers didn’t like most of the new players, but they did love Piscopo and Eddie Murphy. As a result, they were kept on while the rest of the team was given the boot.

By 1984, Joe wanted to leave to seek out new opportunities in the movie world. Eddie Murphy had done it and achieved great success, but things didn’t really work out for Piscopo. He has appeared in several movies and TV shows since, but nothing major.

 

Mandy Patinkin

Left: Criminal Minds

Reason: Creative differences

Est. Salary Loss: $125,000*

Mandy Patinkin is no stranger to the celebrity world. The actor, best known for his role in Criminal Minds, has been in the business for decades. But there’s one role that he regrets taking: Jason Gideon on Criminal Minds.

After not showing up to a table read and leaving his cast members a note explaining his decision, Patinkin’s character was killed off. “The biggest public mistake I ever made was that I chose to do Criminal Minds in the first place,” Patinkin said. “I thought it was something very different…It was very destructive to my soul and my personality.

 

Rebecca Gayheart

Left: Firefly

Reason: No chemistry

Est. Salary Loss: $125,000 per episode*

When it comes to celebrity offers, it’s always tough to know what to do. Do you accept and hope for the best, or do you turn it down and risk never getting another chance? For Rebecca Gayheart, her choice led to a very short-lived role in Joss Whedon’s Firefly.

Gayheart was initially offered the role of Inara Serra on the show, but after just one day of filming, she was fired. The reason? Apparently, there was a lack of chemistry between Gayheart and the rest of the cast and crew. Morena Baccarin ended up landing the part, and filming continued without the Scream 2 star.

 

Nicolette Sheridan

Left: Desperate Housewives

Reason: An argument with the creator

Est. Salary Loss: $175,000 per episode*

Nicolette Sheridan may be best known for her role as Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives, but she’s also no stranger to drama off-camera. In 2009, after an argument with show creator Marc Cherry, Sheridan’s character was killed off and she was let go from the show. Sheridan sued Disney ABC, Touchstone, and Marc Cherry after the fact, claiming that she had been unlawfully fired.

Now, it looks like the actress may finally get some closure. According to reports, Disney has agreed to pay Sheridan a settlement of $4 million. The news comes as a relief to Sheridan, who has been fighting the case for years. “I’m glad this ordeal is finally over,” she said in a statement. “I hope this sends a message to other employers that they cannot mistreat their employees and get away with it.”

 

Nick Cannon

Left: Wild ‘N Out

Reason: Was pushed out by Viacom

Est. Salary Loss: $70,000 per episode*

Celebrity Nick Cannon has been fired by Viacom after making offensive comments on his podcast. Cannon has hosted his long-running show, Wild ‘N Out, a sketch comedy show distributed by CBS, for years.

The first episode of Wild ‘N Out aired in 2005, and the final episode is slated to air on July 28, 2020. Cannon’s show has been part of some culturally iconic moments throughout the years, but Viacom has pulled the plug after an outcry against his offensive comments.

 

Julianne Moore

Left: Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Reason: Creative differences

Est. Salary Loss: $20 million*

It’s not uncommon for celebrities to butt heads with directors or producers over creative differences. In some cases, these disagreements can lead to the celebrity being fired from the project. This is exactly what happened to Julianne Moore on the set of Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Moore was originally cast as the lead in the film, but less than a week before shooting was set to begin, she was let go by director Nicole Holofcener. The dispute apparently started over prosthetics; Moore didn’t want to wear a fake nose or “fat suit” as part of her character’s transformation. As a result, her contract was voided and she was replaced by Melissa McCarthy.

 

Wendi McLendon-Covey

Left: Reno 911

Reason: Scheduling conflict

Est. Salary Loss: $20,000 per episode*

It’s always a sad day when a beloved TV show comes to an end. But sometimes, the circumstances surrounding a show’s finale can be downright strange. Take Reno 911, for example. The cult classic comedy series aired its final episode in 2009… but not before killing off one of its main characters in a most unusual way.

Wendi McLendon-Covey, who played Deputy Sheriff Clementine Johnson on the show, was written out of the series in the fifth season finale after being killed off in a parade float accident.

 

Janet Hubert

Left: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Reason: Personal conflict with Will Smith

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

When it comes to celebrity gossip, there are few stories as iconic as the switch-up of Aunt Viv on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. For those who need a refresher, Aunt Viv was played by Janet Hubert in the first three seasons of the show. However, after some behind-the-scenes conflict with star Will Smith, Hubert was replaced by Daphne Reid for the remaining seasons.

While Smith and his co-star Alfonso Ribeiro have both spoken out about Hubert being difficult to work with, Hubert has denied these claims. In fact, she recently offered up her own side of the story in a tell-all interview. According to Hubert, the conflict between her and Smith was due to his celebrity ego.

 

Lacey Chabert

Left: Family Guy

Reason: Scheduling conflict

Est. Salary Loss: $20,000 per episode*

When celebrity voice actors have to choose between multiple projects, it can be difficult to balance everything. In the case of Lacey Chabert, she had to leave her role as Meg on Family Guy to focus on other projects. Reportedly, Chabert was still in school at the time she was voicing the role of Meg.

Additionally, she was filming for Party of Five at the same time, and the workload was just too much. Macfarlane confirmed that there was no tension and the split was amicable. It’s always sad to see a fan-favorite character go, but we understand why Lacey had to make the decision she did.

 

Megan Fox

Left: Transformers series

Reason: Conflict with Michael Bay

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million*

It’s no secret that celebrities often butt heads with directors. After all, they’re both used to being in the spotlight and usually have very strong opinions. So, it’s not really surprising that Megan Fox and Michael Bay clashed on the set of Transformers. In fact, their disagreements were so bad that Fox was eventually fired from the franchise.

Fox’s representatives claimed that she chose not to return and wasn’t fired, but Fox has, in recent months, told a different story. She said that Bay would just tell her to “be hot” and refused to give her any direction for her scenes.

 

Shannen Doherty

Left: Beverly Hills 90210

Reason: Conflict with Jennie Garth

Est. Salary Loss: $70,000 per episode*

When Shannen Doherty left Beverly Hills, 90210, it was because her co-star Tori Spelling pressured her father, the show’s producer Aaron Spelling, to fire her. The reason? Doherty and fellow co-star Jennie Garth got into a serious fight on set, to the point where they were throwing punches at each other.

Interestingly, despite being the one who got Doherty fired, Tori claimed that she and Shannen were actually friends on the set. But in the end, the conflict between the two actresses was just too much for Spelling to ignore.

 

Stana Katic

Left: Castle

Reason: Felt unneeded for season nine

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

It was a confusing and hurtful moment for fans when Stana Katic was suddenly let go from Castle. The celebrity had signed a new contract for season nine, but the show was canceled before it even began. Many were left wondering why ABC would make such a move. The answer may lie in a simple contract dispute. Katic was reportedly looking for a pay raise, but ABC wasn’t willing to engage in negotiations. So, instead, the network decided to cancel her contract altogether.

This decision ultimately led to the cancellation of Castle as a whole. Five other stars had signed new contracts for season nine, but without Katic, ABC decided it wasn’t worth moving forward with the show.

 

Selma Blair

Left: Anger Management

Reason: Conflict with Charlie Sheen

Est. Salary Loss: $1 million per episode*

It looks like celebrity feuds are nothing new! According to reports, actress Selma Blair was written off the sitcom Anger Management after she had a conflict with co-star Charlie Sheen.

Apparently, Blair found Sheen unprofessional to work with and claimed she was pushed out of the show after she complained about him delaying filming to learn his lines in the dressing room right before they were supposed to start. Anger Management went off the air in December of 2014, but it sounds like the bad blood between these two stars started long before that.

 

Edward Norton

Left: Avengers

Reason: Wasn’t asked back

Est. Salary Loss: $2-$3 million*

Mark Ruffalo is known for his collaborations with other celebrities, including his work with Marvel Studios. However, before he was cast as Dr. Bruce Banner/the Hulk in the Avengers movies, another celebrity held the role: Ed Norton.

Norton played the Hulk in a standalone movie in 2008, but he was let go from the role before the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con. According to Marvel Studios, this was because Norton wasn’t a “team player” and didn’t have the same “creativity” and “collaborative spirit” as his co-stars. Ruffalo has since stepped into the role and brought his own unique perspective to it.

 

Ryan Gosling

Left: The Lovely Bones

Reason: Got too fat

Est. Salary Loss: $5 million*

Celebrity weight gain: it’s a phenomenon that often happens in Hollywood. And Ryan Gosling is no stranger to it. The actor reportedly gained sixty pounds to play the role of Jack Salmon in The Lovely Bones.

But apparently, his transformation was too much for director Peter Jackson. Gosling was fired from the movie after just one day on set. Jackson felt that he was “too fat” for the role and decided to recast him. Gosling has since spoken about his firing, saying that he was left “unemployed and out of shape.” But he seems to have taken it all in stride, joking that at least he got an offer to play Salmon in the movie.

 

Taylor Momsen

Left: Gossip Girl

Reason: Conflict with producers

Est. Salary Loss: $60,000 per episode*

When it comes to celebrity beauty trends, there are always a few that stand out. For example, who could forget when Kim Kardashian made contouring a thing? Or when everyone was suddenly obsessed with Kylie Jenner’s lip kits?

Well, there’s one celebrity beauty trend that we can’t help but think about lately, and that’s the raccoon eye makeup look made famous by Taylor Momsen. Momsen, who is now a musician, first made waves with her grungy, rock-star-esque style as Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl. But her rebellious behavior both on and off screen eventually led to her being written off the show.

 

Thomas Gibson

Left: Criminal Minds

Reason: Conflict with co-stars

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

Fans of Thomas Gibson were devastated when his character, Hotch, was suddenly written off of Criminal Minds. But it turns out that there was a very good reason for Gibson’s departure: he was terrorizing people on set!

According to reports, Gibson got into a violent altercation with Virgil Williams, the show’s producer and writer. This led to Gibson being suspended for two weeks. However, his behavior didn’t improve after his suspension. He continued to have issues with alcohol abuse and was generally difficult to work with. As a result, the executives at Criminal Minds decided that it was time for Gibson to go.

 

Terence Howard

Left: Iron Man series

Reason: Salary dispute

Est. Salary Loss: $100 million *

It’s hard to imagine anyone but Don Cheadle playing the role of War Machine in the Iron Man movies. But fans of the franchise will remember that Terrence Howard played the role in the first movie. He left the series after refusing to agree to a pay cut for the sequel, resulting in a $100 million loss.

Howard also accused Robert Downey Jr. of having a part to play in his departure from Marvel. While it’s unclear what really happened between the two actors, it’s clear that Cheadle was the better choice for the role of War Machine. Not only is he a more talented actor, but he also has better chemistry with Downey Jr. on screen.

 

Chloe Grace Moretz

Left: Bolt

Reason: Disney wanted Miley Cyrus to play the role

Est. Salary Loss: $500,000*

Chloe Grace Moretz is one celebrity who knows how to bounce back from disappointment. The actress was slated to voice the role of Jenny in Bolt, but Disney execs pulled the plug on her role in 2008 after she recorded all of her lines. They canceled her contract because they wanted Miley Cyrus for the Bolt voiceover instead.

Moretz bounced back, getting a starring role in the movie Kick-Ass, a 2010 superhero blockbuster. She’s since gone on to star in other successful films and has cemented her place as a Hollywood A-lister. If there’s one thing we can learn from Chloe Grace Moretz, it’s that you shouldn’t give up on your dreams.

 

Columbus Short

Left: Scandal

Reason: Off-set conflict

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

It’s no secret that celebrity life can be tough. The constant pressure to look and act perfectly can take its toll, both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, this often leads to celebrities turning to drugs and alcohol to cope.

One celebrity who has been very open about his struggles is Columbus Short. Short was a star on the hit show “Scandal” for three seasons. However, he was written off the show after some personal issues led show creator Shonda Rhimes to believe that he could no longer be a part of the project. In an interview with Access Hollywood, Short agreed with Scandal’s decision.

 

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Left: Predator movies

Reason: Addicted to kickboxing

Est. Salary Loss: $600,000*

It’s no secret that celebrity contracts can be pretty lucrative. So, when Jean-Claude Van Damme was offered the role of Predator in the Predator series, he jumped at the chance. After all, who wouldn’t want to play a ninja-like alien hunter on-screen?

However, things didn’t exactly go according to plan. Van Damme became obsessed with kickboxing and reportedly destroyed a $2,000 Predator head because he couldn’t stop it on set. He wanted the Predator to be a kickboxing alien, but directors didn’t agree with his vision. In the end, Van Damme’s contract was canceled and he was replaced by Kevin Peter Hall. But we have to give him credit for trying!

 

Eric Stoltz

Left: Back to the Future franchise

Reason: Not energetic enough

Est. Salary Loss: $5 million per movie*

Do you remember Eric Stoltz? He was the celebrity who was hired to play Marty McFly in the Back to the Future series but then was fired after a few weeks of filming.

Well, it turns out that a new book about the making of the film contends that Stoltz was very difficult to work with and widely disliked on set. In fact, he was the second choice for the role. Michael J. Fox was the first, but producers realized that he didn’t have the right energy level for the party and would tank the series.

 

James Remar

Left: Aliens

Reason: Off-set troubles

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000*

When James Remar was originally cast in the Aliens franchise, he was excited to be a part of the movie. However, producers canceled his contract after they realized that he was a drag on the movie because of his off-set antics. Remar claims that he didn’t leave because of “creative differences,” as was stated at the time, but because he was arrested off-set. Despite this, Remar still got a small role in the film.

At the end of the first Aliens movie, when the Marines are entering the nest of aliens, he was one of the extras. His back is turned to the camera, and he definitely didn’t make much money from his role as an extra.

 

Leah Remini

Left: The Talk

Reason: Conflict with co-stars/producers

Est. Salary Loss: $115,000 per episode*

Some celebrity feuds just won’t die. And, apparently, Leah Remini and Sharon Osbourne’s is one of them. Remini originally left The Talk back in 2012, and at the time, she blamed Osbourne for her departure. In a tweet, Remini claimed that Osbourne thought she and her co-host, Holly Robinson Peete, were “ghetto” and “didn’t know themselves.”

Osbourne denied it. And three years later, Remini finally apologized for her comments. She confirmed that Osbourne had nothing to do with her leaving and that she was a “pain in the a**” to work with.

 

Cameron Diaz

Left: The Shrek Franchise

Reason: Sudden Retirement

Est. Salary Loss: $12 million*

Cameron Diaz is one of Hollywood’s most bankable talents, but she remains one of the most underrated actors of her generation. Yes, she starred in shallow Hollywood hits like Charlie’s Angels, but her dramatic turn in work like Being John Malkovich puts her in a league of her own.

Diaz was making seven-figure paychecks for her voice performance in the long-running Shrek franchise. But when producers approached her about reprising the role in the spin-off Puss in Boots series, Diaz asked them to release her from the part (and her contract) so she could retire altogether.

 

Meghan Markle

Left: Suits

Reason: Became a royal

Est. Salary Loss: $80,000 per episode*

It’s not uncommon for celebrities to leave successful shows. It happens all the time in Hollywood. But usually, they give the show plenty of notice so that their character can be written out appropriately.  When Meghan Markle left “Suits” shortly before her royal wedding, it was a different story.

Markle’s co-star, Patrick J. Adams, also left the show around the same time. The two characters were married on the show and their exits were tied together in the script. In the show, they move to Seattle after getting married.

 

Michael B. Jordan

Left: The Wire

Reason: Writer/director stuck to the script

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Michael B. Jordan is one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, but he got his start on the gritty HBO series The Wire. The show’s creator, David Simon, said that Jordan was a natural fit for the role of Wallace, a kid caught up in the drug trade. Jordan’s performance earned him critical acclaim and helped launch his career.

Now, Jordan is using his celebrity to help others. He recently teamed up with OfferUp, an app that helps people buy and sell used items, to offer free furniture to families in need. Thanks to Jordan’s generosity, families will be able to furnish their homes with quality items at no cost.

 

Charlie Sheen

Left: Two and Half Men

Reason: Conduct issues on- and off-set

Est. Salary Loss: $2 million per episode*

When Charlie Sheen was fired from Two and a Half Men, he didn’t go quietly into the night. The actor went on a very public meltdown, lashing out at the show’s producers and making all kinds of outrageous claims. He even offered to replace himself on the show with another celebrity.

At first, it seemed like Sheen’s offer was just a publicity stunt. But then, Warner Bros. actually took him up on it and replaced him with Ashton Kutcher. So, who did Charlie Sheen think would make a good replacement for him on Two and a Half Men? According to reports, he wanted none other than Justin Bieber!

 

Anita Barone

Left: Friends

Reason: Wanted to find a more full-time role

Est. Salary Loss: $75,000 per episode*

Unlike Charlie Sheen’s departure from Two and a Half Men, actress Anita Barone’s departure from Friends wasn’t acrimonious at all. Barone played Ross Geller’s ex-wife, Carol Willick, during Carol’s first few appearances on the show. She would later be replaced by Jane Sibbett.

Barone wanted to pursue more full-time roles—Willick’s appearances were ancillary at best. Barone would later go on to star on The Jeff Foxworthy Show during its first season in the mid-nineties. She then starred in The War at Home a decade later.

 

Kate Walsh

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Left to star in her spin-off show

Est. Salary Loss: $150,000-$500,000 per episode*

If Kate Walsh had stayed on Grey’s Anatomy, she could have made close to half a million dollars an episode – the same as her co-star Ellen Pompeo. However, she left the show after just one season to star in her own spin-off series, Private Practice. While it was certainly a good career move for Walsh, it meant missing out on some serious paycheques. If she had stayed on Grey’s, she would have been one of the highest-paid actors on television.

So why did she leave? According to Walsh, it was simply too much work to juggle two shows at once. “It was just too much,” she said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I couldn’t do both.”

 

Jessica Brown Findlay

Left: Downton Abbey

Reason: Wanted to try new roles

Est. Salary Loss: $1.34 million per season*

When Jessica Brown Findlay was cast as Lady Sybil on Downton Abbey, she knew from the start that she wouldn’t be sticking around for long. According to Radio Times, Findlay didn’t want to “fall into her comfort zone too much.” Producers were aware from the beginning that Findlay wouldn’t be on the show long-term, so her departure was not a hostile or surprising split by any means.

Despite this foreknowledge, fans of the show were devastated when Lady Sybil died in season three due to complications after childbirth. Her death was a gut-wrenching moment for viewers, but apparently, Findlay was happy with the way her character’s story ended.

 

Brian Dunkleman

Left: American Idol

Reason: Wanted to pursue stand-up comedy

Est. Salary Loss: $15 million*

Brian Dunkleman may have been onto something when he said that leaving American Idol was a mistake. Dunkleman co-hosted the show’s debut season in 2002 but left to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. His career didn’t quite take off the way he hoped, and he later admitted that he regretted leaving American Idol.

Looking at the salary figures, it’s easy to see why. The hosts of American Idol make $15 million per season. That’s a lot of money, and it’s likely more than Dunkleman has ever made in his entire career.

 

Jenny Slate

Left: Saturday Night Live

Reason: She “didn’t fit in”

Est. Salary Loss: $315,000 per season*

Jenny Slate is currently a celebrity best known for quitting Saturday Night Live. The story of her quitting is widely repeated, but it turns out to be untrue. She was actually fired from SNL because, as she said herself, she “didn’t do a good job.” She said in a later interview that she “didn’t fit in” there.

Slate said she had no idea how Michaels “felt about” her; SNL just “wasn’t for.” Slate is currently starring in the show Big Mouth and has been in multiple films.

 

Matt Smith

Left: Doctor Who

Reason: Filming was too demanding

Est. Salary Loss: $200,000-$300,000 per episode*

When Matt Smith joined Doctor Who as the 11th Doctor in 2010, he had big shoes to fill. He was succeeding David Tennant, who was a fan favorite, and he had to make the role his own. He did that for three years, until 2013 when he left the show.

At the time, Smith didn’t really say why he was leaving. In later interviews, though, he opened up more about the real reason: the demands of filming were just too much. The long hours and physical strain were taking their toll, and he decided it was time to move on.

 

Sarah Chalke

Left: Roseanne

Reason: Replaced by Lecy Goranson

Est. Salary Loss: $2.25 million*

Sarah Chalke played Dr. Elliot Reid on Scrubs, a role that made her a superstar overnight. She left the show after nine years, and it is her tenure on Scrubs for which she is best known. However, she was on Roseanne as Rebecca for a few episodes, while Lecy Goranson was unable to play the role.

Goranson left Roseanne because she was attending Vassar College. She was usually able to work part-time, but Chalke had to fill in. When Goransan returned, Chalke left, though she’d come back when Goranson left a second time. After Roseanne ended, Chalke starred in Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy before quitting acting to focus on her family.

 

Chris Latta

Left: The Simpsons

Reason: Wanted to pursue a stand-up comedy career

Est. Salary Loss: $125,000 per episode*

Though he’s no longer with us, Chris Latta – better known as Christopher Collis – was a celebrity voice actor for many years. He voiced the roles of Mr. Burns and several other iconic characters on The Simpsons, as well as Starscream and Joe in Transformers.

Latta left The Simpsons to pursue a stand-up comedy career but sadly didn’t get very far before passing away at age 44 in 1994 after a two-year battle with an illness that caused a cerebral hemorrhage. Even though he’s gone, Chris Latta’s legacy continues to entertain and inform audiences around the world.

 

Denise Crosby

Left: Star Trek: The Next Generation

Reason: Grew to dislike the role

Est. Salary Loss: $45,000-$100,000 per episode*

Star Trek: The Next Generation actress Denise Crosby shocked fans when she left the show after only one season. Crosby played the role of Security Chief Tasha Yar but grew disillusioned with the character. In an interview with StarTrek.com, Crosby explained that she felt her character was just “stage dressing” and that she struggled with not being able to do much.

Crosby went on to have a successful career, appearing in numerous films and television shows. She is currently starring in the hit series The Walking Dead. Fans will always remember her as one of the original cast members of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

 

Christopher Abbott

Left: Girls

Reason: Couldn’t relate to his character

Est. Salary Loss: $200,000 per season*

When Girls fans heard that Christopher Abbott was leaving the show, they assumed that the show intended to write him off during season three. However, Abbott left before season three even started filming. His reasons for leaving had to do with the direction in which he saw the show heading.

It was no secret at the time that he had his differences with creator Lena Dunham. He elaborated in a later interview, saying that he couldn’t identify with his character. It wasn’t relatable to him, and Dunham (reading between the lines) was unwilling to change the character to make it amenable to Abbott.

 

Tyler Hoechlin

Left: Teen Wolf

Reason: Wanted to pursue a movie career

Est. Salary Loss: $1-$1.5 million in total*

It’s always a bummer when a celebrity leaves a show that we love. And Tyler Hoechlin’s departure from Teen Wolf was no different. Fans were bummed out when he didn’t come back after season four. But it sounds like the decision was entirely Hoechlin’s.

According to Buzzfeed, Hoechlin decided to pursue a movie career and didn’t have time to be a full-time series regular during the fifth season. Since Teen Wolf ended, he’s been in movies like Fifty Shades Free, Palm Springs, and Can You Keep a Secret?

 

David Duchovny

Left: The X-Files

Reason: Contract disputes, wanted to pursue a movie career

Est. Salary Loss: $225,000 per episode*

While celebrity quitting is currently all the rage, it’s not always as simple as just walking away. Just ask David Duchovny, who famously left The X-Files after seven seasons. While he cited wanting to try his hand at movies as his reason for leaving, the real cause was much more mundane: contract issues.

Duchovny’s contract with Fox was up, and he didn’t feel confident that he would be able to get a good deal in negotiations. So instead of renewing, he opted out and left the show. This decision would come back to bite him in 1999 when he sued Fox, claiming that they had cut him out of royalties from the show’s syndication deals. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court.

 

Michael Moriarty

Left: Law & Order

Reason: Conflict with Dick Wolf

Est. Salary Loss: $450,000 per episode*

Michael Moriarty is a celebrity who is currently in the news for quitting his job. He was most recently working on the show Law & Order, but he has now quit in retaliation for the Attorney General at the time, who had called the show “offensively violent.” Dick Wolf, the creator of Law & Order.

On The Howard Stern Show, he said he’d return to the show if Wolf was fired. Wolf would later defend himself, stating that Moriarty was fired for creative reasons. However, many people believe that Moriarty was actually fired in retaliation for speaking out against the Attorney General.

 

Ben Miller

Left: Death in Paradise

Reason: “Logistic” issues

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Since quitting the show, Ben Miller has been tight-lipped about why he left Death in Paradise. However, in a recent interview, he revealed that he had personal reasons for leaving and that it was not due to creative differences or filming demands.

Miller stated that Death in Paradise was the “job of a lifetime,” but he had to leave for logistical reasons. He did not offer any further explanation.

 

Jeremy Clarkson

Left: Top Gear

Reason: Conflict with BBC and producer Oisin Tymon

Est. Salary Loss: $650,000-$700,000 per year*

It’s no secret that celebrity quitting is currently all the rage. But what happens when a celebrity is actually fired? That’s exactly what happened to Jeremy Clarkson, formerly of Top Gear. Clarkson was known for being a bit of a diva, and in 2015 he took things too far when he got into a physical altercation with Oisin Tymon, the show’s producer. The BBC investigated the incident and ultimately decided to fire Clarkson.

However, there was more to the story than just the one incident. Clarkson had long been making rash comments on and off the air, and the BBC had been telling him to tone it down for some time. But he kept brushing them off, and eventually, his antics caught up with him.

 

Clayne Crawford

Left: Lethal Weapon

Reason: Emotionally abusing his coworkers

Est. Salary Loss: $30,000-$150,000*

When Clayne Crawford was fired from the Lethal Weapon reboot, it came as a surprise to many fans. The actor had been one of the two leading co-stars, and his role was hotly-anticipated. Crawford was let go because of allegations that he was emotionally abusive to cast members and created a hostile work environment. He admitted that these claims were true, but blamed unsafe working conditions for his outbursts.

The actor had been warned repeatedly about his behavior, but he did not take heed. He was finally fired in May of 2018. Currently, Crawford is working on getting his career back on track.

 

Lori Rom

Left: Charmed

Reason: Personal reasons

Est. Salary Loss: $60,000 per episode*

Few people know that Lori Rom was originally cast as Phoebe Halliwell on Charmed. She only portrayed the role during an unaired pilot before she left the show. Showrunner Constance Burge said that Rom left due to “personal reasons.”

However, some fans believe that Rom may have left because she couldn’t perform the character, a witch, due to her religious beliefs. This has never been confirmed by Rom. After she left, Aaron Spelling hired Alyssa Milano to take over the role of Phoebe. In addition to Rom being replaced, Chris Boyd also walked out after the pilot (he played Andy).

 

Ed Skrein

Left: Game of Thrones

Reason: Possible political motivations

Est. Salary Loss: $150,000 per episode*

There are some celebrity quitters out there who just can’t seem to help themselves. Ed Skrein is one of those celebrities. The actor, whose movie career has taken off in recent years, has quit several high-profile roles in the past. Most recently, Skrein quit his role on the hit show Game of Thrones.

Skrein portrayed Daario Naharis for three episodes before he was replaced by Michiel Huisman. When asked why he was replaced, Skrein simply said that it was “political.” This isn’t the first time Skrein has quite a role. He also famously quit the Transporter franchise after just one movie. Again, the reason given was “political.”

 

Kim Raver

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: The contract ended and she needed a vacation

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000-$500,000 per episode*

Leigh and Raver’s sudden departures from Grey’s Anatomy were a surprise to fans, who were saddened to see them go. However, both actresses left on good terms, with no reports of drama between them or on the set.

Raver explained that she was leaving because her contract had expired, and Rhimes said she wanted to give Teddy Altman a break after three seasons on the show. Altman’s exit was one of several big changes in the season finale, which aired in May of 2018.

 

Stephen Tobolowsky

Left: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Reason: Unknown (recast and replaced by Ken Lerner)

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000-$350,000 per episode*

Although Stephen Tobolowsky is currently best known for his roles on popular shows like Glee, Deadwood, and Californication, fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer might be surprised to learn that he also had a role in the unaired pilot. Tobolowsky was cast as Robert Flutie, the principal of Sunnydale High School.

However, after the pilot wrapped up, the role of Flutie was recast and portrayed by Ken Lerner throughout the series. The reason for the recast has never been revealed, but it appears that the character of Principal Flutie changed quite a bit between Tobolowsky and Lerner’s portrayals.

 

Natalie Dormer

Left: Game of Thrones

Reason: Had other projects

Est. Salary Loss: $175,000 per episode*

Dormer’s exit from Game of Thrones was due to her own scheduling conflicts. She had other projects she was pursuing and asked to be killed off earlier than planned. Dormer’s character met a brutal end in season six, leaving her as a steaming pile of green ashes.

Despite her character’s gruesome death, Dormer said she enjoyed working on the show and was sad to leave. She praised the show’s producers for their professionalism and creative vision. Dormer is now focusing on her other projects and said she is looking forward to what the future holds.

 

Alex Borstein

Left: Gilmore Girls

Reason: Contract conflict with MADtv

Est. Salary Loss: $750,000 per episode*

When it comes to Gilmore Girls, Alex Borstein is best known for being the original Sookie St. James. Borstein was set to play the starring role on the show, but a scheduling conflict with her other show, MADtv, prevented her from doing so. She was replaced by Melissa McCarthy, who went on to have a successful career playing the role.

Borstein has been in the entertainment industry for many years. She started out as a writer and performer on MADtv. She also had a recurring role on the popular sitcom Family Guy.

 

Jennifer Ehle

Left: Game of Thrones

Reason: Wanted to stay home with her infant daughter

Est. Salary Loss: $175,000 per episode*

When the unaired pilot for Game of Thrones was filmed, the role of Catelyn Stark was originally played by Jennifer Ehle. However, after the pilot was completed, Ehle decided that she could not commit to the demanding filming schedule of the show and so she was replaced by Michelle Fairley.

Fairley’s portrayal of Catelyn Stark has been praised by both fans and critics alike. She is a strong and determined woman who is fiercely protective of her family. Even though she comes from a noble background, she is not afraid to get her hands dirty and will do whatever it takes to keep her loved ones safe.

 

Eric Dane

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Got another role

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000-$575,000 per episode*

Is your favorite celebrity quitting their day job? Here are a few stars who have recently left their hit TV shows. Chyler Leigh, who played Lexi on Grey’s Anatomy, died in a plane crash on the show.

Shortly after, her husband and co-star Eric Dane quit the show to pursue other opportunities. Dane is currently starring in The Last Ship and Euphoria. Another celebrity who has quit their day job is Jennifer Aniston. She left her role as Rachel Green on Friends back in 2004 to pursue other projects.

 

Linda Hunt

Left: NCIS: Los Angeles

Reason: Car accident

Est. Salary Loss: $80,000 per episode*

Linda Hunt, best known for her role in The Year of Living Dangerously, has had a long and varied career in Hollywood. She’s appeared in films like Dune, Kindergarten Cop, and Stranger Than Fiction, but it was her turn as Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles that made her a late-in-life star.

Hunt has been with the show since 2009, and her character has undergone a lot of development over the years. However, it seems that Hunt is ready to move on from Hetty. In an interview with TVLine, she hinted that she may be quitting the show soon. “I’m not currently signed on for next season,” she said. “So we’ll see what happens.”

 

Stephanie Sigman

Left: S.W.A.T

Reason: Wanted to move on to “new adventures”

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000-$150,000 per episode* (Season 2)

It’s always hard to say goodbye to a beloved TV character. But sometimes, the actors who play them have to move on to other projects. That’s what happened with Stephanie Sigman, who played Captain Jessica Cortez on the CBS drama S.W.A.T.

Fans were heartbroken when her character left the show, and many wondered why Sigman decided to leave. Sigman didn’t seem to have any hard feelings about her departure from the show. She took to social media to say that she was “on to new adventures.”

 

Hank Azaria

Left: Simpsons

Reason: Controversy over character

Est. Salary Loss: $300,000 per episode*

Hank Azaria, who is best known for voicing the character of Apu on The Simpsons, has decided to quit the role.

He announced his decision on January 17th, stating that he realized the character was seen as a stereotype and didn’t want to participate in causing offense anymore. Azaria had voiced Apu for over 30 years but said the decision to quit took him a year. While Azaria is no longer voicing Apu, he will still be part of The Simpsons cast.

 

James Spader

Left: The Office

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $125,000 per episode*

When celebrity heartthrob James Spader left The Office, fans were shocked. The exact reason for his departure is unknown, but some believe it was because the show wasn’t the rating juggernaut it once was. Others believe Spader was simply happy with the way his character’s story ended.

Either way, Spader’s departure left a big hole in the show.  Currently, Spader is starring in the hit TV show The Blacklist. He plays a former government agent who turns to a life of crime. The show has been a huge success, and it looks like Spader is here to stay!

 

Patricia Heaton

Left: Everybody Loves Raymond

Reason: Show came to an end

Est. Salary Loss: $450,000 per episode*

Romano might have been the star of the show, but Everybody Loves Raymond wouldn’t be the same without his wife Deb, played by Patricia Heaton. However, two seasons before the show ended, Heaton and the rest of the cast staged a walkout when Romano got a pay rise and they didn’t.

They eventually got a significant bump in their salaries, but less than two seasons later, the show was brought to an end. While the writers say it was simply time to end on a good note, some think it was partially down to the rise in production costs.

 

Wayne Rogers

Left: M*A*S*H

Reason: Didn’t want to be typecast

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000 per episode*

If you’re a celebrity, quitting a successful show can be a risky move. Just ask Wayne Rogers, who left M*A*S*H after three seasons. At the time, Rogers said that he didn’t want to be typecast and wanted to pursue other opportunities.

Producers sued him for breach of contract, but it turned out that he had never actually signed his original contract. Looking back, Rogers said that he doesn’t regret his decision to leave. He’s currently starring in the new series The Exorcist Files.

 

Jennifer Esposito

Left: NCIS

Reason: To try other things

Est. Salary Loss: $75,000 per episode*

According to Deadline, Jennifer Esposito played the popular character of Alex on NCIS. However, despite having a good experience on the show, Esposito decided it was time to leave in season 14. Her character was written out of the show.

After her departure, the actress admitted in interviews that she wasn’t entirely fulfilled in the entertainment industry. That being said, she did go on to star in different shows and movies. Currently, Esposito is focusing on her health and wellbeing rather than celebrity status.

 

Steve Burns

Left: Blue’s Clues

Reason: To get out of kids’ TV

Est. Salary Loss: $45,000 per episode*

Some celebrity departures are more shocking than others. Steve Burns was a beloved figure on children’s television for six years, appearing in 100 episodes of Blue’s Clues. But in 2002, he shocked fans by announcing his departure from the show.

Since then, Burns has largely fallen off the radar. He hasn’t appeared in any major projects and has largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he did recently resurface to give an interview about his current career plans.

 

Scarlett Johansson

Left: Rub & Tug

Reason: Criticism over being cast as a trans man

Est. Salary Loss: $15 million*

Scarlett Johansson has been in the spotlight for years, and she’s no stranger to controversy. Recently, she came under fire for her casting in the movie Rub ‘N Tug. The role in question was that of Dante Gill, a transgender man.

The LGBTQ+ community was quick to criticize Johansson’s casting choice, feeling that the part should have gone to an actual transgender man. Johansson initially pushed back against the criticism but eventually agreed to step down from the project. In a statement, she said that she realized “the larger conversation about diversity and representation”

 

Naya Rivera

Left: Glee

Reason: Fighting with producers, the tension on set

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000-$80,000 per episode*

It’s always a surprise when a celebrity leaves a hit show. And it was especially shocking when Naya Rivera was fired from Glee. Rivera had been one of the main characters on the musical show, and fans were stunned when she was suddenly booted from the series.

According to reports, Rivera got into an argument with producers before she was fired, and Lea Michele’s name came up in the argument. This led to rumors that the two actresses had a spat. Whether that was true or not is up for debate, but producers had had enough of Rivera causing tension on set.

 

12 Native American Extras

Left: The Ridiculous 6

Reason: Racist jokes against Native culture

Est. Salary Loss: $10-$50 per hour*

Adam Sandler’s comedies aren’t exactly highbrow. But even by his standards, The Ridiculous 6 was pretty offensive. The movie, which was supposed to be a spoof of Westerns, featured several racist jokes and stereotypes that offended Native American actors and extras on the set. As a result, several people quit the production, including the Native cultural advisor.

Currently, it’s unclear how Netflix will respond to the controversy. The streaming service has defended the movie, saying that it’s “a satire of Western movies.” But with more and more people speaking out against the film, Netflix may eventually pull it from its lineup.

 

Julie McCullough

Left: Growing Pains

Reason: Kirk Cameron flipped out

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000-$75,000 per episode*

Julie McCullough landed the role of Julie Costello, the nanny on the 1980s shows Growing Pains. However, she was quickly terminated from the show after Kirk Cameron complained to producers. Cameron, a notorious social conservative, was upset that McCullough posed naked in Playboy. He accused producers of promoting pornography and demanded that they remove her from the show.

Despite Cameron having multiple allegations from actresses about his own behavior, it was McCullough who was forced to leave the role. She has since spoken out about her experience, saying that Cameron’s behavior was “unacceptable” and that she was “disappointed” in how he handled the situation.

 

Kel O’Neill

Left: There Will Be Blood

Reason: Rocky relationship with producers

Est. Salary Loss: $4-$5 million*

Kel O’Neill was all set to star in the movie There Will Be Blood. The movie is about a ruthless oil prospector who gets into a feud with a pastor at a local church. However, O’Neill left the production just weeks into filming. According to the actor, he was called into a meeting with producers and fired because of his rocky relationship with them.

Currently, Kel O’Neill is not attached to any major projects. However, he has appeared in several small independent films. It’s clear that despite his abrupt departure from There Will Be Blood, O’Neill is still a working actor.

 

Mia Farrow

Left: The Detective

Reason: Filming of Rosemary’s Baby was running behind schedule

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000-$500,000*

Despite their huge age gap, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow were married for a while. Sinatra was set to star in the movie The Detective, and he wanted his wife to co-star with him in the role of Norma MacIver. However, Farrow was unable to do so because a film she was working on was way behind schedule.

Farrow refused to star in the movie, and Jacqueline Bisset took the role instead. The film Farrow was working on that caused her to have a scheduling conflict was Roman Polansky’s Rosemary’s Baby, often called one of the greatest horror movies of the era.

 

Debra Winger

Left: A League of Their Own

Reason: Didn’t want to work with Madonna

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000-$200,000*

There are few things more frustrating for a celebrity than having to work with someone they don’t believe is up to par. That’s exactly what happened to Debra Winger when she was supposed to star in A League of Their Own alongside Madonna.

Winger quit the movie before filming even began, though she still got paid according to her. She noted that it’s “hard to get in court.” The winger was replaced by Geena Davis, who she said did “okay” as her replacement. The main reason Winger left the classic film was that she didn’t want to work with Madonna because she didn’t believe the pop star is a good actress.

 

Will Smith

Left: After Earth

Reason: N/A

Est. Salary Loss: N/A

Some celebrities have had the misfortune of being in a movie that was universally panned by critics. For Will Smith, that movie was After Earth. Though he didn’t quit the movie, he later said that it was the “most painful failure” of his career.

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, After Earth was critically panned upon its release. Speaking about the film later, Smith said that it taught him “a valuable lesson” and even “broke something” in his head. He also said that part of what made the experience so difficult was that his son was involved in the movie.

 

James Purefoy

Left: V for Vendetta

Reason: Creative differences in his character’s portrayal

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

As one of the most iconic movies of the twenty-first century, it’s no surprise that V for Vendetta has had its fair share of celebrity drama. According to behind-the-scenes reports, James Purefoy was originally supposed to play the title character. However, after just six weeks of filming, he left the movie.

At the time, rumors spread that Purefoy was annoyed that he had to wear a mask for the entire film (something that, no doubt, was difficult). Later, Purefoy would clear up those rumors by explaining that he left because of old “creative differences” with producers.

 

Kim Cattrall

Left: And Just Like That…

Reason: Feud with co-stars

Est. Salary Loss: $4 million*

When it was announced that a third Sex and the City movie was in the works, fans were ecstatic. But there was one key cast member who wasn’t so thrilled: Kim Cattrall. Cattrall, who played the iconic Samantha Jones on the hit HBO series, decided she didn’t want to return for the movie. And Just Like That… didn’t happen in the 2000s.

Cattrall’s departure from the franchise was due to her strained relationship with her former co-stars, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis. Things got particularly ugly between Cattrall and Parker after Parker offered her condolences to Cattrall following the death of her brother.

 

Will Ferrell

Left: Reagan

Reason: Possibly over outcry about the role itself

Est. Salary Loss: $20 million*

Will Ferrell is no stranger to playing controversial characters. He famously portrayed George W. Bush on Saturday Night Live and has now been attached to a movie about former President Ronald Reagan.

However, Ferrell recently quit the project, after fans of Reagan expressed outrage at the idea of the comedian playing a man with dementia. It’s not clear why Ferrell decided to quit the project, but it’s possible that he didn’t want to offend Reagan’s fans. currently, it’s unknown who will take over his role in the film.

 

Jesse Williams

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Didn’t want to renew his contract

Est. Salary Loss: $200,000-$300,000 per episode*

As we all know, celebrity breakups are often messy affairs. There’s usually a lot of drama involved, and it can sometimes get ugly. So when Jesse Williams announced that he was leaving Grey’s Anatomy after six seasons, fans were surprised to see that there wasn’t any drama attached to his departure.

According to TV Line, Williams’ contract was simply up and he decided not to renew it to pursue other projects. His character’s exit storyline was organic and many fans felt like he received a send-off that was befitting of his time on the show. While we’re sad to see Jesse Williams go.

 

America Ferrera

Left: Superstore

Reason: Wanted to pursue other opportunities

Est. Salary Loss: $125,000 per episode*

It’s always sad when a beloved celebrity leaves a show. America Ferrera’s departure from Superstore was no different. Fans were heartbroken when her character, Amy, left to take a job in California. In real life, Ferrera left the show to pursue other opportunities.

She announced her departure in a tweet, saying that working on Superstore’s set was one of her career’s most “rewarding, enriching, and enjoyable” times. She said she was “grateful” to have gotten a chance to be on the show. Currently, there is no word on who will replace Ferrera in Superstore.

 

Amanda Seales

Left: The Real

Reason: The show “felt like a betrayal” and “broke” her “spirit”

Est. Salary Loss: $1-$2 million per season*

It seems like every celebrity has their own way of quitting a project. For some, it’s a straightforward process. They simply walk away and never look back. Others, however, take a more dramatic approach, making sure that everyone knows exactly why they’re leaving.

Amanda Seales is the latter type of celebrity. The comedian and actress made headlines earlier this year when she quit her job as a co-host on The Real, a popular daytime talk show. At first, Seales claimed that she left on good terms, slamming people for trying to create “false dissension” between her and the show. However, just a few months later, she opened up about her true reasons for leaving in an Instagram Live session.

 

Anna Faris

Left: Mom

Reason: Wanted to pursue other opportunities

Est. Salary Loss: $350,000 per episode*

It’s always a shock when a celebrity announces they’re quitting a successful show. We can’t help but wonder what will happen to the character they played and if the series can continue without them. Recently, Anna Faris shocked fans by announcing she wouldn’t be returning for the eighth season of Mom. Faris had been with the show since it premiered in 2013 and her character, Christy, was central to the storyline. So, fans were understandably worried about what would happen to Christy without Faris.

Fortunately, the writers gave Christy a happy ending and she even got to say goodbye to her fellow cast members in a touching video message. Even though she’s no longer appearing on the show.

 

Adam Brody

Left: Gilmore Girls

Reason: Took a job on The O.C.

Est. Salary Loss: $750,000 per episode (later seasons)*

It’s not uncommon for celebrities to switch up their roles from time to time. Adrian Brody is one celebrity who knows a thing or two about this, having played Seth Cohen on The O.C. for four years before quitting the show to focus on his role on Gilmore Girls.

Fans of both shows were quick to compare Brody’s characters, but he has stated that he believes the comparisons are unfair. He did enjoy working on Gilmore Girls, calling it “a joy.” Currently, Brody is focusing on his film career and has starred in several successful movies.

 

Damion Poitier

Left: The Avengers Franchise

Reason: “Creative” reasons

Est. Salary Loss: $5-$6 million*

It’s hard to imagine anyone but Josh Brolin playing the role of Thanos in the MCU. The Mad Titan was perfect for Brolin, who brought a gritty feel to the role. Brolin has been an indispensable part of the MCU, but he almost wasn’t. Damion Poitier was briefly cast as Thanos before him, but Marvel producers decided to recast the role with Brolin.

Poitier, who has starred in movies like Hunter Prey, Black Cobra, and American Muscle, was supposed to play Thanos originally. However, producers made a “creative” decision to go with Brolin instead.

 

Kourtney Kardashian

Left: Keeping Up With The Kardashians

Reason: Thought the reality show was a “toxic environment”

Est. Salary Loss: $27 million per season*

Kourtney Kardashian has always been the prickliest member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan. The reality star has been with Keeping Up with the Kardashians since its premiere in 2007, and we’ve seen her get into a lot of fights with her sisters. Eventually, the onscreen drama became too much, and Kardashian called the reality show a “toxic environment,” saying it was occupying too much of her life and leaving her feeling “unfulfilled.”

Kourtney said that the “non-stop” filming “for fourteen years” just overwhelmed her, and she needed a break. Still, we’ll never forget Kourtney’s most iconic moments, including her relatable parenting fails, her unapologetic attitude, and her enviable style.

 

Struan Rodger

Left: Game of Thrones

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000*

According to some reports, celebrity actor Struan Rodger played the first Three-Eyed Raven on Game of Thrones. However, he was only seen in this role for a brief time in the fourth season before being replaced by Max von Sydow.

It’s unclear why the Three-Eyed Raven was recast, but many speculate that it had something to do with Sydow’s celebrity status. Regardless of the reason, both actors did an excellent job in their respective roles.

 

Spencer Fox

Left: The Incredibles 2

Reason: Fox’s voice changed after The Incredibles I

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Most people don’t realize that the voice of Dash in The Incredibles was actually recast for the sequel. The original voice actor, Spencer Fox, was only 10 years old when the first movie came out. By the time the sequel rolled around, his voice had changed so much that Disney Pixar decided to go with a new actor, Huck Milner.

Interestingly, this is one of the few times that an actor has been replaced due to their own physical changes. In most cases, it’s either because of creative differences or behind-the-scenes drama.

 

Claudia Wells

Left: Back to the Future Franchise

Reason: Family reasons

Est. Salary Loss: $500,000*

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost 35 years since the first Back to the Future movie was released. The franchise remains one of the most successful in American film history. Claudia Wells starred in the first movie, but she had to quit after the first film’s release due to tragic news.

Wells’ mother was diagnosed with cancer and she needed to put her career on hold to care for her family. Thankfully, her mother recovered and Wells eventually returned to acting. She is currently starring in the hit TV show The Young and the Restless.

 

Amanda Bynes

Left: Hall Pass

Reason: Mental health and substance abuse issues

Est. Salary Loss: $2-$3 million*

When Amanda Bynes quit the movie Hall Pass in 2010, it was a sign of things to come. The former child star and comedian has been in and out of the spotlight for the past few years, making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Bynes’ mental health issues and addiction problems have been well-documented, and she seems to be struggling to make a recovery. This is something that her fans, many of whom grew up watching her work, desperately want to see.

However, it looks less and less likely that Bynes will be able to make a comeback. She has dropped out of several projects in recent years, and her current whereabouts are unknown.

 

Chelsea DeBoer

Left: Teen Mom 2

Reason: Wanted to focus on other endeavors, her daughter didn’t like the show

Est. Salary Loss: $13,500 per episode*

It’s no secret that celebrity lifestyles can be pretty intense. Being in the public eye 24/7 can take a toll on anyone, even those who are used to it. So it’s not really surprising that some celebrities decide to quit the limelight altogether. One recent example is Chelsea DeBoer Houska from Teen Mom. She announced her departure from the show in October 2020, citing personal and safety concerns for herself and her family.

DeBoer Houska isn’t the only celebrity to have left a high-profile job due to mental health issues. In fact, it’s becoming more and more common for people in the spotlight to speak out about their struggles.

 

Mark Harmon

Left: NCIS

Reason: Wanted a change after eighteen years

Est. Salary Loss: $525,000 per episode*

It’s hard to imagine NCIS without Mark Harmon. The actor has been with the show for nineteen seasons, playing the lead role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. However, Harmon is quitting the show after season nineteen.

According to US Magazine, he’s been wanting to leave for a while now and just feels it’s time for a change.  NCIS is CBS’ most popular show, so Harmon’s departure will definitely be felt by fans. It’ll be interesting to see how the show handles his character’s exit.

 

Megan Boone

Left: The Blacklist

Reason: Pursuing other projects

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000 per episode*

Megan Boone is currently in the process of quitting The Blacklist after eight whole seasons with the show. While her departure may be a shock to fans, Boone had told the writers well ahead of time, allowing them to finish her story arc without leaving her character in the lurch.

While she hasn’t publicly given a reason for leaving, it can be surmised that she’s ready to move on to other projects after devoting eight seasons to the hit drama. After a guest-starring role on The Underground Railroad.

 

Giacomo Gianniotti, Grey’s Anatomy

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Wanted to pursue other opportunities

Est. Salary Loss: $*

It’s always sad when a beloved character dies, especially when it’s sudden and violent. But sometimes, an actor’s time on a show just comes to an end. Such was the case with Giacomo Gianniotti, who played Andrew DeLuca on Grey’s Anatomy for six years.

Giannotti’s character was killed off in 2020 after being stabbed and developing DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). Though his death was clearly written into the show, Gianiotti reportedly left on good terms.

 

Miriam Shor

Left: Younger

Reason: Scheduling reasons

Est. Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*

It’s always a sad day when we have to say goodbye to one of our favorite TV characters. Such is the case with Younger, where series creator Darren Star has explained that two fan-favorite characters, Miriam Shor and Charles Michael Davis, won’t be returning for the show’s seventh season. While no specific reason was given, it’s believed that scheduling conflicts are to blame.

Shor had been with the show since its premiere on TV Land seven years ago, while Davis joined after having a recurring role in season four. Both actors brought so much to their respective roles and will surely be missed by fans.

 

Anupam Kher

Left: New Amsterdam

Reason: Wife undergoing cancer treatment

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

It was recently revealed that the reason actor Anupam Kher had to leave his role in the medical drama New Amsterdam was due to his wife’s battle with cancer. Kher’s wife, actress Kirron Kher, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, earlier this year.

The actor confirmed the diagnosis to the Hindustan Times, saying that he is leaving the show to support his wife during treatment. Multiple myeloma is currently considered incurable, but treatments can help extend patients’ lives.

 

Dominic Purcell

Left: Legends of Tomorrow

Reason: Contract Expired

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Dominic Purcell’s deal with Legends of Tomorrow is currently up, and the celebrity has announced that he plans to leave the show at the end of season seven. This news comes as a blow to fans of the DC show, who have grown to love Purcell’s character, Mick (AKA Heat Wave).

While it is unclear what exactly led to Purcell’s decision to leave the show, he clarified that it was not something he had planned on doing before his contract expired. Season creators have said that they will miss Purcell and his character, but they are confident that the show will continue to grow and thrive with new characters.

 

Shaunette Renee Wilson

Left: The Resident

Reason: She felt her time in the show had come to an end

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

The actress, who played Mina on the show, took to Twitter to explain why she was written off of the show. She left after season four, and she said that her decision to leave was because she simply felt her time on The Resident was finished. She didn’t want to continue further as Mina.

Wilson said that she was “appreciative” that directors allowed her to “embody as beautiful…a soul as…Mina.” On The Resident, Mina left the country and moved to Nigeria after she was threatened with deportation by Dr. Cain. Ironically, Dr. Cain, who is played by Morris Chestnut, also revealed in the spring that he would be leaving the show.

 

Regé-Jean Page

Left: Bridgerton

Reason: Creative differences with Shonda Rimes

Est. Salary Loss: $20,000 per episode*

Reports are circulating that Rege-Jean Page has signed a deal with Netflix. The deal is said to be worth $50 million, and it will see the actor appearing in multiple projects for the streaming service.

This is a huge coup for Netflix, as Page is a major celebrity who is currently in high demand. He first came to prominence on the hit show Bridgerton, which took over social media when it first came out. The lush romance was set in Regency Era England, and it showed the eight siblings of the Bridgertons.

 

Tom Cavanagh

Left: The Flash

Reason: I Felt his story arc had come to a perfect close

Est. Salary Loss: $150,000 per episode*

It looks like Tom Cavanagh is leaving The Flash. Cavanagh, who plays Harrison Wells/Reverse-Flash on the CW series, says it was his decision to depart the show. “It was definitely my decision,” Cavanagh told TVLine. “I mean, you can’t stay on a show forever. At a certain point, you’ve got to move on.”

Cavanagh says he knew he would leave The Flash when he felt his story arc had come to a natural conclusion. “I always said that I would do the show as long as it was enjoyable and challenging,” he said. “And it definitely became both of those things at different points along the way.”

 

Theo James

Left: Sanditon

Reason: Felt his character’s story had come to a natural end

Est. Salary Loss: $20,000 per episode*

As diehard Sanditon fans know, Theo James’ time on the show came to an abrupt end after just one season. The actor announced his departure from the series in early 2021, citing creative differences as the primary reason for his exit. Since then, speculation has been rife about who will replace him in the role of Sidney Parker.

What we do know is that Theo James is currently not a part of Sanditon’s cast. Who will take up the mantle of Sidney Parker remains to be seen. But fans can rest assured knowing that there are plenty of talented actors out there who would be more than up for the challenge.

 

Torrey DeVitto

Left: Chicago Med

Reason: Wanted to move on to new things

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

According to CheatSheet, fans of Chicago Med are not exactly disappointed that Dr. Natalie Manning, played by Torrey DeVitto, will not be returning to the show. DeVitto announced her departure from the popular medical drama in May of 2021, saying that though it had been an honor to play Dr. Manning, she felt it was time to bow out and say goodbye.

Dr. Manning was let go from her job at Gaffney after stealing a bottle of pills for her sick mother. Though DeVitto did not elaborate on why she decided to leave the show, it seems as though fans are not too upset about her character’s exit.

 

Greg Germann

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Appearing in Herding Cats

Est. Salary Loss: $3 million per season*

It looks like another major cast member is leaving Grey’s Anatomy. Greg Germann, who plays Tom Koracick on the show, has decided to leave the series. His character’s storyline came to an end when he decided he wanted to become a new person.

Germann won’t be hurting for work, though. He’s currently appearing in a production called Herding Cats, a mix of live-streamed and in-person theater. And showrunner Krista Vernoff joked that Koracick could possibly return.

 

Freddy Rodriguez

Left: Bull

Reason: Workplace investigation revealed bad behavior on set

Est. Salary Loss: $300,000 per episode*

When it was revealed in late 2021 that Freddy Rodriguez was no longer on Bull, many people were wondering what had happened. It turns out that the actor had been involved in some bad behavior on set, which led to his departure from the show.

This wasn’t the only issue on the Bull set, however, as the writing staff alleged that Glen Caron had created a toxic work environment. CBS refused to comment on Rodriguez’s departure, simply stating that he was no longer on the show.

 

Renée Felice Smith

Left: NCIS: Los Angeles

Reason: Wanted to be free for outside projects

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000 per episode*

Renee Felice Smith said goodbye to NCIS: Los Angeles in May of 2021 after the procedural’s Sunday finale. It was also the final episode for her co-star, Barrett Foa. Smith said that there were no hard feelings, as she felt the “door will…remain open” for her NCIS role.

Though she loved being on the show, Smith said that she wanted to “explore” a new “adventure.” Leaving NCIS, a long-running police procedural, left her free for “outside project deals.” The exit was a surprise to fans, as Smith’s character.

 

Emily Wickersham

Left: NCIS

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: $250,000 per episode*

The deal that Emily Wickersham currently has with CBS means that she is no longer a part of the NCIS cast. Wickersham’s character, Eleanor, was written out of the show in the season-eight finale after it was revealed that she had leaked classified documents. This led to her getting fired, but it was later revealed that this was all a ploy to allow Eleanor to go undercover.

Wickersham took to her social media to explain that she was definitely leaving the series, saying that she was “hangin’ up her hat and jacket.” Wickersham said that NCIS was a “great ride,” a sentiment that was echoed by her co-star, Mark Harmon.

 

Antonia Thomas

Left: The Good Doctor

Reason: The contract expired, and she wanted to explore new creative opportunities

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Antonia Thomas, who played Claire on The Good Doctor, has announced that she will be leaving the show after four seasons. Thomas stated that the reason for her departure was not because of any deal, but because she wanted to explore new creative opportunities.

This news comes as a shock to fans of the show, who have come to love Thomas’ character over the past four years. While it is currently unknown who will take over the role of Claire, we are sure that the show will continue to be successful without her. Thank you, Antonia, for your contributions to The Good Doctor!

 

Emily VanCamp

Left: The Resident

Reason: Wanted to focus on raising her daughter

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

It was recently announced that Emily VanCamp, who played Nic on the Fox medical drama The Resident, would be leaving the show. While this may come as a surprise to some fans, those who have been following VanCamp’s career know that she’s no stranger to deal-making.

The actress is currently in the process of renegotiating her contract with Marvel Studios, and it’s rumored that she’s looking for a pay raise. But VanCamp isn’t just a deal-maker; she’s also a new mom. She gave birth to her daughter Iris last year, and according to sources close to the situation, she feels that her priorities have changed.

 

Yaya DaCosta

Left: Chicago Med

Reason: Wanted to take a role in Our Kind of People

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Though Torrey DeVitto’s departure from Chicago Med was certainly a loss for the show, it wasn’t nearly as mourned by fans as that of Yaya DaCosta. DaCosta had been a part of the show since its first season, and her character April Sexton was a fan favorite. So when it was announced that she would be leaving Chicago Med to star in Fox’s new drama Our Kind of People, there was a lot of outcry from fans.

But DaCosta was excited about the new opportunity and said she “jumped at the chance” when Lee Daniels called her about it. Our Kind of People deal is currently in talks and nothing has been finalized yet.

 

Madeleine Mantock

Left: Charmed

Reason: Felt it was time to move on

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Sometimes, actors just decide that they want to move on and do something new. According to showrunners Craig Shapiro and Liz Kruger, Madeleine Mantock left Charmed for exactly that reason.

The pair said that they couldn’t “thank Madeline enough” for her work on the show, which they deemed “inspiring.” Mantock seemed to hold the show in high esteem as well, saying that she was “incredibly grateful” to CBS and the CW for allowing her on the show. She said that the networks were a “brilliant support” as she made the “difficult decision” to end her time on Charmed.

 

Beck Bennett

Left: Saturday Night Live

Reason: Wants to focus on new projects and be near his family and friends

Est. Salary Loss: $25,000 per episode*

Beck Bennett was a beloved cast member on Saturday Night Live for eight years, but he said that he felt as though “the universe” was hinting to him that it was time to leave the show. Bennett said he knew he wouldn’t “do better” than SNL, but he wanted to spend time with his family and friends.

Specifically, he missed his wife. Bennett said that their relationship, despite being married, had been “basically long distance.” After leaving NYC, he moved back home to L.A., where he is working on new projects and enjoying quality time with his spouse and friends.

 

Damian Lewis

Left: Billions

Reason: Wanted to spend more time with his family in England

Est. Salary Loss: $3 million per season*

It’s always a sad day when a deal is reached and a celebrity leaves a show. It’s even sadder when that celebrity is currently going through a tough time. Such was the case with Damian Lewis, who left Billions after five seasons.

Lewis, who played Bobby Axelrod on the show, began discussing his potential exit with producers three years before it actually happened. He cited wanting to spend more time with his family, who lived in England, as his main reason for leaving.

 

Jesse Spencer

Left: Chicago Fire

Reason: Wanted to spend time with family members and “do other things”

Est. Salary Loss: $8 million per year*

Jesse Spencer made a deal with NBC in 2021 to leave the One Chicago universe after eighteen years in television.

The difficult decision was made to take care of his family and pursue other interests. Spencer is currently focusing on spending time with his loved ones and enjoying life outside of the demanding television industry. Although he will be missed, we wish Jesse all the best in his future endeavors!

 

Lindsey Morgan

Left: Walker

Reason: Wanted to take care of her health

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Lindsey Morgan announced earlier in her final season that she was leaving Walker for personal reasons. That news shaped her storyline, which centered around her being the first female Latina Texas Ranger.

During the season, her character dealt with the fallout from an undercover stint, and you could tell that the plotline was readying her to leave. Morgan explained that she left to “take care” of herself and her “well-being, physically…emotionally, and mentally.” Morgan said she wanted to “reevaluate” her life to find out how she “got to where” she was and “make…changes.”

 

Osvaldo Benavides

Left: The Good Doctor

Reason: Unknown

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

Osvaldo Benavides, who played Dr. Mateo Osma on The Good Doctor, has abruptly announced that he will be leaving the show after the fifth season. This comes as a surprise to fans, as Benavides had only just been promoted to series regular at the beginning of season five.

It isn’t clear why Benavides has decided to leave the show, but his character was always on probationary status due to past legal issues. This made it seem as though producers always had the door open on whether Osma would stay or go.

 

Kaylee Bryant

Left: Legacies

Reason: Wanted to work on a new project

Est. Salary Loss: $15,000-$20,000 per episode*

Josie Saltzman was a major character in Legacies, and she was played by Kaylee Bryant. Josie was a vampire-human hybrid, and she was the daughter of Alaric Saltzman and Josette Laughlin.

On the show, Josie decided that she wanted to live her own life, so she bought a one-way bus ticket away from Mystic Falls. In real life, Bryant wanted to leave the show to work on a new project.  Currently, Bryant is working on a new project called “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

 

Steve Burton

Left: General Hospital

Reason: Ran afoul of the show’s vaccine mandate

Est. Salary Loss: $294,000 per year*

As one of the longest-running soap operas of all time, General Hospital has racked up millions of fans. These fans were shocked when the writers paired Jason Morgan, played by Steve Burton, with Carly Corinthos, his long-time best friend. Despite this exciting new plotline, Burton was pulled from the show before it could really develop.

Burton posted a video to Instagram on November 23, 2021, that explained why he was fired. Apparently, he violated the show’s vaccine mandate. Though he applied for medical and religious exemptions, the actor said that General Hospital denied both in a letter. Burton filmed the letter and read it aloud in his video.

 

Molly Ephraim

Left: Last Man Standing

Reason: Show was canceled

Est. Salary Loss: $80,000*

Molly Ephraim is a celebrity who currently stars in the popular sitcom Last Man Standing. She played the character of Mindy Baxter for the first six seasons of the show until it was canceled by ABC.

Fox picked up the show a year later, and for the seventh season, a different actress played the role of Mindy Baxter, which was played for comedic effect. Currently, Ephraim is starring in the show’s eighth season.

 

Eliza Dushku

Left: Bull

Reason: Alleged sexual harassment

Est. Salary Loss: $$35,000 per episode*

It’s safe to say that celebrity actress Eliza Dushku lost out on a lot when she left the popular legal drama Bull after just three episodes back in 2017. Dushku had been tapped to return as a regular for the show’s second season, but things went sour after she accused lead actor Michael Weatherly of inappropriate behavior on set.

The actress ended up reaching a confidential $9.5 million settlement with CBS, but considering that the show became very successful and is currently in its fifth season (with a sixth and final season to air), it’s safe to say that Dushku lost out on much more than just money.

 

Chyler Leigh

Left: Grey’s Anatomy

Reason: Felt it was time

Est. Salary Loss: $800,000 per season*

There’s no doubt that celebrity status comes with a lot of perks. One of those perks is a pretty hefty paycheque. And while we don’t know exactly how much Chyler Leigh was earning per episode of Grey’s Anatomy, we do know that she would have had an even more impressive net worth if she had stayed on the show.

As it stands, her net worth is currently $5 million. Not too shabby for someone who’s only been in the business for a little over a decade.

 

Nicolette Beharie

Left: Sleepy Hollow

Reason: Unfair treatment/an auto-immune disease

Est. Salary Loss: Unknown

When Nicole Beharie left Sleepy Hollow, she didn’t paint a great picture of the show’s creators. The actress stated that while her costar was allowed to take a break to recover from an auto-immune disease, she wasn’t given the same treatment.

This led to Beharie leaving the show, which ultimately got canceled after just one season without her. While Beharie’s departure may have been a financial loss for the show, it’s clear that her absence had a significant impact on its overall quality.

 

Charisma Carpenter

Left: Angel

Reason: Mistreatment by show creator Joss Whedon

Est. Salary Loss: $50,000-$100,000 per episode*

It’s been over fifteen years since Charisma Carpenter graced our screens as Cordelia Chase on Angel, the spinoff show of the ’90s cult classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She starred in the show for four seasons, after which she only appeared as a guest.  The actress has recently revealed that show creator Joss Whedon wasn’t too happy about her pregnancy and allegedly, this caused life on set to become more and more difficult.

Once Charisma Carpenter gave birth in early 2003, she was let go. However, when asked about her exit, Whedon would say that “it just seemed like a good time for certain people to move on.”

 

Shannen Doherty

Left: Charmed

Reason: Feud with costar Alyssa Milano

Est. Salary Loss: $75,000 per episode*

Shannen Doherty’s time on Charmed was definitely tumultuous. There were rumors of difficult on-set behavior, which ultimately led to her character getting killed off in season three. In an interview, Doherty revealed that she left because there was “too much drama on the set and not enough passion for the work.”

Alyssa Milano also admitted that the two didn’t have the greatest relationship, which likely contributed to the tension on set. Even though it’s been over 20 years since Charmed ended.

 

Michael Pitt

Left: Boardwalk Empire

Reason: Parted ways with his agent

Est. Salary Loss: $400,000 per season*

Michael Pitt is a celebrity who is currently best known for his role on the hit show Boardwalk Empire. However, fans may be surprised to learn that his departure from the show was not planned. In fact, it came at the same time as he parted ways with his agent.

This has led many to believe that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. However, the show’s creators have stated that Pitt’s departure was simply a “creative decision.” After Boardwalk Empire, Pitt went on to join the cast of Hannibal.

 
Many actors choose to get out of their contracts early, but there are consequences for doing so. For example, an actor who chooses to get out of a million-dollar contract early may have to pay a large penalty.  Another consequence is that the actor may not be able to work in the industry again. Some famous examples of actors who have gotten out of their million-dollar contracts early include Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland. There are risks associated with getting out of a contract early, such as being sued by the studio or network. However, these risks must be weighed against the potential benefits, which can include more creative control or a higher salary.