Shocking Character Exits in TV History
All good things must come to an end, even when it comes to TV. Over the years, many television personalities have abruptly departed their roles — while others have been removed from a series without much notice.
Anna Faris announced in September 2020 that she was departing CBS’ Mom after starring as the main character on the program for seven seasons.
“The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career,” she said in a statement at the time. “I’m so thankful to Chuck [Lorre], the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience.”
Nina Dobrev , for her part, stunned viewers in 2015 when she disclosed she would not be returning to The Vampire Diaries after season 6 concluded.
Scroll through the gallery below for more startling TV exits over the years:
Luke Kleintank
Kleintank announced in April 2024 that season 3 of FBI: International will be his last. The actor was chosen to portray the main character, Fly Team leader Scott Forrester, in 2021 and has been at the helm ever since. However, he affirmed that the May 7, 2024, episode will be his swan song.
“After much thought and consideration, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave FBI International,” Kleintank told Deadline. “This decision is driven by my unwavering commitment to my family, whose love and well-being are paramount in my life. I’m profoundly appreciative for the extraordinary cast and personnel of the program, who have not only been colleagues but also a family away from home. Their unwavering dedication and remarkable talents have made every moment on set an unforgettable voyage that has enriched my life in innumerable ways. Lastly, I would also like to convey my gratitude to the supporters who have supported us through the first three seasons.”
Hunter Clowdus
News leaked in March 2024 that Clowdus would not be returning for season 6 of All American. A rep for the show informed TVLine that JJ’s narrative thread “organically wrapped” at the conclusion of season 5. The actor portrayed linebacker and quarterback on The CW series commencing with its 2018 première.
Clowdus previously hinted at his resignation from All American in November 2023. “I still wanted to come back for the fans but at the end of the day it was their decision to not continue JJ’s character,” he claimed via an Instagram comment.
He also alleged that during season 5 of the series he “began to feel very unwelcome there and it was really taking a toll on my mental health.”
Stuart Martin
PBS Masterpiece announced in February 2024 that its popular mystery series Miss Scarlet and the Duke was being renamed as Miss Scarlet for season 5 and Martin would not be returning as William “The Duke” Wellington.
“It has been such an incredible joy to bring Duke to life through [creator] Rachael [New]’s beautiful, brilliant writing, and to get to play him for the past four years,” Martin said in a statement at the time, confirming his departure after four seasons. “But it felt like the time was right for Scarlet to explore new stories and challenges for now, as the show continues to grow and evolve.”
He added: “I will miss working with my amazing partner in crime Kate and the rest of our brilliant family and team, but I’m excited to continue following Eliza and her escapades as a huge fan and newly enrolled Scarleteer!”
Heida Reed
News leaked in December 2023 that Reed was exiting FBI: International during the third season. CBS did not remark on the casting at the time, but during the season 3 premiere in February 2024, Reed’s character, Special Agent Jamie Kellett, announced her departure.
During the episode, Jamie told her colleagues she was departing the Fly Team for a position in Washington, D.C. She explained that she made a vow to her late sister, June, that she would live life for the both of them, which included traveling and falling in love with employer Scott Forrester. After years away, Jamie said, “I ran away from my grief. [Now] it’s time to go back home.”
Read Also: Jessica Tarlov Of the Five Became A Liberal Star
Alexa Davalos
News emerged in August 2023 that Davalos would not return to FBI: Most Wanted for season 5 after portraying Special Agent Kristin Gaines for two seasons. The actress was “informed by a producer on set that she won’t be coming back after filming her last scene from season 4 several months ago,” Deadline reported.
Padma Lakshmi
In June 2023, the Top Chef host startled viewers with the announcement that she is departing the series after 17 years. "After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef," Lakshmi wrote via Instagram at the time, one week before the season 20 finale. "Having concluded a magnificent 20th season as presenter and executive producer, I am exceedingly gratified to have been part of creating such a successful program and of the influence it has had in the worlds of television and cuisine. After 17 years, many of the performers and personnel are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly."
The cookbook author added that she intends to focus on her other endeavors, including her Hulu docuseries. "I feel it's time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits," she wrote. "I am profoundly grateful to all of you for so many years of affection and support. Sincerely, Padma."
Phoebe Dynevor
Ahead of season 3, Dynevor confirmed that she wouldn't be reprising her role of Daphne Bridgerton in the next installment of the successful Netflix series.
“Sadly not in season 3. Potentially in the future,” she told Screen Rant in January 2023, when asked about future “exciting dynamics” for her character in the upcoming episodes. “But season 3, I'm just excited to watch as a viewer.”