While many actors strive for a film or show to land them fame and fortune, there might come a time where an actor needs to walk away. And when a celebrity choses to move forward, the audience must learn to say goodbye forever to a character they loved.
So, for better or worse, here are ten celebrities who left their TV show high and dry.
9 Emily VanCamp - 'The Resident'
In addition to her iconic roles in Revenge as Emily Thorne and as Sharon Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Emily VanCamp has played nurse practitioner Nic in Fox’s The Resident. Playing opposite Matt Czuchry, VanCamp’s character went through many trials and tribulations during the show’s four seasons. Last we left off on Nic, she had just married the love of her life Conrad and gave birth to their little baby girl. Now this is where art imitates life, as VanCamp was also pregnant during this time. And at the end of season four, she asked to be released from her contract. That, combined with the fact that the actress could not return for her send off and the ominous new promo, many fans are fearing the worst. We know we have to say goodbye to VanCamp, but will Conrad and little Gigi find themselves saying goodbye to Nic forever?
8 Ruby Rose - 'Batwoman'
Orange is the New Black alum Ruby Rose chose to leave behind her cape after just one season of Batwoman. When asked, Rose talked about how her allergy to latex (which her mask was made of) and her back surgery impeded on her ability to come to work in the mood to give it her all. Rose states that her injury wasn’t the only deciding favor in her decision to depart from the series, as COVID and the effect that it had on her psyche played a part in her choice to leave. Since the show’s finale was shortened due to COVID, Rose had a lot of time to think about her future and what it would entail. However, she does wish her successor, Javicia Leslie, the very best in making Batwoman a superhero to remember.
7 Andrew Lincoln - 'The Walking Dead'
WIth a show as jaw-dropping and crazy as The Walking Dead, character exits (and more often than not, deaths) are just a part of the show that us viewers love to hate. But both comic book and TV fans were shocked with the reveal that the show’s main character Rick was set to leave the show. Andrew Lincoln, who has played the unhinging sheriff for nine seasons, announced he was leaving the show to spend more time with his family. This shocking twist altered the story forever, as it branched away from the comic book storyline to leave the show as unpredictable as ever. But don’t worry Walking Dead fans, you haven't seen the last of him yet. Lincoln has since teased his return to the role in the potential Walking Dead movie trilogy if it ever comes to fruitiation.
6 Chad Michael Murray And Hilarie Burton - 'One Tree Hill'
Now this departure counts for double, as this on-screen power couple made their final appearances together. Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray, a.k.a. Lucas Scott and Peyton Sawyer, left the show during the One Tree Hill season six finale. But while they were a united front on their decision, their reasons differed. Murray once stated that he left largely to contract negotiations while Burton left due to mass mistreatment of women on the set by the series showrunner. But neither decision was made lightly. Though we wish it was under better circumstances, at least fans got to see newlyweds "Leyton" ride off into the sunset.
5 Justin Chambers - 'Grey’s Anatomy'
Onto a bittersweet goodbye, Justin Chambers chose to leave his role of Alex Karev after spending 16 years playing the doctor on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. He cited that he wanted to spend more time at home with his children. Many fans were left stunned since the character of Karev had both recently married and became the Chief of Surgery. It did not help that the writers chose to write him out by reuniting him with his old hospital flame, Izzy Stevens. Many fans believed that it ruined the years of character growth, and would have rather seen him killed off (like Grey’s is known for) than to see him leave behind his wife Jo. But whether you agree with it or not, you have to admit that it made for good TV.
4 Torrey DeVitto - 'Chicago Med'
One of the more recent departures, Torrey DeVitto exited her role as Dr. Natalie Manning in the compelling medical drama Chicago Med. With the dramatic season six finale shocking fans, many wondered how DeVitto’s exit would affect those left behind, especially former ex-fiancé Will Halstead who tried to cover for her last season. The new season leaves Dr. Manning’s future a little uncertain, having her start fresh somewhere new, which could potentially open up DeVitto to return. When asked about the reason for leaving, DeVitto replied “new adventure awaits”.
3 Crystal Reed - 'Teen Wolf'
Despite Teen Wolf being one of the most staple teen dramas of this generation, not everyone wanted to be a part of it for the long run. The series ran for six seasons, but Crystal Reed decided to leave her role as Allison Argent in season three to pursue other opportunities. One of the more well used reasons for an actor, Reed stated that she had taken Allison as far as she could go in terms of plot. Unfortunately for fans and writers alike, this created one of the most (spoilers) tragic deaths in TV history.
2 Jennifer Morrison - 'Once Upon A Time'
Everyone deserves their happily ever after, and our Once Upon A Time stars are no exception. So when Jennifer Morrison declined the request for her to return for the seven season as Emma Swan, the fans were less than thrilled. But she cited that she had an incredible career on House for six years and OUAT for six years, and that it was enough. Despite being grateful, the job takes a toll and she wished to step down and take a look at her future. She did end up showing up for a guest appearance in season seven, so it’s safe to say there is no bad blood in this enchanted forest.
1 Sophia Bush - 'Chicago P.D.'
Another One Tree Hill alum, Sophia Bush has been living her best life since her Brooke Davis days. Known for her social activism as well as her acting, she played the fierce and strong Erin Lindsey on Chicago P.D. However, sad to say that the reason for Bush’s departure was anything but stellar. Bush has revealed that she was very unhappy during production, both due to aggressive and abusive behavior on set and the terrible conditions expected of actors. Forced to act in freezing temperatures and tired of being talked down to, Bush said enough was enough. She demanded better behavior or she would walk away from her seven-year contract three years early. Not one to bluff, Bush called it quits and the show definitely suffered without the amazing Detective Lindsey in the Intelligence Unit.
