Hollywood is often difficult to get into, yet all (and we mean everyone) of the performers on this roster were able to land significant parts on programs that have long been a huge part of our entertainment experience for decades probably. But eventually, even the greatest performers just want eventually to go forward. These celebrities all signed lucrative contracts with companies that are considered to be real giants in the industry but they still were able to walk back away from them.
Celebrities Who Decided To Turn End Their Multi Million Dollar Contracts Prematurely
However, as you’ll hopefully soon learn, these performers frequently devised clever exit plans to leave those commitments before they actually were meant to. Despite them appearing to be living the good life, many of them just decide that they have accomplished enough and thus are ready to move. After making this internal decision though, what would be troublesome for these celebrities are the pieces of paper they have signed.
1. Sasha Alexander
Exited: NCIS
Reason: Workload is inappropriately heavy
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $100,000 per installment*
Similar to how Ruby Rose quit the famous Batwoman program, Sasha Alexander (formerly portrayed the persona of Caitlin Todd) decided to leave NCIS because the workload was too demanding. Producers then remembered how Alexander had only stated that the commitment to the program was too taxing on her both physically and psychologically rendering it too difficult to make the project work.
1 Sasha Alexander
Alexander was dismissed from the program. In a conference with some magazine publications, Alexander confirmed that she definitely had no reservations about quitting the series, despite the network’s stated justification for her persona’s departure being that they publicized her reason be having engagement with other interests and thus needed time to discern them better. It doesn’t seem simple to wave farewell to $100,000 every installment, so Alexander may have had a miserable experience on the show. Fortunately for fans, her skill and talent allowed her to hide this struggle from the scrutiny of the camera.
2. John Francis Daley
Exited: Bones
Reason: Being given another chance to play a more significant role in a production
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $35,000-$50,000 per installment*
For almost a decade, actor John Francis Daley portrayed Lance Sweets in the renowned detective thriller Bones. While Sweets was assassinated, he was just moments away from becoming a father with his fiancée, Daisy, which made the tenth season premiere of the program a dramatic one. He had been too entangled in the very mysterious FBI plot. Fans lamented Daley’s exit from the beloved program by the people, but they may not be aware that Daley requested to be removed from the program.
2 John Francis Daley
Daley asked to be released to produce several film projects because he also is a renowned comic writer (he authored many of the beloved comic skits that the country has enjoyed for many years in the past.). That appears like a pretty decent enough excuse to bid farewell to a role that pays quite handsomely. But to look at it at a strictly financial perspective, the decision would result in a better financial outcome for the actor. As much as it sucks, we have to say goodbye to this likable character.
3. Steve Carrell
Exited: The Office
Reason: Contract renewal conflict led to this separation
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $175,000 per installment*
Supporters of the hit sitcom The Office became heartbroken when lovable Steve Carrell’s character Michael Scott decided to leave the show behind, creating a significant hole that caused the program’s ratings to drop and its cancellation following season nine, just two seasons after. In the seventh season, Carrell departed the program, and as was being talked about those days, it was believed that he did so in order to concentrate on his movie profession as an actor.
3 Steve Carrell
In the springtime two years ago, a fresh book was published, and it turns out that actually wasn’t the cause. It appears that his NBC agreement had expired. He requested a raise, but NBC refused to extend his employment and did not extend him another contract. NBC initially believed the program would continue without the goofing manager of the branch, but it actually saw a significant decline in ratings. It’s hard to comprehend how NBC assumed the program would go on without such an integral cast present in the program. The rest of the cast definitely had their fair share of amazing moments in the program but what Michael Scott brought to the table was something nobody could just copy.
4. Harrison Ford
Exited: Star Wars
Reason: Worried About Playing The Same Role Till The End Of His Career
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $20 million*
Among the finest parts of the sensational Star Wars saga was actor Harrison Ford, who reputedly sought to be freed from the franchise due to the fact that he actually was afraid of becoming “typecast” after playing Han Solo in the franchise even in its earlier installment, and would end up being recognized only for playing that part.
4 Harrison Ford
He overcame his concern of being placed in classification fear in his famous Indiana Jones roles and even did make a brief comeback to the movie. He suggested making a cameo as his famous role in the newest installment of the movie franchise given the condition that his participation would not be announced in the introductions or the trailers. Ford departed the Star Wars franchise to become among the business’s most recognizable figures, appearing in blockbusters too many to mention. As it turned out, he made the right decision as he is now better recognized for the person that he actually is.
5. Leonard Nimoy
Exited: Star Trek
Reason: Lossing Passion For The Program In The Middle Of Its Airing
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $2.7 million per Series Installment Of The Films*
Leonard Nimoy’s withdrawal from the renowned NBC program Star Trek was recently discussed by William Shatner. Captain Spock played by Nimoy directly handled his arc’s conclusion in the installment Wrath of Khan, where he also helmed his dramatic perishing scene. However, nobody from Nimoy’s co-stars at the moment were aware that he intended to permanently depart the franchise in order to pursue something else.
5 Leonard Nimoy
Nimoy resigned because he was “indifferent” about the character and wanted to proceed to something else, according to writer Nicholas Meyer who also worked with Nimoy for an extended period of time back in the past. Shatner, though, claimed that their connection was “all wonderful” and there definitely are no unresolved issues concerning any member of the cast. When Spock left the program, it was understandably a terrible day for fans all across the world, but the love for the character is vivid and thus the character has been featured in many other installments and spinoffs of the program. Despite leaving the program, the mark that he had left is there to stay.
6. Christopher Meloni
Exited: Law & Order: SVU
Reason: Talk about a potential renewal of contracts fell off the rails
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $400,000 per installment*
Christopher Meloni’s portrayal of the amazing Elliott Stabler sadly was suddenly taken down from the show Law & Order wherein he died a shocking and gruesome death. However, the failure to reach an agreement during straightforward contract discussions is the real cause of the tension that was depicted on TV.
6 Christopher Meloni
At the start of the twelfth season, Meloni started formal talks for a better wage, but the company wasn’t interested in going along with his terms. Meloni’s role was therefore dropped during the conclusion. Fans of this high pace show, however, may now celebrate Stabler’s impending come back to the series! In huge shows, salaries may be a source of conflict that frequently results in angry discussions and departure attempts. In this instance, Meloni played with the cards that he was dealt and made the best out of it. In the end, he walked out of it with the best possible deal that could come from the agreement.
7. Amy Carlson
Exited: Blue Bloods
Reason: The contract ran its course and this called for her to move on
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $200,000 per installment*
Amy Carlson stated on social media almost four years ago that she had departed Blue Bloods program. On the episode, she perished in an aviation accident which felt very abrupt. Eventually, Carlson mentioned that she resigned her character as Linda in the show, which played a great supporting role, in order for her to try on other opportunities.
7 Amy Carlson
Carlson’s passing in the show happened in between seasons, which infuriated the audience. Carlson claimed that she realized that her demise startled her viewers and colleagues, but her commitment was coming to a close and she genuinely sought to proceed in other passions of her life. Carlson added that actor Donny Wahlberg, which portrayed Danny Reagan for the duration of the program, was “kind” and “gentle” about her withdrawal. Fans may have felt some closure after watching Linda pass away on the show, but all of them agree that she could have gone in a more fitting fashion. The saving grace about all of these is the fact that she was casual and transparent about it rather than secretive and quiet regarding the situation.
8. David Caruso
Exited: NYPD Blue
Reason: Better opportunities arose and he took them
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $1.05 million per Installment*
The police drama NYPD Blue truly was pioneering in taking and making risks and making them pay off. It received accolades for being gritty and authentic, but it also generated some controversy because of how much drinking and nudity were portrayed in many of its installments. For his part in the gritty program, David Caruso received several recognitions and an award for his efforts.
8 David Caruso
Caruso left the scene despite receiving this honor. He quit after the airing of the fourth episode of the second reason for a pair of reasons which he openly admitted. He first quit because the company refused his request for a raise in pay. Second, he departed to pursue a career in film. Steven Bochco’s latest memoir goes into depth on the details regarding this departure.
9. Nina Dobrev
Exited: The Vampire Diaries
Reason: The Character She Portrayed Had Nothing More To Offer
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $40,000 per installment*
Season 6 of Vampire Diaries concluded with Nina Dobrev leaving the show. Many fans immediately assumed that she had broken up with fellow celebrity Ian Somerhalder, which played Damon for the program, and that this was the reason she had gone. That report was untrue since the pair are still openly talking with each other and would even hang out after doing their takes in the shooting.
9 Nina Dobrev
Dobrev actually quit because she “understood” she only intended her persona to experience a “six-season experience” and nothing more. She believed that Elena, her on-screen persona, had reached the end of her story, and she opted to leave the program triumphant, which fans accepted and understood. Many people considered this to be a very mature decision.
10. Shelley Long
Exited: Cheers
Reason: To Test Her Capacity In Other Niches Of The Industry
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $300,000 per installment*
On one winter back in the mid-80s, Shelley Long departed from Cheers. Evidently, she thought that Diane, persona she played, had reached its peak. In her own words, she believed that her connection and chemistry with her colleagues is second to none, but it was just her desire to have her chance to try if she could make it in the film industry.
10 Shelley Long
A few years after her departure from the show, the program came to a close. Long left, even though Danson agreed to stay on for one more season (until 1988). After a few years following the ending of the program, some information leaked out regarding her opinion on one particular colleague which may have also influenced her decision. She has not confirmed nor denied this claim to this day.
11. Farrah Fawcett
Exited: Charlie’s Angels
Reason: The character that she played did not give her any satisfaction
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $40,000 per installment*
Because of her role in the show Charlie’s Angels, celebrity Farrah Fawcett rose to fame and won over many fans. She received the most number of fan letters from the hree Angels and the greatest media attention because of her well-known bikini picture from the mid-1970s. She also received favorable reviews for the part which she also took advantage of in order for her to progress further her career.
11 Farrah Fawcett
Fawcett subsequently said that she decided to move on from the program because she didn’t like how it depicted her and the rest of the Angels to viewers. Her final performance was in the spring of 1977, which also signaled the start of the decline of the program.
12. Micheal Keaton
Exited: The Batman Franchise
Reason: The connection he established with a former colleague influenced his decision
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $6 million per movie*
The shadowy superhero’s classic depiction in the show Batman Returns won Michael Keaton praise from critics and solidified his status as among those who have given proper justice to the role through their acting and effort. This actor though recognized that part of his accomplishment was due to the brilliance of the person at the helm, and so followed him out of the franchise.
12 Micheal Keaton
The Batman series was later carried on by filmmaker Joel Schumacher who had also established a name in the industry. In order to stay true to Burton’s initial definition of the Dark Knight, Keaton chose to cast someone else in the role. Val Kilmer made a remarkable substitution for the role which made all things fall in their place.
13. Pamela Anderson
Exited: Baywatch
Reason: Other Opportunities Came And She Wanted To Explore Them
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $200,000 per installment*
Pamela Anderson rose to fame for her portrayal as the extremely attractive CJ Parker for the television show Baywatch, which she played for a run of over four seasons of goodness and a few episodes. She appeared on the program for almost five years and, because of her golden hair flowing and red swimming costume, became a popular figure. After almost five years, Anderson departed to explore other fashion and entertainment projects.
13 Pamela Anderson
This separation though was something which all parties readily accepted as her colleagues understood that situation. Admittedly though, the last performance of hers could have been done much better to have a clearer closure to the plot and the fans of the program.
14. Emmy Rossum
Exited: Shameless
Reason: Other Opportunities Came And Wanted To Try Them
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $350,000 per installment*
Emmy Rossum, who for almost ten years served as the group’s leader in Shameless, explained why she abruptly ended the show in a moving social media entry. Rossum claimed to like her fellow actors, who had grown to resemble her relatives. She specifically complimented John Wells with assisting her in developing and flourishing as a performer which allowed her to gain experience that she can use to better her situation and chances in finding more opportunities.
14 Emmy Rossum
Rossum said she recognized the need to leave Shameless and seek other opportunities. She intended to try other activities and was surprised that the niched dark humor scene went on for so long. When Rossum’s character received a sizable quantity of money, the character was then dissolved from the cast.
15. Pauley Perrette
Exited: NCIS
Reason: Conflict With Some Of The Cast Members
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $22 million a season*
On NCIS, actress Pauley Perrette definitely was a crowd favorite for her memorable performance as the eccentric forensic investigator Abby. But considering her enormous pay, which she appeared to be forgoing, her sudden disappearance from the program baffled many who enjoyed her presence and the things that she adds to the program.
15 Pauley Perrette
Her resignation was the result of developing disagreements with other members of the group especially those with who she directly work with in front of the camera, frequently on a conceptual degree, as Pauley herself subsequently admitted on social media. Perrette has unfortunately remarked that she is unlikely to ever come back to the popular series since she is seeking satisfaction somewhere else.
16. Jodie Foster
Exited: Hannibal
Reason: Creative dissatisfaction, And constant Conflicting Schedules
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $10-$13 million*
One of actress Jodie Foster’s best-known roles was in the movie Silence of the Lambs which has been considered a classic. The terrifying, bone-shivering horror film received high praise from critics and raked in huge amounts of money in revenue from various cinemas. Foster made the decision to forgo reprising his frightening, serial murderer character as Hannibal, even though actor Anthony Hopkins actually would do it twice more.
16 Jodie Foster
Jodie didn’t appear in the following projects on the franchise. The actress claims that the “stated explanation” she declined Hannibal was due to the fact that she was occupied with the Flora Plum project during the time. But there were other factors involved as well. Foster reportedly disliked the screenplay and thought it wasn’t written as well as the first project.
17. Patrick Dempsey
Exited: Grey’s Anatomy
Reason: His Family Was Flourishing And He Had To Be There Present
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $400,000 per installment*
In an appearance with one major publishing group in 2019 concerning his wish to quit Grey’s Anatomy, actor Patrick Dempsey discussed the subject. Dempsey rose to fame on the program for playing the handsome Derek. According to reports, he requested to depart so that he could devote more time to his growing family and his profession in motor racing which was somewhat surprising for many fans of the show.
17 Patrick Dempsey
According to the actor, that decision could have actually materialized at a much earlier time. He added that there definitely were no bitter sentiments concerning him and program producer Shonda Rhimes, then he termed the choice “cordial” to describe their situation. Dempsey defined his exit from the program as just the turning of a new page in his journey. Fans were upset to see the amazing actor depart at a time when things in the show were actually brewing up for the better. Yes, Derek did leave the program but everything still worked out for everybody in the end.
18. Cote De Pablo
Exited: NCIS
Reason: Private Matters
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $160,000 per installment*
Fans loved actress Cote de Pablo during the times she appeared on the NCIS program in the third season playing the role of Ziva. Before Cote announced she no longer wanted to be part of the program in the tenth season, Ziva actually was a recurring character on the program. Her persona was returned to her home country.
18 Cote De Pablo
Cote clearly has been open in appearances about her reasons for leaving, claiming that it totally was a “frightening” choice to make but was something that had to be done. In the end, she walked away since she actually didn’t like how the role was developing and believed that staying would have let Ziva’s supporters down. She did make an appearance for a brief storyline in a couple of seasons a few years back.
19. Mischa Barton
Exited: The O.C.
Reason: Realized that the character couldn’t bring anything else to the table thus tried to look for something more fulfilling.
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $15,000-$25,000 per installment*
The lovable O.C. program actress Mischa Barton was fired since she was wary of the program and opted to seek other acting opportunities. Barton asserts that she made the choice and requested to be taken off the casting and just be removed. She portrayed the disruptive Marissa Cooper character, which met an unfortunate end in a vehicle collision.
19 Mischa Barton
The character was initially intended to just leave for a different town, according to the creators. But Barton argued that it didn’t fit the character’s essence since the persona was “an underdog” who will never walk down slowly into a gentle drop, but would rather experience an explosive (no pun intended) ending. It truly was a sad time in the story when Marissa died unexpectedly (not really), but it may have been the end. Despite the fact that the program did not have a long tenure on the airwaves gracing us with its entertainment, it was lovable and enjoyable enough to have a following that has proven to be extremely loyal.
20. Leonardo DiCaprio
Exited: Berserker
Reason: The Filmmaker Had Some Family Problems That Affected Production
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $10-$25 million*
Filmmaker Mel Gibson wanted to play the main role for the film Berserker, and he actually was set to work with the legendary Leonardo DiCaprio for the interesting Vikings-themed film several years in the past. Despite the fact that the famed actor doesnt seem to want to do anything with the filmmaker, Gibson has remained insistent on the potential project, though many media outlets have already given up on waiting for the project to happen.
20 Leonardo DiCaprio
DiCaprio initially had great things to say about Gibson, specifically since the actor-director helmed Apocalypto, but he left the project after the famed filmmaker’s ex-girlfriend, charged him with several claims including domestic abuse. Because of the accusations, DiCaprio declined to collaborate with Gibson on any projects that might come.
21. Lecy Goranson
Exited: Roseanne
Reason: Pursued to finish her education
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $250,000 per installment*
On the show Roseanne, there surely were many unique “Becky” characters, although Lecy Goranson’s performance depicting the character is by far the most adored by followers of the show, even to the point of arguing that it is not a competition. At the conclusion of season number four, Lecy gave up her part as the lovable Becky Conner since she has been set and focused on completing her college education.
21 Lecy Goranson
Before leaving once more, Goranson made a comeback for the last season. Lecy indeed was a component of the show’s relaunch that did occur, but it was canceled after Roseanne Barr, herself was the one who decided to go from the program.
22. Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Exited: Home Improvement
Reason: Education was his higher priority
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $500,000 per installment*
Randy was portrayed by young actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas for the television series Home Improvement, which he departed to concentrate more on his studies. Many of the lovable character’s devoted admirers throughout the world were quite disappointed when she eventually quit acting in Hollywood or anywhere for that matter.
22 Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Thomas stated that he has no misgivings about leaving Hollywood during an early 2013 interview. He felt that he has done enough to make that decision since he has given his all in all the projects he got involved in. After hearing/reading about this, fans realized that did deserve to make that decision. Watching Jonathan depart Home Improvement seemed like the closing of a generation since he was among the most well-known young actors of the 1990s. Popularly, Thomas provided the voice of young king Simba in The Disney movie which we all enjoyed. He also paved the way for other young talents to realize what it took to make it big.
23. Topher Grace
Exited: That 70’S Show
Reason: A wider audience in the movie industry awaited him
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $700,000 per installment*
Topher Grace, who played the character of Eric, indeed was a significant contributor to the legendary program ’70s Show. Since he sought to further his career and reputation in the industry and in the grueling timetable for recording the comedy prevented him from doing so, Grace requested to be removed from the program.
23 Topher Grace
Ratings fell as a result of Grace’s withdrawal from the program. Ashton Kutcher left when Grace did, and the entire program was canceled quickly after. It appears that the actor’s choice to be removed paid off because he was able to land parts in many projects which allowed him to highlight his talent, and not be type-casted as a comedian. However, he has stepped and been in front of the camera in certain situations albeit not consistently, and in a lesser degree. True, things could have gone much better for him had he rode on the momentum of his career, but we think he still did pretty good.
24. Shemar Moore
Exited: Criminal Minds
Reason: Other Avenues appeared for him and he took them
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $100,000 per installment*
For all those years he took on a significant part of the fan-favorite Criminal Minds series, Shemar Moore, who portrayed Derek Morgan, definitely was one to be cheered by fans. He claimed that through portraying Derek, he actually had “developed,” and that the things that he had learned playing the role, and learning things related to the role, would definitely be helpful for him and his journey to live his life.
24 Shemar Moore
He went on to elaborate on his choice to quit, telling some reporters that he wants to “undertake” other life endeavors including getting married, starting a family, and exploring different countries. He felt that he wasn’t having enough time for private life because of how much time was spent filming the Criminal Minds series.
25. Jerry Seinfeld
Exited: Seinfeld
Reason: Had a weird fascination on the figure nine, and that he wanted to end his career on a high note
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $100 million if the follow-up season happened*
Jerry Seinfeld originated and starred in the long-running comedy program, Seinfeld. It lasted nine seasons long, and eventually, when it was canceled, the statistics were still surprisingly high, confusing viewers yet also confirming the amazing influence that the show had. Since Jerry Seinfeld no longer wanted to continue playing the part, Seinfeld was canceled. He reportedly finds the figure nine fascinating and always intended for the show to terminate after nine seasons of running.
25 Jerry Seinfeld
Seinfeld opted to follow his fortunate number, but he also desired to leave while being on top of things. He chose to depart from the program on a positive note rather than just holding on to the financial security that the role promised and slowly degrade.
26. Michael Weatherly
Exited: NCIS
Reason: He Had Squeezed Out All That He Could Give
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $26 million per each season of the program*
Tony DiNozzo actually was portrayed by Michael Weatherly, who was a crowd favorite for the program. After an amazing 305 episodes ending with season 13, he finally hang up his part for the program. After finding out that a family member was caught in the middle of a conflict which led to their death. Weatherly’s surprising resignation was really caused by his feeling of “exhaustion” after many years of doing the show.
26 Michael Weatherly
Despite the fact that quitting such a long-running program may be dangerous for his career, he decided to try out other acting jobs. A courtroom drama program on CBS called Bull was among Weatherly’s earlier performances. His choice to quit was partly influenced by his disappointment over actress Cote de Pablo’s resolution, one of his co-stars, leaving the show.
27. Skeet Ulrich
Exited: Riverdale
Reason: Passion for the program (and the industry as a whole) diminished
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $40,000 per installment*
Skeet Ulrich proceeded to social media to address his supporters about his exit from the popular teen drama only after four short seasons, using an approach that isn’t as subtle of a jab at Riverdale’s producers. On the Riverdale program, Ulrich portrayed F.P., Jughead’s father.
27 Skeet Ulrich
When asked by a supporter why he departed, he responded that he “grew bored artistically” and desired to just proceed with other things in his life. Ulrich paused until several months after leaving the program to make his reason more understandable for fans to comprehend his reasoning for the decision. Marisol Nichols, one of his co-stars, followed him out the door.
28. Marg Helgenberger
Exited: CSI
Reason: Other paths opened for her and she wanted to explore them
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $300,000 per installment*
Marg Helgenberger quit CSI following similar reasoning that of actor William Petersen, who was also a cast member, did. She debuted in the year 2000 and worked on the program for a total of twelve seasons which spans to over a decade. Helgenberger made the decision to depart CSI in the early 2010s so she may pursue acting chances outside of the CSI program.
28 Marg Helgenberger
On CSI the program, she portrayed Catherine. During her tenure in the program, Catherine”s over a decade tenure on the program came to a close when she accepted a position with the F.B.I. headquarters in Quantico. Followers found her departure to be sad as she had a great deal of influence on the likability of the show.
29. Kal Penn
Exited: House
Reason: The stress and pressure of the industry was something he wanted to leave
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $100,000 per installment*
Doctor Lawrence Kutner, played by Kal Penn for the television drama House, actually shot himself and committed suicide in the late 2000s setting of the show. According to rumors, Penn’s part was written off from the medical-themed program so that Penn could seek a path outside of the filmmaking industry.
29 Kal Penn
Penn told reporters from various newspaper companies that he actually didn’t quit because of any sensational rumors. He left on his own action to seek a career or profession outside of the industry which he believed was the proper step for him, and there definitely were “no artistic disputes.
30. Wil Wheaton
Exited: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Reason: The program ate a large part of his private/personal time
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $65,000 per installment*
Wil Wheaton started off as a simple Wesley Crusher character for the pop-culture favorite Star Trek franchise. He grew in importance as the years passed and the seasons of episodes flowed in. Wheaton had a devoted following as a result of how well-liked he was by the public, but he wished he had more personal or private time to consider alternative career options which were understandable.
30 Wil Wheaton
Following that, Wil said that the decision actually was a mature one considering that part of his charm was the fact that he was youthful and thus appealed to a particular demographic of fans. Wil Wheaton’s career really did not exactly progress as good as he and his fans wanted, but it all still ended up positive for him.
31. Jason Priestley
Exited: Beverly Hills, 90210
Reason: There was no more passion for the industry
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $70,000 per installment*
Jason Priestly gained popularity for his role playing the character of Brandon for the hit adolescent melodrama program Beverly Hills, 90210 which started back in 1990. Fans marveled at his capacity to fit into several ludicrous storylines for almost a decade, but by the year 1998, he had had enough.
31 Jason Priestley
“I believed that Brandon’s story had pretty well come to an end. I had done all of the things I needed to do with the character,” the actor said in 2014 that there were some regrets in the decision to leave because even though he still believed that Brandon as a person could progress further, the relationship that he nurtured with another character could have actually worked and added another layer of enjoyable content for the show and the fans.
32. Lisa Bonet
Exited: A Different World
Reason: Creative point of views clashed with others
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $35,000 per installment*
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Lisa Bonet portrayed the wide-eyed teenager Denise on several shows that actually share the same universe and concept. Fans were upset when Bonet left the show in 1991 since Denise definitely was among the most beloved characters on the program in comparison to the rest of the cast members.
32 Lisa Bonet
The performer sought to find a path to follow to continue on the program, despite the fact that many viewers believed Lisa’s choice to depart was purely personal given that she was expecting her baby during that period. As it turned out though, conceptual conflicts among members of the cast were the last straw for her to decide.
33. Justin Chambers
Exited: Grey’s Anatomy
Reason: Sought to widen his horizon and influence in the industry
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $125,000 per installment*
Justin Chambers left Grey’s Anatomy after spending a decade and a half as a cast member. In the initial portion of 2020, the actor announced his departure and claimed there clearly was “no suitable moment” to do so because Grey’s Anatomy actually had, positively or negatively for the greater part of twenty years, “shaped [his] existence.”
33 Justin Chambers
According to rumors, Chambers departed in order to broaden his playing roles and opportunities for his career. He want fresh roles that weren’t focused on medical-themed programs. And as a fitting format for his departure, the final episode that he got involved in actually portrayed the same idea of spreading his wings in another place. Among the main characters in several dramatic narratives is by far Alex Karev. He is somebody that you would call an O.G. of the program as he is the last man standing from the original cast which is amazing to think considering that even now in 2022, the program is still ongoing and is not showing any signs of slowing down.
34. Chevy Chase
Exited: Saturday Night Live
Reason: The connection he established became his priority
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $20,000 per installment*
Some celebrities quit programs because they wish to pursue other opportunities for them that would benefit their careers, while others do it because they need more financial security. Chevy Chase desired to start a family with the woman he adored. It came as a surprise when Chase chose to move on from the iconic SNL because he was part of the original group that launched the program to its greatness.
34 Chevy Chase
He did it for a wonderful purpose, though. Chase admitted that making the decision of choosing between two important things was difficult for him. It was unrelated to the big film agreements he was expecting. He spent three years without participating in a film. It was all hogwash. He understood that he was knee-deep in love and that spending time with her and his family was more important.
35. Tom Holland
Exited: The MCU franchise
Reason: Character and role was quite repetitive
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $5 million per project for the franchise*
Tom Holland confirmed his desire to permanently quit the MCU franchise after five appearances as the nimble protagonist and one project more planned. The young celebrity’s deal is expiring and he was not having any plans to renew it, despite the Marvel big bosses’ plans to use the character as the centerpiece of a series of films for the following decade.
35 Tom Holland
Holland has opted to give up his character to a more youthful up-and-coming performer rather than asking for an extension. Holland suggested that making another Miles Morales movie could be ideal for the character to be more open-ended. Peter Parker must also be considered because he plays a significant role in his career so far. He said that if he actually is, by chance, still portraying Spider-Man when he’s thirty, something along the way must have happened.
36. Katherine Heigl
Exited: Grey’s Anatomy
Reason: Creative and conceptual conflicts
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $35 million per season of the program*
The talented celebrity Katherine Heigl has experienced the highs and lows of Hollywood that come with the industry. But as followers will remember, Heigl first became well-known on the popular show Grey’s Anatomy, which swiftly established credibility among members of the community and those who religiously follow the program. From then on, she was going on an upward trajectory in her career.
36 Katherine Heigl
The comic program Knocked Up gave her a memorable leading role, which launched her cinematic career. She quickly encountered scheduling conflicts owing to her growing interest in cinema parts as that was the common path people in the industry tend to follow, leaving the program due to conceptual and creative disputes.
37. Mark Harmon
Exited: NCIS
Reason: Understood that his time in the program has ran its course and that the animosity between cast members was not healthy
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $525,000 per installment*
In his long-running portrayal of Agent Gibbs for the show NCIS, actor Mark Harmon startled audiences when he announced that he sadly would be leaving the CBS show after almost two decades It was later discovered that Harmon continued for the 19th season due to concern that the program would be canceled if he departed so abruptly, but in reality, the thought of him leaving was already there even when the previous season was airing.
37 Mark Harmon
In order to seek other chances, Harmon wished to go. Additionally, he had issues with actor Pauley Perrette, one of his cast members, who departed the program before him. An employee of the team was bitten by Harmon’s dog, which caused the commotion. Perrette objected to Harmon continuing to have the pet present in the studio as the team was working.
38. Steve Carell
Exited: The Morning Show
Reason: He, and his character had squeezed out the most for the program
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $1.2 million per season*
Lovable Mitch Kessler, played by Steve Carrell, actually was fired from the program The Morning Show following allegations of misbehavior. We have to admit that the way the program found a way to withdraw Carell from the program is quite creative and we have to give them credit for that. With such a “graphic,” so to speak, approach to his withdrawal, people thought that there might be a hidden message behind this and Carell assured them this was not the case.
38 Steve Carell
The producer, Kerry Ehrin, claims that the creators took off Mitch since he had completed their part of the plot. Since Carrell was “truly within” Mitch’s thoughts on the program, Ehrin felt it “intriguing” that he claimed that Mitch’s demise may have been an “active decision.”
39. Dean Norris
Exited: Breaking Bad
Reason: A bigger project became his priority
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $150,000 per installment*
As for the Breaking Bad aficionados are aware, the suspenseful drama’s concluding season was divided into two segments. The timing of the shooting was arranged in this manner to accommodate Dean Norris’ timetable. DEA investigator Hank Schrader was portrayed by Norris. In order to work on engaging with other more lucrative and significant roles which he had already agreed on, his character was creatively removed from the program.
39 Dean Norris
Producers encouraged Norris on doing both because they know that nobody could really bring out the passion and genuineness of the character as much as he could. He just stated that he will be carrying his legendary Hank Schrader character to the other projects that he definitely and surely would be playing that fit the profile of the character. Hank’s narrative was significant in making the vibe of the program as suspenseful as it did. Producers and fans had his talents to thank for the amazing product that he had produced for the series. Who would know how the show ended up to be if he did not play that role since the start of the series.
40. Dan Stevens
Exited: Downton Abbey
Reason: Several Opportunities came up which helped him in making the decision
Est. Salary Forfeiture: $50,000-$100,000 per installment*
Fans were heartbroken when Matthew Crawley, one of the most beloved characters on the show Downton Abbey, died in season number 3. Stevens is “continually saying sorry,” as several magazine reporters would state it, for abruptly leaving because DA followers have been reluctant to move forward. Creators of DA claimed that Crawley’s incident was the lone way out for his role that would have been “believable” for the fans.
40 Dan Stevens
According to the actor, he requested the write-off because he didn’t intend to have his contract renewed. He preferred to focus on other acting projects. A notable performance in one of these roles came from the current Netflix sitcom Eurovision which is a total hit! It’s debatable if the actor made the correct decision in departing from the program. Dan has appeared in numerous roles, although he isn’t quite a Hollywood top-tier member as of the moment. He would still need time and chances to prove that his capabilities can launch his career over the top.