Steve Carrell
Left: The Office
Reason: Didn’t Renew His Contract
Estimated Salary Loss: $175,000 per episode*
“The Office” fans were devastated when Michael Scott, played by Steve Carrell, left the series, leaving a gaping wound in the show. In fact, Carrell’s departure proved to be the death of the show completely, leading to declining ratings and an ultimate cancelation after season nine.
In season seven, Carrell had left the show under the public impression that it was so he could focus on his film career. However, it was revealed in the spring of 2020, that Carrell’s contract was up at that time and he had also requested a raise, which was denied by executives. NBC falsely believed that the show could survive without Michael Scott, but it ended up being the death blow to the series, proof that a good actor deserves his raise!
Sasha Alexander
Left: NCIS
Reason: The Work Was Too Difficult
Estimated Salary Loss: $100,000 per episode*
Though being an actor can appear to be a life of continual privilege, it comes with some hefty working hours. Sasha Alexander played Caitlin Todd on "NCIS," could not endure the heavy hours placed on her as an actress for the show and wanted out.
"NCIS" is not known for its light and fluffy plotlines and Alexander confessed that the work was physically and mentally draining for her. The common fix the producers used in this case was to write Alexander off the show. The official diplomatic reason for her character’s departure was that she was released from her contract in order to “pursue other opportunities.” But in an interview with TV Guide, Alexander said she felt she had her life back and affirmed that she had no regrets after leaving the series.
Justin Chambers
Left: Grey’s Anatomy
Reason: To Diversify His Acting Roles
Estimated Salary Loss: $125,000 per episode*
Another departure from "Grey’s Anatomy" was that of Justin Chambers, who was on the show for fifteen years. Chambers left after 16 seasons and admitted that there was “no good time” to leave.
As an actor, he felt that "Grey’s Anatomy" had “defined [his] life” for the majority of his career to date and he was ready to stretch himself as an actor, diversifying his roles. Fans were sorry to see him go, and his last appearance aired in November of 2019.
Mischa Barton
Left: The O.C.
Reason: To Pursue Other Projects
Estimated Salary Loss: $15,000-$25,000 per episode*
Many remember their childhood framed by the teenage soap opera, "The OC." Mischa Barton was a major actress as she played angst-ridden, Marissa Cooper on the show. But Barton felt that, after a few seasons, she had outgrown the series and was ready to head to movie making. So, in season three, poor Marissa Cooper left the show via a tragic car accident.
Unfortunately for Barton, her movie career has never taken off, though she will always be the face of "The OC."
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Left: Home Improvement
Reason: To Focus on Schooling
Estimated Salary Loss: $500,000 per episode*
Jonathan Taylor Thomas starred as the dimple-cheeked, Randy on "Home Improvement" and became a teenage crush for many young girls watching the show. Taylor Thomas left the hit show to focus more on his schooling and later took a total hiatus from Hollywood, much to the disappointment of loving fans.
A very grounded individual, Thomas said that he had no regrets about walking away from Hollywood. He recognized the cost of being a child actor and said that he’d been “going nonstop” since he was eight years old.