Anthony Edwards
Left: E.R.
Reason: Wanted to Develop His Directing Career
Est. Salary Loss: Over $350,000 per episode*
Anthony Edwards had it really good on the show “ER.” He reportedly had a $35 million contract and played a starring role (that of Dr. Mark Greene). But for the character of Dr. Greene, the grass was a little greener behind the camera.
Edwards was allowed to direct an episode of the show and afterward, he expressed that he wanted to take a pause on acting to pursue directing. Producers complied and Dr. Greene sadly succumbed to cancer in season 8, leaving Edwards free to direct. Unfortunately for Edwards, he hasn’t had nearly as much success with directing as he has with acting.
Amy Carlson
Left: Blue Bloods
Reason: Wanted to Move On
Estimated Salary Loss: $200,000 per episode*
Amy Carlson announced her exit from "Blue Bloods" on her Instagram in 2018. As with many actors, Carlson was ready to try something new in her career and was all set to hang up her role as Linda Reagan, Danny Reagan’s wife.
As to be expected in the circumstances, producers had Linda killed off in a helicopter crash on the show. Fans were shocked, confused, and upset that Carlson’s death had occurred between seasons. Carlson had a nice comradery with her castmates and said that Donny Wahlberg was “generous” and “sweet about her departure.”
Pamela Anderson
Left: Baywatch
Reason: Wanted A Break From Acting, Focusing on Her Family
Est. Salary Loss: Over $300,000 per episode*
Everyone knows that the "Baywatch" beach jog was made famous primarily by blonde bombshell, Pamela Anderson. Anderson had the role of C.J. Parker on the eye-candy-laden, action-drama series. But after five seasons and having just given birth to her first child, Anderson was ready to set her sights elsewhere.
She admitted she wasn’t looking to be a big-name star and simply wanted the freedom to explore other options. Though she hasn’t been known for much since "Baywatch," Pamela Anderson is still a household name because of the show.
David Caruso
Left: NYPD Blue
Reason: Contract dispute
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
David Caruso became one of the best-known faces on the "CSI" franchise with his signature one-liner and sunglasses. Unfortunately, he was also known to be difficult to work with as an actor. He certainly had earned his time having been on "CSI Miami" for a whopping ten seasons, but when he left the franchise and entered into the show, "NYPD Blue," Caruso had some pretty high expectations.
Rumored to have requested a 38-foot trailer as well as at least $100,000 per episode (among other things), this was totally unacceptable to producers. Reaching a stalemate, Caruso hit the road after just a handful of episodes in season two.
Joe Piscopo
Left: Saturday Night Live
Reason: Wanted to Grow His Career
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
Comedian Joe Piscopo is probably best known for his hilarious Frank Sinatra impression on "Saturday Night Live." Through all the ups and downs of the show, including a new TV executive overseeing everything, Piscopo remained an "SNL" regular.
But in 1984, Piscopo had enough of the "SNL" scene and wanted to see if he could go higher in his career. He departed the show but his career nearly halted entirely after that.