Alicia Goranson
Left: Roseanne
Reason: To Pursue Higher Education
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
“Roseanne” became a weeknight sitcom staple in homes across the U.S. Alicia Goranson played Becky Conner on the hit show from 1988 to 1995. Still, she took a hiatus to attend Vassar College.
It appears that Goranson was able to bend her contract, and thankfully, the producers were willing to comply. Goranson was able to return to the show with an English degree behind her as well. Today she is worth an estimated $3.5 million.
Wayne Rogers
Left: M*A*S*H
Reason: Creative differences
Est. Salary Loss: $150,000 per episode*
Another "M*A*S*H" exit was that of Wayne Rogers. Rogers played Trapper John McIntyre who was one of many comic relief roles on the series. Rogers asked to leave the show because he wasn’t getting as many appearances on screen as he expected, and he believed Alan Alda’s Hawkeye Pierce character was upstaging his role.
Interestingly enough, acting ended up becoming a sort of side gig for Rogers as his primary career was being an investment and money manager! But the real bombshell of Roger’s exit from "M*A*S*H" is that he reportedly never signed his contract...so did he actually “leave” the show?
Lisa Bonet
Left: A Different World, The Cosby Show
Reason: Pregnancy and Creative Differences
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
Lisa Bonet starred as Denise Huxtable, the cool, free-spirited, second eldest daughter of the family pack. Bonet was on the show for seven seasons as both a regular and recurring cast member. She was set to star in the Cosby Show spinoff, "A Different World," but she became pregnant by the end of the first season and had to exit.
She returned for the seventh season of "The Cosby Show" but was, unfortunately, let go due to “creative differences.”
Shelley Long
Left: Cheers
Reason: Contract Ended and Wanted to Pursue Other Projects
Est. Salary Loss: $450,000 per episode*
Shelley Long is probably best known for her role as Diane Chambers on the hit show, "Cheers." "Cheers" became a classic show for many households across America and, with multiple Emmy nominations and even one win, it was surprising Long wanted out.
She was ready to move on in her career but the hours were too demanding for her to pursue anything else. Long was able to slip out of her contract and was missed by devoted "Cheers" fans. But in the world of show business, it’s always good to keep your eyes on the horizon.
Courtney Thorne-Smith
Left: Ally McBeal
Reason: Personal Struggles
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
Courtney Thorne-Smith played Georgia Smith on the iconic show "Ally McBeal" during the 90s. Thorne-Smith had the role of Georgia for just three seasons because of some sobering, personal problems. She had battled trying to maintain a certain weight for the show and this ended up taking a toll on her emotionally.
Thankfully, she recognized the severity of the problem and, for her own wellbeing, quit the show. Georgia Smith disappeared from "Ally McBeal" at the opening of season four. Happily for Thorne-Smith, she recovered from that difficult season of her life and has since gone on to appear in other shows.