These 7 stars left their series way before the end

12/08/2020

Shows can go on after the departure of a main character, and here are six examples to prove it. Whether success is still there or not, that is another story...

Steve Carell - The Office

Steve Carell

Reasons why Steve Carell left after season 7 remain unclear. The actor reputedly wished to pursue a career in film, but recent news broke stating NBC was responsible for deciding not to extend his contract. Either way, the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch lost its boss, then replaced by James Spader (starring as Robert California). Carell returned for a small appearance in the very last episode of the series.

Christopher Meloni - Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Christopher Meloni

As season 22 of the crime drama is due in a few months in the US, let's remember Christopher Meloni stepped down from his role as Elliot Stabler in 2011, after 12 seasons... much to the sorrow of all fans of his cult duet with Mariska Hargitay (Olivia Benson). The good news is: he will return in the first episode of this season 22, before becoming the main character of a new Law & Order spin-off series, in the same role.

Sandra Oh - Grey's Anatomy
Sandra Oh

Numerous Grey's Anatomy stars left the series midway upon its journey. While many saw their characters die (notably Patrick Dempsey with Derek Shepherd), some preferred to leave of their own accord, leaving room for the fans to dream about a return someday, possibly for the conclusion of the medical series. The latter is particularly relevant for Sandra Oh, who left in 2014 to pursue her career elsewhere. Since 2018, she has played a leading role in Killing Eve alongside Jodie Comer.



Andrew Lincoln - The Walking Dead
Andrew Lincoln

The iconic Walking Dead star is no longer the leader of the survivors in the post-apocalyptic world imagined by Robert Kirkman. The British actor decided to leave the series amid Season 9 in order to spend more time with his family. However, the fans were quickly reassured to see that Rick did not die during the one explosion that made him disappear. He will even be the hero of 3 very anticipated films. Danai Gurira, who also decided to leave the series, in season 10, is due to join him for this promising new adventure.

Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton - One Tree Hill
Chad Michael Murray et Hilarie Burton

A real heartbreak for this teen show's fans. While it lasted for no less than 9 seasons, Lucas and Peyton left Tree Hill after Season 6, after their wedding. New characters came in to replace them, but it never felt the same. Hilarie Burton never returned to One Tree Hill, whereas Chad Michael Murray did for one episode in season.

Pauley Perrette - NCIS
Pauley Perrette

The NCIS fans' favorite, Pauley Perrette, who starred as Abby for 15 seasons, decided to leave without looking back. It later turned out she left over alarming concerns regarding the behavior of Mark Harmon (Jethro Gibbs), main actor of the show. Season 18 will get on air in fall 2020 and there is no chance of Pauley Perrette ever making a comeback, either there or in the NCIS sequel.

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