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.
Harrison Ford
Left: Star Wars
Reason: Worried About Typecasting
Estimated Salary Loss: $20 million*
Harrison Ford was probably one of the best things about the "Star Wars" franchise, and it broke the fan's hearts that he reportedly wanted out. How could this be? Ford said he was worried that his role as Han Solo would lead to him being “typecast” and that this would lead to him only ever being offered “tough guy, action hero” roles.
Well, that’s exactly what happened. Ford is a tremendous actor but has more often than not been cast as the tough guy, action hero. He also took on another iconic role when he entered the "Indiana Jones" franchise. Though Ford has, in fact, been typecast, he has gone on to star in many remarkable films including "The Fugitive," "Blade Runner," "Patriot Games" and so many more.
Patrick Dempsey
Left: Grey’s Anatomy
Reason: To Focus on His Family
Estimated Salary Loss: $400,000 per episode*
Patrick Dempsey revealed to People Magazine in a 2019 interview that he was looking to leave "Grey’s Anatomy." Dempsey was one of the heartthrobs on the show, but in real-life he was also a big-hearted family man and a race car enthusiast. He asked to leave because he wanted to focus on his family, as well as his auto-racing career.
Even after so much success, Dempsey told People that he actually had wanted to move on from the show earlier. Thankfully, he said that there were no hard feelings between him and show creator Shonda Rhimes, and he called the decision “amicable.” After an incredible 11 seasons, Dempsey rightly described his departure from Grey’s as merely the “end of a chapter” in his life. What a legacy.
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.
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!