Getting cast on a TV show is one of the most thrilling things an actor can go through. From sitcoms to dramas, it’s a job where they can exercise their talents, nail their role, and hopefully keep moving up the ladder in the entertainment world. But for some actors and reality stars, their time on TV came to an end before the rest of the cast.
Regardless of having a hit show on their hands, these actors were ready for something more. To see 10 actors who left TV shows for other opportunities or for a quieter life, scroll below!
Sophia Bush: Chicago P.D.
Sophia Bush made it big when she cast as Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill. But after being on the show through 2012, Bush was bound for bigger and brighter works within Hollywood. A year after One Tree Hill ended, Bush jumped into a new series on television that had the opportunity for various crossovers: Chicago Fire.
Playing Detective Erin Lindsay, she played the same role in Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago Justice, and Chicago P.D. She was a beloved character within the franchise but it wasn't enough for Bush to stay. While on Dax Shepherd's podcast, Bush explained her exit: "... I have always prioritized tugging the ship for the crew, for the show, for the group, ahead of my own health … My body was, like, falling apart, because I was really, really unhappy,”
Justin Chambers: Grey's Anatomy
Justin Chambers had been on Grey's Anatomy since the series' inception. Starring as Dr. Alex Karev, fans have seen him as an intern to a badass doctor. After 16 seasons on the same show where he all but perfected his character in every situation, Chambers decided to call it quits.
As he said, “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices." With a wife and five kids at home, Chambers is focusing on them before diving into his next project.
Meghan Markle: Suits
Before Meghan Markle quit acting to marry Prince Harry and focus on her royal duties, Markle was known for her time on the hit show Suits. She portrayed Rachael Zane, a hopeful lawyer who got stuck being a paralegal for far too long.
Suits fans saw her chase her dreams as well as fall in love with Mike. After seven years of playing Zane, however, Markle left to start a different chapter in her life.
Steve Carell: The Office
The Office ended in 2009 after nine seasons but Steve Carell's departure from the show in season seven was felt around the world. Starring as everyone's favorite odd-ball boss, Michael Scott, Carell perfected Scott's character in every way. Many fans saw him as the irreplaceable staple of the show. However, Carell didn't feel this way about his character.
During an interview, Carell was thinking out loud about season seven being his last season on the Office. But instead of getting a call from NBC and an outpour of admiration from fans, Carell heard nothing. He assumed his character wouldn't be missed, which made his decision to leave easier. Obviously, that wasn't the case. After Carell left, The Office wasn't the same.
Skeet Ullrich: Riverdale
Skeet Ulrich has been acting since the late '80s. Known for his time in Scream, As Good as it Gets, and Robot Chicken, fans were excited to see him take on a new role for the CW's Riverdale. The show was a hit from the start with a fresh young cast and incredible storyline. Skeet played the role of FP Jones, Jughead's dad. FP had a dark past and wasn't the best father or husband but he's making up for lost times.
According to Insider, however, Skeet isn't looking to rejoin the cast for season five. He felt "bored creatively," but writers are hoping that changes.
Amy Carlson: Blue Bloods
For seven years, Amy Carlson played Linda Raegan, the wife of police officer Danny Raegan. The family-filled police drama struck a chord with fans over the family ties that ran deep within the police department and judicial system. Blue Bloods also has a stellar cast with Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Tom Sellek, and more. But after seven seasons, Carlson made the decision to leave, which shocked her castmates.
According to a few reports, Carlson's exit wasn't communicated with the rest of the cast, leaving a bad taste in their mouths. The show had no choice but to kill Carlson's character in a helicopter crash.
Jim Parsons: The Big Bang Theory
As much as The Big Bang Theory is a show about a group of friends and their relationships, the center of the series is Dr. Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons. It's because of Sheldon that the group had an abundance of speed bumps in their lives and without him, the show would be dull. But after 12 seasons and multiple awards, Jim Parsons decided it was time to end his time on the show.
In an interview with Radio Times, Parsons explained that he was "exhausted" and being pulled in different directions creatively and personally. After the death of his dog and a mishap on stage that ended up breaking his foot, Parsons realized life was buzzing past him and he needed a break. TBBT could have continued on without him but it wouldn't have been right, and so the show got one final season to give Sheldon (and everyone else) a grand farewell.
Nicollette Sheridan: Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives was an instant hit starring Nicollette Sheridan, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, and Marcia Cross. The mysteries and lies that come undone on Wisteria Lane were enough to make fans tune in for eight successful seasons.
Sheridan played Edie Britt but the drama behind the scenes was more known than the drama on-screen. It's been said that Sheridan had problems with Terri Hatcher and those behind the camera. She was ready to call it quits but when she was written off, Sheridan was incensed.
Topher Grace: That '70s Show
That '70s Show is another sitcom with an all-star cast that became one of the greatest TV shows thus far. It started the careers of actors like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. Topher Grace played Eric Forman since season one and was kind of like the glue that held everyone together. But in the season seven finale, Forman made the decision to leave for higher education, which made everyone wonder why Grace was leaving the show.
As it turned out, Grace wanted to pursue movie roles but his commitment to the show was hindering him doing so. By leaving That '70s Show, he'd have more creative freedom for potential movie offers.
Hilarie Burton: One Tree Hill
Hilarie Burton wasn't the only castmate who left One Tree Hill early. Her co-star Chad Michael Murray was also cut his time on the show short. For Burton, her role as Peyton came to an end after season six. But unlike the others in this list, Peyton's reason for leaving are disturbing.
After leaving, Burton came forward and said she quit the show after being abused by showrunner Mark Schwahn. Following this revelation, other women on set also came forward and revealed that they too experienced similar abuse. Soon, Schwan was suspended then finally fired from his position of showrunner in The Royals, where similar stories of abuse also surfaced from its cast and crew.