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TV stars who left shows at their peak

By
Social Links for Andrea Morabito
Published March 25, 2014, 6:08 p.m. ET
PBS, ABC, NBC

After 14 seasons of playing Capt. Jim Brass on the CBS procedural “CSI,” Paul Guilfoyle — one of the drama’s original stars — will leave the long-running drama in the May season finale.

With his exit, only one original series regular — George Eads — remains on “CSI,” which has already been renewed for next season. Guilfoyle’s exit recalls other actors who have chosen to walk away from successful shows at the height of their popularity. Here’s a look at 11 notable examples.

Cote de Pablo, “NCIS” (2013)

Cote de Pablo as Ziva in “NCIS.”CBS

Fans were outraged when it was announced that de Pablo would be leaving the hit procedural after Season 10 (CBS claimed she turned down a sizable salary raise). She did remain on TV’s most-watched drama long enough to wrap up her character Ziva David’s story line at the beginning of season 11.

Dan Stevens, “Downton Abbey” (2012)

Dan Stevens, left, as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in “Downton Abbey.”PBS

The actor wanted out of the hit British costume drama to pursue a career in Hollywood, so his character, Matthew Crawley, was tragically killed off in the Season 3 Christmas special. Ratings have remained high, however — the Season 4 premiere broke viewership records in both the UK and US.

Paula Abdul, “American Idol” (2009)

Paula Abdul, left, and Simon Cowell on stage at the “Idol Gives Back” fundraising special of “American Idol.”AP

One of the three original judges alongside Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, Abdul left the Fox show after Season 8, reportedly over a salary dispute, when it was still the top-rated show on television.

Christopher Meloni, “Law & Order: SVU” (2011)

Christopher Meloni, left, as Det. Elliot Stabler and Mariska Hargitay as Det. Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: SVU.”NBC

He played Det. Elliot Stabler from 1999 to 2011, before leaving the show at the end of its 12th season over a contract dispute. The Dick Wolf drama has chugged along with costar Mariska Hargitay, currently in its 15th season on NBC.

Katherine Heigl, “Grey’s Anatomy” (2010)

Katherine Heigl, left, as Dr. Izzie Stevens in “Grey’s Anatomy.”ABC

After months of speculation, Heigl left the ABC medical drama (where she played Dr. Izzie Stevens) in Season 6 to pursue a film career, which by that point included hits “Knocked Up,” “27 Dresses” and “The Ugly Truth.” Costar Sandra Oh, who has played Dr. Christina Yang since the premiere, will also depart the show at the end of its current 10th season.

William Petersen, “CSI” (2010)

William Petersen as Gil Grissom in “CSI.”CBS

One of the first original “CSI” stars to leave, Petersen left his lead role as crime lab head Dr. Gil Grissom in Season 9 to focus on stage acting. The series has remained one of the most successful in television history, spawning two spinoffs (with a third being prepped) and airs in numerous countries (CBS has already renewed its current version, which now stars Ted Danson, for a 15th season).

Rob Lowe, “The West Wing” (2003)

Rob Lowe as Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn in “The West Wing.”NBC

Screen time for his deputy communications director Sam Seaborn, who was the protagonist of the pilot, declined as the series began to focus more on the presidency of Josiah Bartlett (Martin Sheen). Feeling marginalized, Lowe quit in Season 4, shortly before creator Aaron Sorkin also exited the NBC political drama.

George Clooney, “ER” (1999)

George Clooney, right, as Dr. Doug Ross in “ER.”Everett Collection

Clooney got his breakout role playing Dr. Doug Ross on the hit NBC medical drama for five seasons. In addition to earning him two Emmy and three Golden Globe nominations, the series launched his film career, starting with “From Dusk Til Dawn” and “Batman & Robin,” and later success as a bona fide movie star with “Ocean’s Eleven” and “Up in the Air.”

David Caruso, “NYPD Blue” (1994)

Dennis Franz, left, as Det. Andy Sipowicz and David Caruso as Det. John Kelly  in “NYPD Blue.”Everett

Despite rave reviews and a Golden Globe award, Caruso left the highly-rated ABC cop drama only four episodes into the second season over a salary dispute and desire to pursue a film career. His leading man attempts (“Jade”) fizzled, however, and he eventually returned to TV in “CSI: Miami.”

Shelley Long, “Cheers” (1987)

Ted Danson, left, as Sam Malone and Shelley Long as Diane Chambers as in “Cheers.” Everett Collection

Five Emmy nominations and one win couldn’t keep Long in the role of Diane Chambers, the uppity waitress and on-again-off-again love interest of bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson), who left after Season 5 to pursue movies and spend more time with her newborn baby. The NBC sitcom replaced her with Kirstie Alley and continued successfully for another six seasons.

Farrah Fawcett, “Charlie’s Angels” (1977)

From left, Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith in “Charlie’s Angels.”Everett Collection

The ABC series propelled Fawcett (and her famous feathered haircut) to stardom, but she quit after only one season, when the show was No. 3 in the ratings (Cheryl Ladd replaced her).