When an actor or actress hits it big with a TV show, it often seems like the start of a bright and long-lasting career. However, for some, leaving their iconic roles proves to be a turning point that derails their path to continued fame. Here, we explore ten celebrity careers that took a nosedive after they quit the shows that made them household names.
1. Anthony Edwards – ER
Anthony Edwards became a beloved figure on “ER” as Dr. Mark Greene, a role that cemented his status in television history. Fans were heartbroken when his character was written off due to an inoperable brain tumor. Edwards requested to leave the series to spend more time with his family and pursue directing. Unfortunately, his post-“ER” career didn’t see the same heights. He starred in a few forgettable films, including the 2009 flop “Motherhood,” and despite appearances in shows like “Designated Survivor” and “Inventing Anna,” his career has been overshadowed by his iconic role on “ER.”
2. Denise Crosby – Star Trek: The Next Generation
Denise Crosby’s role as Tasha Yar on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was her first leading TV role. However, she grew disillusioned with her character’s limited screen time and requested to leave the show, resulting in her character’s death in the first season. Post-Trek, Crosby struggled to find significant roles, with most of her appearances being brief or uncredited. She did find some solace in the Star Trek community, narrating the fan-focused documentary “Trekkies” and its sequel, but never matched the prominence of her role as Tasha Yar.
3. T.R. Knight – Grey’s Anatomy
T.R. Knight portrayed the lovable George O’Malley on “Grey’s Anatomy.” His character’s heroic death was a shock to fans but stemmed from Knight’s dissatisfaction with his storylines and a controversy involving co-star Isaiah Washington. Since leaving, Knight has had roles in “The Good Wife” and “The Flight Attendant,” but none have matched the impact of his time on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
4. Charisma Carpenter – Angel
Charisma Carpenter’s Cordelia Chase was a fan favorite in both “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and its spin-off “Angel.” However, her character’s arc in “Angel” took a controversial turn in the fourth season, leading to her exit. Post-“Angel,” Carpenter appeared in numerous TV films and guest spots but failed to land another standout role. Her main role in ABC Family’s “The Lying Game” was short-lived, as the show was canceled after two seasons.
5. Mischa Barton – The OC
Mischa Barton rose to fame as Marissa Cooper on “The OC,” becoming an “It Girl” of the early 2000s. However, various factors, including alleged mistreatment on set and network decisions, led to her character’s dramatic death. Post-“OC,” Barton starred in indie films and had critical successes, but she never regained the mainstream prominence she once had.
6. McLean Stevenson – MAS*H
McLean Stevenson originally auditioned for the lead role of Hawkeye Pierce on “MAS*H,” but ended up playing Lt. Colonel Henry Blake. Dissatisfied with his supporting role, Stevenson left the show after three seasons, a decision that led to his career’s swift decline. Attempts to replicate his success with new sitcoms failed, and Stevenson became a cautionary tale in the industry, regretting his departure until his death in 1996.
7. Joe Piscopo – Saturday Night Live
Joe Piscopo was a standout on “Saturday Night Live” in the early 1980s, alongside Eddie Murphy. He left in 1984 to pursue a film career, but unlike Murphy, Piscopo’s transition was unsuccessful. He dabbled in bodybuilding but faded from the public eye, only resurfacing briefly in 2017 when considering a run for governor of New Jersey.
8. Brian Dunkleman – American Idol
Brian Dunkleman co-hosted the first season of “American Idol” with Ryan Seacrest but left to pursue acting and stand-up comedy. Many saw this as a huge mistake, and Dunkleman struggled to make an impact in subsequent roles. He now acknowledges that leaving “American Idol” was a misstep but has come to terms with it.
9. Shelley Long – Cheers
Shelley Long’s role as Diane Chambers on “Cheers” won her an Emmy and two Golden Globes. However, she left the show after five seasons to focus on her family and pursue a film career. Despite a moderate hit with “Outrageous Fortune,” Long struggled in films. Her biggest success post-“Cheers” was a role in “Modern Family,” indicating a return to TV was her best move.
10. Charlie Sheen – Two and a Half Men
Charlie Sheen was the highest-paid actor on TV for his role on “Two and a Half Men.” His public feud with creator Chuck Lorre led to his firing. Sheen quickly returned with “Anger Management,” but it didn’t reach the success of “Two and a Half Men.” Despite this, Sheen seems to have reconciled with Lorre, hinting at the complexities of his career choices.
These ten celebrities highlight the risks involved in leaving a successful show. While some made the choice to pursue new opportunities, others were driven by personal dissatisfaction or external factors. In most cases, these decisions led to significant career downturns, reminding us that sometimes, sticking with a hit show might be the safer bet for long-term success. The entertainment industry is unpredictable, and what might seem like a promising opportunity can sometimes lead to obscurity.
