16 stars who walked away from their successful TV shows

Stephanie MarcusMay 19, 2020, 19:10 IST

Sometimes shows go on without their main characters.MTV,CBS,ABC

Many big-name actors have walked away from the series that helped make them famous.
After 15 years of playing Alex Karev, Justin Chambers left ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."
In December, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi said she'd be "retiring" from MTV's "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation."
Jim Parsons' departure from CBS's "The Big Bang Theory" led the series to its final season.

Sometimes big-name celebrities walk away from the shows that help them become famous.

Whether they wanted more money or simply wished to move on to new projects, here are 15 actors who left a successful TV series.

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In February, America Ferrera announced she'd be leaving "Superstore."

America Ferrera on "Superstore." Screengrab via Superstore/NBC

After 15 years of playing Alex Karev, Justin Chambers left ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."

His character was written off in a way that made many fans angry. ABC

Skeet Ulrich decided not to return to "Riverdale" for the show's fifth season.

Skeet Ulrich as F.P. Jones. The CW

In 2019, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi announced she's "retiring" from "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation."

The original "Jersey Shore" made her a household name. MTV

Kal Penn left "House" to join the Obama administration.

He was on the show for two seasons. Heal & Toe Films

Jim Parsons' departure from "The Big Bang Theory" led the series to its final season.

Of course, Jim Parsons isn't the only actor to make the difficult decision to leave a hit show. Michael Yarish/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Mischa Barton had enough of playing Marissa Cooper on "The O.C."

She didn't believe there was anything left for her character to do. CW

Christopher Meloni walked away from "Law and Order: SVU" after 12 years.

He ended his role as Detective Elliot Stabler. Wolf Films

T.R. Knight made the decision to leave "Grey's Anatomy" after his screen time was drastically reduced.

His character was missed by many fans. ABC

Dave Chappelle walked away from "The Chapelle Show" and a $50 million deal with Comedy Central because "it didn't feel right."

He said it just didn't feel right to continue. Comedy Central

Adam Brody left a recurring role on "Gilmore Girls" to star on "The O.C."

He wasn't on the show for very long. The CW

David Caruso left "NYPD Blue" four episodes into the show's second season.

Caruso (right) wanted higher pay. Steven Bochco Productions

Topher Grace left "That ‘70s Show" after seven seasons because he didn't need the money.

Topher Grace played Eric Forman on "That '70s Show." FOX

Jared Padalecki left "Gilmore Girls" for a lead role on "Supernatural."

He played Rory's love interest, Dean. Netflix

Jerry Seinfeld famously walked away from a $5 million-per-episode deal to continue starring on "Seinfeld."

He wanted to end the show while it was still going strong. NBC

Sandra Oh left "Grey's Anatomy" when she felt like she had accomplished everything she wanted to.

Her character was a main one for 10 seasons. Matt Sayles/AP

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