Left: Superstore
Reason: Unknown
Estimated Salary Loss: Unknown
America Ferrera announced she’d be leaving the show after its fifth season. “Superstore” has already been renewed for a sixth season.
She said in an interview, “Being part of this wonderful cast and crew gave me opportunities to grow as a person and storyteller. I’m so thankful for the support they have always placed in me, and I’m most grateful to the amazing Justin Spitzer for creating the hilarious, smart, and relevant world of ‘Superstore’ and allowing me to be a part of it.”
Shelley Long
Left: Cheers
Reason: Contract Ended and Wanted to Pursue Other Projects
Est. Salary Loss: $450,000 per episode*
Shelley Long is probably best known for her role as Diane Chambers on the hit show, "Cheers." "Cheers" became a classic show for many households across America and, with multiple Emmy nominations and even one win, it was surprising Long wanted out.
She was ready to move on in her career but the hours were too demanding for her to pursue anything else. Long was able to slip out of her contract and was missed by devoted "Cheers" fans. But in the world of show business, it’s always good to keep your eyes on the horizon.
Courtney Thorne-Smith
Left: Ally McBeal
Reason: Personal Struggles
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
Courtney Thorne-Smith played Georgia Smith on the iconic show "Ally McBeal" during the 90s. Thorne-Smith had the role of Georgia for just three seasons because of some sobering, personal problems. She had battled trying to maintain a certain weight for the show and this ended up taking a toll on her emotionally.
Thankfully, she recognized the severity of the problem and, for her own wellbeing, quit the show. Georgia Smith disappeared from "Ally McBeal" at the opening of season four. Happily for Thorne-Smith, she recovered from that difficult season of her life and has since gone on to appear in other shows.
Jim Parsons
Left: The Big Bang Theory
Reason: Unknown
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
Jim Parsons decided that after 12 seasons it was time for him to say goodbye to Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory." Even an incredible deal that would have reportedly grabbed the actor more than $50 million over two years couldn't persuade the actor to stay.
In a heartfelt and lengthy post on Instagram, Parsons thanked everyone connected with the show, as well as his fans. "I will miss each and every one of you and all of this more than I can say and more than I can begin to know at this time," he wrote. After his departure was published, CBS decided it would end "The Big Bang Theory" after 12 seasons, too.
Kim Basinger
Left: “Boxing Helena”
Reason: Unknown
Est. Salary Loss: Unknown
We say that we don't know why Kim Basinger backed out of appearing as the title character of this hot pile of a movie. But anyone with three brain cells to rub together would see the reason is “the movie looks like the worst project this side of 'Day After Tomorrow.'”
The movie was about a woman who has all her limbs removed and is kept in a box. Originally Madonna was going to star, but she, too, dropped out. Eventually, someone named Sherilyn Fenn appeared in the title role. The movie is really, really, really bad.