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.
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.
America Ferrera
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."
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.
Whoopi Goldberg
Left: “Theodore Rex”
Reason: Unknown
Est. Salary Loss: None
This is a special case, because while Goldberg had verbally agreed to star in “Theodore Rex,” she hadn't signed a contract. The makers of the straight-to-video flop threatened to sue Goldberg for breach of contract, and with twenty million as the possible punishment, Goldberg relented.
She earned seven million from the movie, which is known right now as one of the worst movies to ever come out. Goldberg might have made bank, but the movie certainly wasn't a jewel in her crown. She earned a Worst Actress nomination from the Razzies for her efforts. Thankfully, Demi Moore was there to win.