20 Actors Let Go From Blockbuster TV Shows

Landing a role on a hit TV show is a dream for many actors, but holding onto it isn’t always guaranteed. From on-set clashes to personal scandals, some stars find themselves abruptly cut from their big break.

We’ve rounded up 20 actors who were fired from major TV series, exploring the reasons behind their exits and how their departures impacted the shows. Each story reveals the messy reality of Hollywood, where talent doesn’t always outweigh trouble.

20. Charlie Sheen – ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003-2015)

Charlie Sheen’s wild behavior became bigger than his role as Charlie Harper. His public meltdowns and insults toward the show’s creator led to his dramatic exit.

After eight seasons, Sheen’s drug use and erratic actions, including calling producer Chuck Lorre a ‘stupid little man,’ got him axed. Ashton Kutcher stepped in, and the show ran for four more seasons, though we missed Sheen’s chaotic charm.

19. Shannen Doherty – ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ (1990-2000)

Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh was a teen icon, but her off-screen antics caused friction. Her constant clashes with co-stars spelled trouble.

Doherty’s fights, especially with Jennie Garth, led to her being fired after four seasons at the request of producer Aaron Spelling’s daughter, Tori. The show continued without her, leaning hard into new drama with the remaining cast.

18. Shannen Doherty – ‘Charmed’ (1998-2006)

Doherty struck out again as Prue Halliwell on ‘Charmed.’ Her reputation for being difficult followed her from ‘90210.’

Tensions with co-star Alyssa Milano and the producers boiled over, leading to her exit after three seasons. Prue was killed off, and Rose McGowan’s Paige kept the show’s magic alive for five more years.

17. Isaiah Washington – ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005-present)

Isaiah Washington’s role as Dr. Preston Burke ended abruptly after a homophobic slur sparked controversy. His words targeted co-star T.R. Knight.

After repeating the offensive remark at an awards show, Washington was let go after three seasons. The show, still a juggernaut, moved on seamlessly, but his brief return years later stirred mixed feelings among us.

16. Kevin Spacey – ‘House of Cards’ (2013-2018)

Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood was the heart of ‘House of Cards,’ until sexual assault allegations derailed his career. The accusations came from actor Anthony Rapp and crew members.

Netflix cut ties with Spacey before the final season, with Robin Wright taking the lead. We watched the show pivot to Claire Underwood, wrapping up with a bittersweet end.

15. Danny Masterson – ‘The Ranch’ (2016-2020)

Danny Masterson’s Rooster Bennett was a fan favorite until rape allegations surfaced. Four women accused him, leading to his swift removal.

Netflix wrote Masterson out mid-season, killing off his character. The show struggled to regain its footing but limped on for two more seasons before we said goodbye.

14. Lisa Bonet – ‘The Cosby Show’ (1984-1992)

Lisa Bonet’s Denise Huxtable brought free-spirited energy, but her rebellious choices clashed with the show’s wholesome vibe. A racy film role didn’t help.

After a nude scene in ‘Angel Heart’ and ongoing issues with producers, Bonet was fired during season seven. Her spin-off ‘A Different World’ had already launched, and the main show carried on without her.

13. Columbus Short – ‘Scandal’ (2012-2018)

Columbus Short played Harrison Wright, a loyal fixer, but his personal life unraveled. Domestic violence allegations against his wife were the final straw.

Short was let go after three seasons, with his character killed off. ‘Scandal’ stayed gripping, and we barely noticed his absence as Olivia Pope’s team powered through.

12. Thomas Gibson – ‘Criminal Minds’ (2005-2020)

Thomas Gibson’s Aaron Hotchner was the stoic leader until an on-set altercation changed everything. He reportedly kicked a writer during a heated argument.

After a history of conflicts, including pushing an assistant director, Gibson was fired after 11 seasons. The show leaned on other profilers and ran for four more years.

11. Roseanne Barr – ‘Roseanne’ (1988-1997, 2018)

Roseanne Barr’s sitcom was revived to huge buzz, but a racist tweet about a political figure ended her run. The backlash was instant.

ABC canceled the revival and fired Barr, retooling it as ‘The Conners’ without her. We enjoyed the spin-off, but it lacked Roseanne’s biting edge.

10. Taylor Momsen – ‘Gossip Girl’ (2007-2012)

Taylor Momsen’s Jenny Humphrey went from sweet to rebellious, but her real-life behavior caused issues. She was known for erratic outbursts on set.

By season four, Momsen was fired for her unreliable conduct. The show shifted focus to other characters, and we followed their drama for two more seasons.

9. Lisa Nicole Carson – ‘Ally McBeal’ (1997-2002)

Lisa Nicole Carson’s Renee Raddick brought sass, but her struggles with drug abuse led to her exit. Her issues mirrored co-star Robert Downey Jr.’s.

Carson was let go after four seasons, also leaving ‘ER’ for similar reasons. The show wrapped up soon after, but we missed her vibrant presence.

8. Robert Downey Jr. – ‘Ally McBeal’ (1997-2002)

Robert Downey Jr.’s Larry Paul added romance to ‘Ally McBeal,’ but his drug-related arrests were too much. He faced multiple legal troubles.

After a Golden Globe win, Downey was fired in 2001. The show ended a year later, and we watched his comeback years later with pride.

7. Suzanne Somers – ‘Three’s Company’ (1977-1984)

Suzanne Somers’ Chrissy Snow was a comedic gem, but her demand for a huge pay raise caused a rift. She wanted parity with co-star John Ritter.

The network offered a small bump, but Somers boycotted, leading to her firing after five seasons. The show continued with new roommates, keeping us entertained.

6. Brett Butler – ‘Grace Under Fire’ (1993-1998)

Brett Butler’s Grace Kelly was a hit, but her drug addiction and erratic behavior, like throwing a soda can at a producer, tanked the show.

Butler was fired, and the top-10 sitcom was canceled in 1998. We saw her rebuild later, appearing in shows like ‘The Leftovers.’

5. Jussie Smollett – ‘Empire’ (2015-2020)

Jussie Smollett’s Jamal Lyon was central to ‘Empire’ until he staged a fake hate crime. The scandal shocked everyone.

Fox fired Smollett after season five, suspending his character. The show ended a season later, but we couldn’t shake the controversy’s impact.

4. John Amos – ‘Good Times’ (1974-1979)

John Amos’ James Evans was the heart of ‘Good Times,’ but his criticism of the show’s portrayal of Black characters caused friction. He challenged the white writers.

Amos was fired after three seasons, and his character was killed off. The show continued, but we felt the void of his grounded presence.

3. Janet Hubert – ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990-1996)

Janet Hubert’s Vivian Banks was a beloved matriarch, but tensions with Will Smith led to her exit. The exact reasons remain murky.

Hubert was replaced after three seasons, and Daphne Maxwell Reid took over. The show stayed iconic, but we missed Hubert’s sharp wit.

2. Grace Park – ‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010-2020)

Grace Park’s Kono Kalakaua was a key player, but salary disputes ended her run. She sought a better deal with CBS.

After seven seasons, Park walked away when negotiations failed. The show carried on for three more years, but we noticed her absence in the action.

1. Daniel Dae Kim – ‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010-2020)

Daniel Dae Kim, like co-star Grace Park, left ‘Hawaii Five-0’ over pay disputes. He played Chin Ho Kelly with quiet strength.

Kim exited after seven seasons, unable to reach a deal with CBS. The show pushed forward, but we felt the loss of his steady presence.

Which actor’s firing surprised you most, or did we miss a major TV exit? Drop your thoughts in the comments!