Making it as an actor is a struggle. Even those who attain success usually must work very, very hard to maintain it. To find yourself starring on a television series is accomplishment enough, but to be a part of a bona fide hit would seem like the pinnacle of one's career. That's why it is so perplexing when actors decide to quit their shows at the height of its popularity, but throughout TV history we find this occurring time and time again. Here are 10 stars who quit successful TV shows, resulting in varying effects on their careers.
David Caruso, "NYPD Blue"
![david caruso nypd blue, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
What do you do when you're an acclaimed actor on a new hit TV show from legendary producer Steven Bochco? If you're David Caruso, you take a walk and leave it all behind. Success may have gone to Caruso's head after he helped make the controversial "NYPD Blue" one of the most talked about shows on television in the early '90s. Despite this being his breakout role, one loaded with recognition and admiration, Caruso demanded a raise at the beginning of Season 2. When he didn't get it, he quit. He must have figured that his new leading man status would seamlessly translate to film. With the flops he starred in afterwards, it did not. But Caruso's career was spared a final nail in his coffin almost a decade later when he won the lead role in the CBS spin-off "CSI: Miami." Here, the credibility he brought to "Blue" was traded in for cheesy procedural camp, but Caruso ate it up with gusto and the ratings soared. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)
Farrah Fawcett, "Charlie's Angels"
![farrah fawcett charlie's angels, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
Farrah Fawcett was not just an actress on Aaron Spelling's classic "Charlie's Angels," she was a phenomenon. Farrah was the face of the late '70s, if not the entire decade. And as much of an impact as she made on the badass babe private detective drama, she was only there the first season. Some speculate she left because she was itching for a film career. Some that her "Million Dollar Man" hubby Lee Majors wanted her home more and got his way. And while a film career never launched - though we were given a glimpse of her Streep-like range in the original "Cannonball Run" - and despite heralded guest returns to "Angels," that one season was Fawcett's onscreen peak. But it didn't much matter. Fawcett never stopped being an icon - a gorgeous actress and sex symbol whose star reached farther into the heavens than most others' ever do. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)
Katherine Heigl, "Grey's Anatomy"
![katherine heigl grey's anatomy, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
It seems when it comes to hated actresses, Katherine Heigl is just below Gwyneth Paltrow. She's made a fortune playing the female lead in mostly unfavorably reviewed rom-coms. But before she was such a box office draw - then poison - she made a name for herself on the ABC titan, "Grey's Anatomy." The show brought her stardom, an Emmy, and enviable film offers. Then she knocked it out of the park with the runaway hit "Knocked Up." The movie brought her even greater fame, for which she showed her appreciation by publicly dissing its portrayal of women. Rumors soon began to swirl she was leaving "Grey's Anatomy" and after reportedly not showing up for work on the show, she was let out of her contract. Her subsequent transition into a full-fledged movie star proved rocky and she never reached the same success she did with "Knocked Up." "Grey's" has kept chugging along despite much behind the scenes drama and cast changes. Heigl has since revealed her desire to return to "Grey's Anatomy" to bring closure to her character's storyline. From all the trouble she caused on her way out, that appeal appears to be DOA. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)
Christopher Abbott, "Girls"
![christopher abbott girls, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
HBO is a beacon for high quality television and high quality acting. Unlike today's network sitcoms, its comedies reverberate beyond the small screen, keeping us laughing while plumbing for deeper meaning, making a statement about our generation, our world as a whole. In other words, a dream job for any actor who has landed a recurring role on one of these series, particularly a young actor. Christopher Abbott may not have seen it that way. Playing the boy of one of the lead "Girls" dreams, he seemed to have been bestowed the gig of a lifetime. Wunderkind Lena Dunham's acclaimed portrait of entitled and broke recent college grads is groundbreaking, voice of a generation stuff. Apparently that recognition was lost on Abbott who reportedly didn't like the direction in which his character was going. So he left. Shocking? Yes. Typical millennial behavior? That is the question. (Photo credit: HBO/Photofest)
Rob Lowe, "The West Wing"
![rob lowe west wing, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
"The West Wing" was a comeback for Rob Lowe. The revelation of his sex tape during the dawn of tabloid TV no doubt derailed his successful movie career. And while he did get to show his comic skills in movies like "Wayne's World" and "Austin Powers," his status as a leading man appeared to have faded. The Aaron Sorkin political drama changed all that and Lowe was once again in the center of the spotlight. But "Wing" was an ensemble show and as it became a critical and ratings champ, that spotlight grew more crowded. His co-stars, all played by superlative actors, became more and more popular, and when their salaries were raised to his level, he demanded his should be raised as well. Producers disagreed, so Lowe walked. But Lowe definitely has a heckuva guy quality and not only was he asked to return in some of "Wing's" final episodes, NBC gave him another job years later on "Parks and Recreation." (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)
McLean Stevenson, "M*A*S*H"
![mclean stevenson mash, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
Like Lowe, for McLean Stevenson being considered just one part of television ensemble might have felt like an act of war. Though his character on "M*A*S*H" was in charge of the mobile army hospital, audiences responded best to Alan Alda, who became the breakout star. Not only was this reportedly too much for him to handle, but also co-star Wayne Rogers, who would make an unhappy exit himself not too long after Stevenson's. Stevenson paid the price for his decision though. Because of the drama he caused on the set of what became one of television's best comedies ever, his character was killed off so he could never return. And despite efforts to lead a comedy of his own afterwards, none were successful and his career stalled out way before "M*A*S*H" finished its impressive eleven season run. (Photo credit: CBS/Photofest)
Courtney Thorne-Smith, "Ally McBeal"
![courtney thorne smith ally mcbeal, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
Courtney Thorne-Smith had already enjoyed a successful career before she signed on to play friendly rival to "Ally McBeal." Her roles in "Melrose Place" and "Summer School" had already given her huge bragging rights. But "McBeal" was groundbreaking, one of the '90s most talked about shows, with a fresh cast to which she contributed greatly. It wasn't jealousy, ego, or money that caused Thorne to take a premature exit. Allegedly it was weight. Co-stars Calista Flockhart and Portia de Rossi were both skinny merinks and the effort she embarked on to keep up with their tiny waistlines took its toll on her. Family obligations also apparently contributed to her decision. If you have to quit, these are good reasons and her career did not suffer as a result. She made a quick return to TV in "According to Jim" and can still be seen on "Two and a Half Men." (Photo credit: Fox Broadcasting Co./Photofest)
Chevy Chase, "Saturday Night Live"
![chevy chase saturday night live, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
When "Saturday Night Live" premiered forty years ago, Chevy Chase was its face. He was the first to declare its illustrious quote leading to the opening credits and the first (and maybe best) to anchor its Weekend Update. And while his castmates appeared in most of the show's remaining sketches, the ones he contributed to were legendary. (Landshark anyone?) Understandably so, his star rose quickly and leading roles in movie comedies began to come his way. Even though his influence on "SNL" was vast, Chase actually only lasted one season. He contends the love for a woman who wanted to remain on the West Coast was the reason for his departure, but there are skeptics to that assertion. Maybe he is just unappreciative and hard to work with? At least that's what the cast of "Community" might say today. (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)
George Clooney, "ER"
![george clooney er, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
If you watched television in the '80s you definitely recognized George Clooney. He either guest starred or recurred in just about every show possible, but was never able to leave his mark or headline a hit. All that changed with the trailblazing drama "ER" which elevated hospital shows to new, innovative heights. George Clooney was its standout heartthrob and his celebrity finally exploded over Hollywood. After taking the lead as a nipple-baring "Batman" in one of the worst installments of the franchise, the die was cast. Poor reviews aside, Clooney was now a movie star - a megastar - and when his contract ended on "ER," he turned in his stethoscope and never looked back. He is now one of our greatest film actors - with impressive directing and producing credits to boot. Leaving a hit show is usually a cautionary tale, but with unstoppable momentum, Clooney's only way was, and still is, up. (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)
Shelley Long, "Cheers"
![shelley long cheers, stars who quit hit tv shows]()
While most stars who leave hit shows imagine themselves ascending on a Clooney-like trajectory, in truth, they tend to end up like Shelly Long, the poster child for why you should stick with your lucrative day job. "Cheers" was a ratings powerhouse in no small part to Long and the laughs she generated sparring with onscreen partner Ted Danson. Her sitcom was revered and ranked among the best ever to air on television. But movies came calling and she found some success as their comic female lead. So at the end of the fifth season, she decided to say goodbye despite the show's incredible popularity and cultural influence. Her proceeding films were notable flops - with the exception of "The Brady Bunch" remakes in which she truly shined - but she never regained the fame she enjoyed starring on "Cheers." Her departure led to accusations of sabotage, potentially damaging a show in its prime with the void she would leave, which didn't help her reputation any. Actually with Kirstie Alley as her replacement, new life was breathed into "Cheers" and it continued on for another impressive six seasons. And in the series finale Long returned, proving how much she truly contributed to this amazing show. (Photo credit: Tumblr)
David Caruso, "NYPD Blue"
What do you do when you're an acclaimed actor on a new hit TV show from legendary producer Steven Bochco? If you're David Caruso, you take a walk and leave it all behind. Success may have gone to Caruso's head after he helped make the controversial "NYPD Blue" one of the most talked about shows on television in the early '90s. Despite this being his breakout role, one loaded with recognition and admiration, Caruso demanded a raise at the beginning of Season 2. When he didn't get it, he quit. He must have figured that his new leading man status would seamlessly translate to film. With the flops he starred in afterwards, it did not. But Caruso's career was spared a final nail in his coffin almost a decade later when he won the lead role in the CBS spin-off "CSI: Miami." Here, the credibility he brought to "Blue" was traded in for cheesy procedural camp, but Caruso ate it up with gusto and the ratings soared. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)
Farrah Fawcett, "Charlie's Angels"
Farrah Fawcett was not just an actress on Aaron Spelling's classic "Charlie's Angels," she was a phenomenon. Farrah was the face of the late '70s, if not the entire decade. And as much of an impact as she made on the badass babe private detective drama, she was only there the first season. Some speculate she left because she was itching for a film career. Some that her "Million Dollar Man" hubby Lee Majors wanted her home more and got his way. And while a film career never launched - though we were given a glimpse of her Streep-like range in the original "Cannonball Run" - and despite heralded guest returns to "Angels," that one season was Fawcett's onscreen peak. But it didn't much matter. Fawcett never stopped being an icon - a gorgeous actress and sex symbol whose star reached farther into the heavens than most others' ever do. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)
Katherine Heigl, "Grey's Anatomy"
It seems when it comes to hated actresses, Katherine Heigl is just below Gwyneth Paltrow. She's made a fortune playing the female lead in mostly unfavorably reviewed rom-coms. But before she was such a box office draw - then poison - she made a name for herself on the ABC titan, "Grey's Anatomy." The show brought her stardom, an Emmy, and enviable film offers. Then she knocked it out of the park with the runaway hit "Knocked Up." The movie brought her even greater fame, for which she showed her appreciation by publicly dissing its portrayal of women. Rumors soon began to swirl she was leaving "Grey's Anatomy" and after reportedly not showing up for work on the show, she was let out of her contract. Her subsequent transition into a full-fledged movie star proved rocky and she never reached the same success she did with "Knocked Up." "Grey's" has kept chugging along despite much behind the scenes drama and cast changes. Heigl has since revealed her desire to return to "Grey's Anatomy" to bring closure to her character's storyline. From all the trouble she caused on her way out, that appeal appears to be DOA. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)
Christopher Abbott, "Girls"
HBO is a beacon for high quality television and high quality acting. Unlike today's network sitcoms, its comedies reverberate beyond the small screen, keeping us laughing while plumbing for deeper meaning, making a statement about our generation, our world as a whole. In other words, a dream job for any actor who has landed a recurring role on one of these series, particularly a young actor. Christopher Abbott may not have seen it that way. Playing the boy of one of the lead "Girls" dreams, he seemed to have been bestowed the gig of a lifetime. Wunderkind Lena Dunham's acclaimed portrait of entitled and broke recent college grads is groundbreaking, voice of a generation stuff. Apparently that recognition was lost on Abbott who reportedly didn't like the direction in which his character was going. So he left. Shocking? Yes. Typical millennial behavior? That is the question. (Photo credit: HBO/Photofest)
Rob Lowe, "The West Wing"
"The West Wing" was a comeback for Rob Lowe. The revelation of his sex tape during the dawn of tabloid TV no doubt derailed his successful movie career. And while he did get to show his comic skills in movies like "Wayne's World" and "Austin Powers," his status as a leading man appeared to have faded. The Aaron Sorkin political drama changed all that and Lowe was once again in the center of the spotlight. But "Wing" was an ensemble show and as it became a critical and ratings champ, that spotlight grew more crowded. His co-stars, all played by superlative actors, became more and more popular, and when their salaries were raised to his level, he demanded his should be raised as well. Producers disagreed, so Lowe walked. But Lowe definitely has a heckuva guy quality and not only was he asked to return in some of "Wing's" final episodes, NBC gave him another job years later on "Parks and Recreation." (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)
McLean Stevenson, "M*A*S*H"
Like Lowe, for McLean Stevenson being considered just one part of television ensemble might have felt like an act of war. Though his character on "M*A*S*H" was in charge of the mobile army hospital, audiences responded best to Alan Alda, who became the breakout star. Not only was this reportedly too much for him to handle, but also co-star Wayne Rogers, who would make an unhappy exit himself not too long after Stevenson's. Stevenson paid the price for his decision though. Because of the drama he caused on the set of what became one of television's best comedies ever, his character was killed off so he could never return. And despite efforts to lead a comedy of his own afterwards, none were successful and his career stalled out way before "M*A*S*H" finished its impressive eleven season run. (Photo credit: CBS/Photofest)
Courtney Thorne-Smith, "Ally McBeal"
Courtney Thorne-Smith had already enjoyed a successful career before she signed on to play friendly rival to "Ally McBeal." Her roles in "Melrose Place" and "Summer School" had already given her huge bragging rights. But "McBeal" was groundbreaking, one of the '90s most talked about shows, with a fresh cast to which she contributed greatly. It wasn't jealousy, ego, or money that caused Thorne to take a premature exit. Allegedly it was weight. Co-stars Calista Flockhart and Portia de Rossi were both skinny merinks and the effort she embarked on to keep up with their tiny waistlines took its toll on her. Family obligations also apparently contributed to her decision. If you have to quit, these are good reasons and her career did not suffer as a result. She made a quick return to TV in "According to Jim" and can still be seen on "Two and a Half Men." (Photo credit: Fox Broadcasting Co./Photofest)
Chevy Chase, "Saturday Night Live"
When "Saturday Night Live" premiered forty years ago, Chevy Chase was its face. He was the first to declare its illustrious quote leading to the opening credits and the first (and maybe best) to anchor its Weekend Update. And while his castmates appeared in most of the show's remaining sketches, the ones he contributed to were legendary. (Landshark anyone?) Understandably so, his star rose quickly and leading roles in movie comedies began to come his way. Even though his influence on "SNL" was vast, Chase actually only lasted one season. He contends the love for a woman who wanted to remain on the West Coast was the reason for his departure, but there are skeptics to that assertion. Maybe he is just unappreciative and hard to work with? At least that's what the cast of "Community" might say today. (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)
George Clooney, "ER"
If you watched television in the '80s you definitely recognized George Clooney. He either guest starred or recurred in just about every show possible, but was never able to leave his mark or headline a hit. All that changed with the trailblazing drama "ER" which elevated hospital shows to new, innovative heights. George Clooney was its standout heartthrob and his celebrity finally exploded over Hollywood. After taking the lead as a nipple-baring "Batman" in one of the worst installments of the franchise, the die was cast. Poor reviews aside, Clooney was now a movie star - a megastar - and when his contract ended on "ER," he turned in his stethoscope and never looked back. He is now one of our greatest film actors - with impressive directing and producing credits to boot. Leaving a hit show is usually a cautionary tale, but with unstoppable momentum, Clooney's only way was, and still is, up. (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)
Shelley Long, "Cheers"
While most stars who leave hit shows imagine themselves ascending on a Clooney-like trajectory, in truth, they tend to end up like Shelly Long, the poster child for why you should stick with your lucrative day job. "Cheers" was a ratings powerhouse in no small part to Long and the laughs she generated sparring with onscreen partner Ted Danson. Her sitcom was revered and ranked among the best ever to air on television. But movies came calling and she found some success as their comic female lead. So at the end of the fifth season, she decided to say goodbye despite the show's incredible popularity and cultural influence. Her proceeding films were notable flops - with the exception of "The Brady Bunch" remakes in which she truly shined - but she never regained the fame she enjoyed starring on "Cheers." Her departure led to accusations of sabotage, potentially damaging a show in its prime with the void she would leave, which didn't help her reputation any. Actually with Kirstie Alley as her replacement, new life was breathed into "Cheers" and it continued on for another impressive six seasons. And in the series finale Long returned, proving how much she truly contributed to this amazing show. (Photo credit: Tumblr)