20 Actors Who Wished They Stayed on Their TV Shows
Landing a role on a hit TV show is a dream for most actors, offering steady work and a chance to shine. But sometimes, the urge to chase new opportunities or personal priorities leads stars to walk away, only to later regret their choice.
From creative clashes to dreams of movie stardom, the reasons for leaving vary, but the sting of looking back often hits hard. We’ve rounded up 20 actors who left their shows and later wished they hadn’t, diving into why they left and what they missed.
1. Dave Chappelle – ‘Chappelle’s Show’ (2003-2006)
Dave Chappelle walked away from his groundbreaking comedy series at its peak, turning down a massive deal. He felt the show’s direction was slipping and the grind was pulling him from family and stand-up.
Years later, he admitted the choice was tough, as few understood his decision to step back. The show’s cultural impact and his brief absence from the spotlight left him wondering if he’d made the right call.
2. Katherine Heigl – ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005-present)
Katherine Heigl left her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens to focus on family and a budding film career. Her public feud with the show’s creator over weak storylines stirred controversy, tarnishing her reputation.
She later expressed regret over how she handled her exit, admitting she could’ve stayed longer. Her movie roles didn’t soar as hoped, making her miss the stability of the medical drama.
3. Chevy Chase – ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present)
Chevy Chase, an original cast member, left after one season to chase love and a film career in Los Angeles. His quick rise as a breakout star made the move seem smart at the time.
Looking back, he missed the tight-knit cast and the show’s growing legacy. He later said he wished he’d stayed to be part of its early magic.
4. Christopher Eccleston – ‘Doctor Who’ (1963-1989, 2005-present)
Christopher Eccleston exited as the Ninth Doctor after one season due to creative differences with producers. The sci-fi hit relaunched successfully, but he felt his time was cut short.
He later called it tragic that he didn’t play the role longer, believing he could’ve deepened his performance. The show’s enduring success amplified his second thoughts.
5. Jason Priestley – ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ (1990-2000)
Jason Priestley left his role as Brandon Walsh, feeling the character’s arc was complete. He also wanted to explore new projects and avoid being typecast.
Years later, he regretted leaving, believing the show lost its moral core without the Walsh family. He felt staying could’ve led to a satisfying romantic conclusion for his character.
6. Wil Wheaton – ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994)
Wil Wheaton departed as Wesley Crusher to chase movie roles, thinking it was a savvy career move. The sci-fi series was at its peak, but he wanted broader opportunities.
He later admitted the decision was a mistake, as his film career didn’t take off as planned. The show’s lasting fandom made him wish he’d stayed longer.
7. Andrew Lincoln – ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010-2022)
Andrew Lincoln left his role as Rick Grimes to spend more time with family, expecting to return for planned movies. The zombie drama was still a hit, but he felt ready to move on.
He later shared with co-stars that he picked the wrong time to leave, as the show hit a creative high. The unmade films added to his regret.
8. David Caruso – ‘NYPD Blue’ (1993-2005)
David Caruso, a breakout star as John Kelly, left mid-season to pursue movies, believing the show needed him to succeed. His confidence led to a bold exit.
His film career flopped, and the series thrived for years without him. He later admitted he lacked the tools to handle the responsibility and regretted his amateur move.
9. McLean Stevenson – ‘MAS*H’ (1972-1983)
McLean Stevenson left his role as Colonel Reese, thinking he’d find bigger fame elsewhere. The sitcom was a massive hit, but he wanted to lead his own projects.
His later sitcoms failed, and he openly regretted leaving the iconic show. He realized too late that staying could’ve cemented his legacy.
10. Brian Dunkleman – ‘American Idol’ (2002-2016, 2018-present)
Brian Dunkleman quit co-hosting the reality juggernaut after one season, hoping to build an acting career. He thought leaving was his best shot at stardom.
When the show became a cultural phenomenon, he admitted regret over his bank account and missed fame. His acting dreams didn’t pan out as expected.
11. Ellen Cleghorne – ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present)
Ellen Cleghorne left the iconic sketch show to star in a sitcom, expecting it to launch her to new heights. Her characters and impressions had made her a standout.
The sitcom flopped after one season, and she later wished she’d stayed with the legendary cast. The show’s enduring platform made her exit sting.
12. Tyler Hoechlin – ‘Teen Wolf’ (2011-2017)
Tyler Hoechlin stepped away as a regular to chase film roles, promising fans guest appearances. We were heartbroken when he skipped an entire season.
His movie career didn’t soar, and he later returned to TV. He hinted at wishing he’d stayed longer, as the show remained a fan favorite.
13. T.R. Knight – ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005-2022)
T.R. Knight left after a public scandal involving a co-star’s offensive remark. The fallout made his role as George O’Malley feel untenable.
His career slowed after leaving, with few major roles. He later suggested he wished he’d stayed to maintain the show’s early camaraderie.
14. Dan Stevens – ‘Downton Abbey’ (2010-2015)
Dan Stevens exited as Matthew Crawley to avoid typecasting and pursue diverse roles. His sudden departure shocked us and the show’s creators.
He later admitted he missed the period drama’s unique world. Though his career grew, he regretted not staying for more of its acclaimed run.
15. Michael Learned – ‘The Waltons’ (1972-1981)
Michael Learned left her role as Olivia Walton, feeling bored with the show’s direction. The long hours also wore her down.
She later wished she’d stayed to wrap up the story properly. Her career didn’t take off post-exit, making her miss the show’s stability.
16. Joe Piscopo – ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present)
Joe Piscopo, known for his celebrity impressions, left to chase a movie career. He was a standout in the early ‘80s cast.
His films didn’t make him an A-lister, and he later wondered if staying would’ve been wiser. The show’s legacy grew without him.
17. Joshua Bowman – ‘Revenge’ (2011-2015)
Josh Bowman felt his character in the twisty drama had run its course, even suggesting he be killed off. He wanted to explore new roles.
The show ended soon after, and his career didn’t soar. He later hinted at wishing he’d stayed for the full ride.
18. Charlie Sheen – ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003-2015)
Charlie Sheen’s public meltdown led to his exit from the hit sitcom. His personal struggles and clashes with producers forced his departure.
He later worked to rebuild his life and career, expressing regret over leaving during chaos. The show’s success without him stung.
19. Matt Smith – ‘Doctor Who’ (1963-1989, 2005-present)
Matt Smith left as the Eleventh Doctor, feeling his time was up. The role had made him a global star, but he sought new challenges.
He soon missed the show’s unique world and his co-star’s dynamic. He admitted he could’ve done one more season.
20. Shelley Long – ‘Cheers’ (1982-1993)
Shelley Long left as Diane Chambers to chase movies and family time. Tensions with co-stars also played a part in her exit.
Her film career didn’t match the sitcom’s success, and she later missed its cultural impact. We wish she’d stayed for the full run.
Which actor’s exit surprised you most, or is there another star who regretted leaving a show? Share your thoughts in the comments!
