As a dedicated fan of both The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, I can’t help but admire the courage and professionalism displayed by Christian Serratos and Dean Norris in handling their character’s departures from these iconic shows.
Whenever a cherished character is unexpectedly written out on a popular TV series, diehard fans are left heartbroken as they grapple with the question of why the actor chose to leave such a promising opportunity. Although the choice to eliminate established characters can often be made by producers and higher authorities, there have been numerous instances in the entertainment industry where the star themselves decided to move on from their roles, whether it was due to creative differences or personal matters.
Some actors may feel underappreciated or stagnant when playing well-known characters, and they might seek fresh challenges by exploring new projects. Mischa Barton shocked fans with her departure from the peak popularity of “The O.C.” in the 2000s, while Christian Serratos felt it was necessary for “The Walking Dead” to end on a poignant note for the dedicated fanbase in its final episode.
Here are 11 TV actors who asked for their character to be killed off.
11 Jeffrey DeMunn
The Walking Dead
For two thrilling seasons, Jeffrey DeMunn played the calm and composed apocalypse survivor Dale Horvath in the powerful horror series The Walking Dead. He served as a guiding light for his fellow survivors and offered Rick Grimes, their fearless leader, valuable advice and guidance. Having tragically lost his wife before the zombie pandemic, Dale took on a paternal role among his companions, keeping a protective eye over them to ensure they held onto their humanity.
DeMunn Remains Loyal to Darabont
When AMC terminated Frank Darabont, the creator and lead director of “The Walking Dead,” due to financial disagreements and tension with the network, John DeMunn was dismayed by how his friend and former collaborator was treated. In a show of support, he decided not to continue working on the popular series, leading to his departure. His beloved character met a heart-wrenching and gruesome death at the jaws of walkers, a choice that brought DeMunn a sense of tranquility. He expressed this in 2018 to The Plain Dealer:
I was extremely angry over the way Frank was dismissed from the show, leaving me unable to take a proper breath for a whole week. Then it struck me, ‘Ah, I can resign.’ So I contacted them and declared, ‘It’s a zombie series. End me. I no longer wish to participate.’ This action brought about great relief for me.
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10 Julian Glover
Game of Thrones
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most iconic franchises, gracing the screen as Julian Glover in masterpieces like “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” Fast forward to 2011, I found myself immersed in the political intrigue of Westeros as Grand Maester Pycelle on the phenomenal HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Across six thrilling seasons, I made a total of 31 appearances before, unfortunately, growing weary of Pycelle’s role in 2016.
Glover Grows Disenchanted by Show
As the popularity of “Game of Thrones” skyrocketed and solidified its position as a global sensation, Glover grew concerned that his character wasn’t getting enough screen time due to the show’s large cast. Additionally, he felt constrained by the need to maintain secrecy about the show. Frustrated, Glover requested an iconic “Game of Thrones” exit – one in which both he and Pycelle met a grisly end when the cunning character was brutally murdered by a group of children. In 2019, Glover revealed this to IGN:
Initially, my character was being entirely ignored in the plot… It wasn’t enjoyable to perform under such circumstances. So I approached them and expressed my feelings: “I no longer wish to continue, it’s become uninteresting, and what will become of this character?” Eventually, after a lengthy explanation, I received the scene that turned out to be my death scene, which was quite impactful. This was the exact exit scenario I had hoped for.
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9 Emma Caufield
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Introducing a new character into an ongoing TV show can sometimes be uncertain, as it’s tough to predict if the audience will warm up to them. A perfect example is when Emma Caufield joined the beloved series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Fans adored the character of Anya, a former vengeance demon who transformed into a human and developed feelings for Xander, Buffy’s cherished sidekick. Initially appearing as a recurring character in season three, Anya eventually became a regular cast member from season 5 onwards, much to the joy of dedicated fans of their relationship.
An Abrupt & Shocking Finale Death
Viewers were captivated as Anya journeyed through life, delving into the complexities of humanity, and experienced significant character development during her relationship with Xander. In the climactic ending of the acclaimed series, Anya met an abrupt end during the climactic battle, causing immense sorrow among fans and Xander alike. This unexpected demise sparked questions about why the creator, Joss Whedon, chose to end her character so harshly. However, it was Caufield’s choice to be written off the show as she felt overlooked by higher authorities and desired a change. The actress later discussed her decision in a 2006 interview.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my time on ‘Buffy’ and considered it an excellent series, I didn’t always feel that the character I portrayed fully showcased my full potential. Towards the end, I felt underappreciated by some individuals. Despite most of the cast being wonderful, there were a few who… By the finale, it became draining to come to set and face ongoing disrespect.
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8 Raymond Cruz
Breaking Bad
Acting as a brutally volatile, mentally disturbed drug kingpin undoubtedly affects an actor’s mental wellbeing, a notion that Raymond Cruz, who played Tuco Salamanca on Breaking Bad, appeared to echo during his time on the show. The menacing and psychotic character was a central figure in the first season of the critically acclaimed series, but he met his end in the second episode of season 2 after being shot in the stomach by Jesse and subsequently finished off by DEA agent Hank Schrader during a tense confrontation.
Cruz Couldn’t Handle the Intense Role
Cruz specifically asked that Tuco be shot and killed because of how difficult he found the role to be, with the intensity of portraying the sadistic meth dealer becoming too challenging for the actor. Though he did indeed get his wish and Tuco went out in a blaze of glory (even though he was intended to be the season’s major villain), Cruz would go on to reprise the complex role for two seasons of the lauded prequel spin-off Better Call Saul. Cruz was pleased with the death scene and later said:
In simpler terms, the speaker expressed that they weren’t eager to return and continue their role, finding it challenging. They admired how their co-actors handled their ‘death scene’, suggesting that some characters can be tough to “write off”. The speaker believes that killing this specific character non-violently would have been particularly challenging. The shootout scene was substantial, and it was skillfully executed, with the character accepting their fate and being well-prepared for it.
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7 Mischa Barton
The O.C.
2000s Hollywood figure Mischa Barton gained immense fame when she portrayed Marissa Cooper, a troubled yet privileged high school student in the highly successful teen drama “The O.C.” This rebellious girl-next-door captivated viewers, especially her new neighbor Ryan Atwood, with whom she embarked on a stormy relationship. The show ignited a cultural craze and was a must-watch for young audiences. However, many were taken aback when Barton exited the series after only three seasons.
Barton Felt She Had Enough of Marissa
Over the years, there has been debate about whether Barton herself or the show’s producers decided to end her character Marissa’s storyline. However, it was a joint decision between Barton and the production team. Barton felt she had exhausted her creative potential with the role and sought new opportunities, while off-screen issues also played a part in her decision to leave the show. When asked whether Marissa should have a happy ending or meet a tragic fate, Barton chose the latter, and her character met a heartbreaking end in a car accident. At the time, Barton stated:
My character has experienced an immense amount and honestly, there seems to be no further path for her. In truth, I found it quite satisfying that she could finally pass away. It felt more genuine than some of those cliched goodbyes.
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6 Milo Ventimiglia
Gilmore Girls
In a playful and humorous scenario, Milo Ventimiglia expressed a desire for his character, the rebellious Jess Mariano, to have an excitingly destructive departure from the beloved series “Gilmore Girls” during season 3 in 2003. Known as the mischievous troublemaker of Stars Hollow, Jess was sent to live in the idyllic Connecticut town with his uncle Luke, where he became embroiled in a well-known love triangle with Rory and Dean, eventually capturing the heart of young Gilmore girl, Rory.
A Murder in Stars Hollow?
After the final episode of the third heartwarming show installment, both Ventimiglia and his character Jess reached their story conclusion. A spin-off focusing on the troubled teenager was suggested, but it didn’t get picked up by The WB. Ventimiglia wished for a dramatic farewell for Jess, suggesting an elegant exit; however, producers didn’t agree, allowing the character to reappear later in the series and during the 2016 revival. In 2006, Ventimiglia jokingly reminisced about this:
In my plot idea, I intended to harm the character Jess severely, even going so far as to plan for a bus accident or a stab wound to the neck. However, this concept was not accepted. I suppose I thought it would add an exciting twist to the story.
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5 Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Lost
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, famed for his captivating performances in movies such as The Mummy Returns, The Bourne Identity, and Suicide Squad, and TV series like Game of Thrones and Oz, was also a significant player in the enigmatic sci-fi drama Lost. In this show, he portrayed the intriguing character Mr. Eko, who initially appeared at the start of the second season. Prior to his role as a priest, Mr. Eko had been a commander of a Nigerian guerrilla group, seeking redemption for past wrongdoings by moving to Australia.
A Miserable Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Despite spending less than a full season on the show, Akinnuoye-Agbaje found his time filming “Lost” to be unpleasant, both on set and off, as he never felt comfortable in Hawaii and was frustrated with Mr. Eko’s backstory. The actor had grown weary of portraying harsh characters and was disheartened when they chose to give his character a troubled past involving drug trafficking.
Following the demise of his parents, Akinnuoye-Agbaje decided to go back to London. He was the first star from “Lost” who voluntarily left the island, with both the actor and producers collaborating to script a “striking and emotional farewell” for Mr. Eko. Damon Lindelof, the creator, commented on this.
Mr. Eko’s plans took a sudden turn. Adawele’s displeasure became apparent almost immediately. By the second episode, he was openly expressing intense dissatisfaction. Initially, it was thought that he would contest Locke for the spiritual leadership of the castaways.
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4 Kate Mara
House of Cards
One intriguing and captivating example of a television actor advocating for their character’s downfall is Kate Mara, who played the shrewd reporter Zoe Barnes in Netflix’s political drama House of Cards. The determined Washington Herald writer entered into a tense partnership with Francis J. Underwood, where they mutually assisted each other in advancing their careers. However, as expected in such a power-hungry environment, a fierce struggle ensued, ultimately culminating in the shocking murder of Barnes.
Mara Knew She’d Go Out With a Bang
Right from the start, Mara understood that her strong-willed personality would lead to a dramatic, series-defining death. The actress had agreed to join for a specific number of episodes in her contract and didn’t wish to stay longer than what she’d initially agreed with the producers. Although viewers were taken aback when Underwood shoved Barnes onto an oncoming subway train during the season 2 premiere, Mara was aware of her character’s destiny all along and accepted the role knowing it would end spectacularly. She even urged the producers to stick to their plan for a memorable exit.
From the instant I agreed to take on this role, I was aware that I was committed for just 14 episodes and my character would meet a gruesome end at the beginning of the following season. In all likelihood, I wouldn’t have taken the job if I had known this beforehand.
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3 Josh Bowman
Revenge
In the gripping drama series “Revenge,” Josh Bowman acted alongside his future spouse, Emily VanCamp. The show is rich with unexpected plot developments and chronicles Emily Thorne’s mission to infiltrate the wealthy Hamptons community and punish those responsible for harming her family. Bowman portrayed Daniel Grayson, who was both Emily’s main love interest and the son of her primary target. He becomes entangled in her quest for justice against those who wronged her kin.
Bowman Pitches Daniel’s Death
After spending three seasons on the captivating drama, Bowman started feeling uneasy and disconnected from his character Daniel, who had been through numerous trials and often found himself both an ally and enemy to Emily. This continuous flip-flopping led the actor to push for producers to kill off Daniel, a request that was fulfilled in the tenth episode of the fourth and final season. In this episode, Daniel sacrificed himself heroically by taking a bullet meant for Emily before meeting his end. Before his valiant exit, Bowman shared with TV Guide in 2013:
I’ve got an idea for Daniel’s demise before the end of this season. I genuinely enjoy working on this show, but I want to be upfront. My character’s inconsistencies have presented a significant challenge for me to portray effectively.
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2 Christian Serratos
The Walking Dead
To put it bluntly, The Walking Dead didn’t shy away from tearing the emotions of devoted viewers apart when they unexpectedly killed off beloved characters in gruesome ways. Iconic figures such as Hershel, Beth, Abraham, and, tragically, Glenn left a lasting impact on the show’s audience. Even the series finale wasn’t immune to shock, as Christian Serratos’ character Rosita, known for her strength and resilience, met a peaceful end beside Eugene after being bitten by a walker.
Serratos Takes Control of Rosita’s Fate
In the final episode of “The Walking Dead,” Rosita’s death wasn’t a choice by the producers but rather an idea proposed by Danai Gurira (Serratos) herself. She believed that the show should return to its core values, emphasizing family and survival, and wanted to underscore this by reminding viewers that it was all about these fundamental aspects. Serratos felt that her character’s death in the finale served a purpose, as she was prepared to give up her life for her daughter and her companions. She discussed this decision in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
What struck me deeply about the series was its ability to tug at your heartstrings. I hoped our final episode would provide a similar emotional journey for viewers, particularly…It may sound gloomy, but I believe the show had a responsibility to its fans in breaking their hearts one last time, if you follow my meaning.
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1 Dean Norris
Breaking Bad
Making the tough choice to depart from a critically acclaimed television series isn’t simple, but Dean Norris, who played fan-favorite character Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad, felt that it was time for Hank’s pursuit of “Heisenberg” to come to an end by the fifth season. Although the relentless DEA agent’s fate was already determined and the writers planned his death before the series finale, Norris preferred Hank to be killed midway through the season so he could concentrate on filming his upcoming project Under the Dome.
Norris’ Blessing in Disguise
Unlike his former co-star Raymond Cruz, Norris’ suggestion was rejected by producers who had a predetermined plan for Hank and the family. Fortunately, the final season was divided into two parts, giving Norris an opportunity to appear in Under the Dome, while still returning to provide a powerful farewell for Hank. In 2013, Norris told HuffPost:
Originally, I suggested, “Isn’t it intriguing if Hank perished in the first eight episodes?” To which they responded, “Not really, we’ve actually planned for you to be around for the final eight. We’ve been setting this up for the past five years.” Clearly, I’m pleased that they decided to keep me around.
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2024-10-06 22:36