10 Actors Who Turned Down The Chance To Return For TV Show Reboots
Reboots and revivals of older TV shows often face challenges in securing the original actors. Here are 10 actors who turned down the chance to return for TV show reboots, and the impact of their decisions.
The Challenge of Reboots and Revivals
Reboots and revivals of older TV shows are abundant today, but not all of them manage to secure the actors from the original series. Some have simply moved on to other projects and don't want to work backward, while a few of the stars from classic sitcoms like Full House or Will & Grace have retired from acting altogether. Others do not appear to support the idea of a reboot in general, recognizing that it would be better to let the original series stand as it is.
An image of Tori Spelling in 90210
While some TV reboots and revivals turn out all right, most of the time, they have comparatively shorter runs than the original. In some cases, the absence of an original character detracts from the new story, especially when other actors from the original series do appear. The actors themselves may have doomed the show by not returning.
Actors Who Opted Out
10. Tori Spelling - 90210
Tori Spelling starred in the 90s show Beverly Hills, 91210 alongside Jason Priestley and Shannen Doherty. Despite the success of the original series, Spelling did not reprise her role as Donna Martin in 90210 after discovering that her former co-stars were being offered significantly more money per episode. She eventually returned for BH90210.
9. Chad Michael Murray - Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life (2016)
Alexis Bledel as Rory and Chad Michael Murray as Tristan in Gilmore Girls
Chad Michael Murray had a supporting role in season 1 of Gilmore Girls, but he opted out of the revival miniseries, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, as he and his wife were expecting a baby at the time.
8. David Hyde Pierce - Frasier (2023-Present)
David Hyde Pierce as Niles Crane adjusts his tie while looking at the camera in Frasier.
David Hyde Pierce turning down the offer meant the absence of Frasier's brother Niles, affecting the dynamic between the characters. The success of the revival without Pierce is debatable.
7. Jennifer Morrison - Once Upon A Time Season 7 (2017-2018)
Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) and Captain Hook (Colin O'Donoghue) in Once Upon a Time
Morrison attributed her absence to the 'grueling schedule' of filming and her desire to explore other creative opportunities. She guest starred in three episodes of the final season.
6. Michael Ontkean - Twin Peaks (2017)
Michael Ontkean as Sheriff Harry S. Truman
Ontkean retired from acting by the time the 2017 reboot Twin Peaks: The Return was in development. His character was reworked as Sheriff Frank Turman, played by Robert Forster.
5. Kim Cattrall - And Just Like That... (2021-Present)
Kim Cattrall as Samantha in Sex and the City
Cattrall made it clear in interviews that she did not want to return for another sequel but appeared in one episode of the revival series. She is satisfied with her decision to leave Sex and the City behind.
4. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen - Fuller House (2016-2020)
John Stamos and one of the Olsen twins as Jesse Katsopolis and Michelle Tanner in Full House
The Olsen twins chose to pursue careers in fashion and business and did not return for Fuller House. Michelle's absence stands out because many of the other original characters are present.
3. Shelley Morrison - Will & Grace Revival (2017-2020)
Kate and Rosario in Will and Grace
Morrison, who played Kate's maid Rosario in the original run, decided to retire and passed away in 2019.
2. Jennette McCurdy - iCarly (2021-2023)
Sam in iCarly
McCurdy left acting and turned down the iCarly reboot for the best interest of her mental health.
1. Zachary Quinto - Heroes Reborn (2015-2016)
Zachary Quinto as Sylar choking Peter in Heroes Season 1
Quinto turned down the offer to return for Heroes Reborn to cultivate other outlets for himself. Heroes was canceled after season 4 following a decrease in viewership.
The Impact of Their Decisions
The decisions of these actors to turn down the chance to return for TV show reboots have left an impact on the revivals. Whether it's the absence of a key character or the dynamic between characters, their absence has been felt. Some have chosen to pursue other creative opportunities, while others have retired from acting altogether. Regardless of the reasons, their decisions have shaped the success and reception of the revivals, leaving fans to wonder what could have been if the original actors had returned.
