Jax Taylor, The Valley
Jax Taylor announced he won’t return for season three of The Valley amid concerns about his behavior during season two. Citing a focus on sobriety, mental health, and coparenting during his divorce from Brittany Cartwright, Taylor said he needs time to become his best self, especially for their son Cruz. His exit left fans wondering how the show will adjust without the controversial star.
Sofia Mattsson, General Hospital
Sofia Mattsson exited General Hospital in summer 2025 after seven years portraying Sasha Gilmore. Her character’s storyline ended with a move to Paris, providing a bittersweet farewell for longtime fans. Mattsson’s departure marked the end of an era on the soap, sparking speculation about new directions for the show’s core cast.
Mehcad Brooks, Law & Order
Mehcad Brooks surprised fans by leaving Law & Order before season 25. Since joining in 2022 as Detective Jalen Shaw, Brooks became a fan favorite. His sudden departure raised questions about the show’s future dynamics and storyline, especially given the series’ ongoing success.
Tracy Ifeachor, The Pitt
After a breakout first season on HBO Max’s The Pitt, Tracy Ifeachor announced her departure from the medical drama. Expressing gratitude for the experience, she thanked fans for their support. Ifeachor’s exit left a noticeable gap in the show’s cast, as viewers had connected with her portrayal of Dr. Heather Collins.
Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us
Pedro Pascal’s character Joel Miller met a brutal end in The Last of Us season two, stunning fans. The death mirrored the video game’s storyline, leaving viewers shocked by the graphic scene. Pascal took the exit in stride, joking about how frequently his characters die on screen, cementing his reputation as a beloved actor who takes risks.
Peter Krause, 9-1-1
Peter Krause’s character Bobby Nash was dramatically killed off in an April 2025 episode of 9-1-1. Krause described the sacrifice as a fitting tribute to first responders. The emotional exit after eight years stirred strong reactions from fans and showrunners alike, who wanted to raise the stakes with this impactful storyline.
Paige DeSorbo, Summer House
Paige DeSorbo announced her exit from Summer House after seven seasons, reflecting on her growth during the show. She thanked fans for the memories and community, signaling that it was time for a new chapter. DeSorbo’s departure marked a significant change for the popular Bravo reality series.
Reneé Rapp, The Sex Lives of College Girls
Reneé Rapp confirmed she would not return for the third season of The Sex Lives of College Girls, focusing instead on her music career. Co-creator Mindy Kaling praised Rapp’s contributions and expressed excitement about her future endeavors, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for both the actress and the series.
Kevin Costner, Yellowstone
Kevin Costner officially confirmed in 2024 that he would not return for Yellowstone’s final season. After four and a half seasons as a lead, his exit stunned fans and raised questions about how the show would conclude without its central star, marking the end of a significant chapter for the popular Paramount drama.
Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy
After 19 years as Meredith Grey, Ellen Pompeo stepped away from Grey’s Anatomy as a regular in 2023. She cited a need for change and fresh challenges. Pompeo remains connected to the series through narration and guest appearances, while fans reflect on her long-lasting impact on the iconic medical drama.