From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced. 30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from Janet Hubert to Ruby Rose From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced. By Madeline Boardman, Madeline Boardman Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at . She left EW in 2017. EW's editorial guidelines Mary Sollosi is the former assistant features editor at . She left EW in 2022. EW's editorial guidelines James Mercadante, and Allison DeGrushe :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/allisondegrusheEWbiophotoe5f8e89253c84b7085a43c502a3051a4.

From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced.

30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from Janet Hubert to Ruby Rose

From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced.

By Madeline Boardman,

Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at **. She left EW in 2017.

EW's editorial guidelines

Mary Sollosi is the former assistant features editor at **. She left EW in 2022.

EW's editorial guidelines

James Mercadante,

and Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at **. She has been working at * *since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 1, 2026 10:00 a.m. ET

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Jane Levy on 'Shameless'; Ruby Rose on 'Batwoman'; Janet Hubert on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'. Credit:

Showtime; Katie Yu/The CW; Chris Cuffaio/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Nothing is sacred in Hollywood, including actors.

Some of the most popular shows on TV have seen key characters recast during their runs. Sometimes, a scheduling conflict or creative retooling is to blame. Other times, a clash behind the scenes is the cause.

It happens more often than you'd think, but it's always jarring for the viewer. Just ask anyone who tuned in to season 4 of *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* to see Vivian Banks played by Daphne Reid instead of Janet Hubert.

It's not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a replacement can make the role their own and prove that a different spin can give a character new life. Below, we take a look at 30 of the biggest TV recasts over the years.

Bailey Bass for Delainey Hayles (Claudia on Interview With the Vampire)

Bailey Bass on 'Interview With the Vampire'; Delainey Hayles on 'Interview With the Vampire'.

Alfonso Bresciani/AMC; Larry Horricks/AMC

The same year she portrayed Tsireya in *Avatar: The Way of Water* (2022), rising star Bailey Bass took on the role of teen vampire Claudia in the first season of AMC's *Interview With the Vampire*. Although Bass is set to reprise her *Avatar* role in the upcoming sequels, "a variety of unforeseen circumstances" prevented her from returning to the supernatural series. Delainey Hayles took over the part for season 2, which premiered in May 2024.

"I thought Bailey was amazing," Hayles told EW in May 2024. "She was one of my favorite characters in it, and I felt very privileged to play Claudia, but also I understood the job that I had to do, and the coven family that I've joined."

Henry Cavill for Liam Hemsworth (Geralt of Rivia on The Witcher)

Henry Cavill on 'The Witcher'; Liam Hemsworth on 'The Witcher'.

Katalin Vermes/Netflix; Netflix

After three seasons, Henry Cavill announced in October 2022 that he was exiting his role on the hit Netflix fantasy series *The Witcher*, with Liam Hemsworth replacing him.

"My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures," Cavill wrote on Instagram. "In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men."

Hemsworth later released his own statement on Instagram: "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure.... I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into the *Witcher* world."

Hemsworth will play Geralt in the final two seasons of the series.**

Ruby Stokes for Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton on Bridgerton)

Ruby Stokes on 'Bridgerton'; Hannah Dodd on 'Bridgerton'.

Liam Daniel/Netflix (2)

The first two seasons of Netflix's hit romance series only saw a taste of Ruby Stokes' Francesca Bridgerton — the quiet and unassuming sixth member of the titular family who only appeared in five out of 16 episodes. Around the time season 2 premiered, Stokes decided to leave the show, as she told *Variety* in February 2023: "Every lesson I learned on *Bridgerton* was so valuable, and it propelled me, and allowed me to go on and take on a lead role on another show [*Lockwood & Co*]."

Why does Francesca Bridgerton look so different (and who is she again)?

Will Smith and Janet Hubert reconcile in emotional 'Fresh Prince' reunion: 'You're still my Aunt Viv'

Nevertheless, season 3 presented Hannah Dodd's version of Francesca, who's given a much more prominent storyline where she explores her identity further and is officially presented to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).

Lecy Goranson for Sarah Chalke for Lecy Goranson for Sarah Chalke (Becky Conner on Roseanne)

Lecy Goranson on 'Roseanne'; Sarah Chalke on 'Roseanne'.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Bob D'Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Lecy Goranson and Sarah Chalke did quite the complicated dance throughout the eight-year run of *Roseanne*. The sitcom debuted in October 1988 with Goranson playing Becky Conner. She continued to do so for five years, leaving the gig after the season 5 episode "Daughters and Other Strangers" in May 1993. Chalke then stepped in, picking up the role of Becky in November 1993's season 6 episode "Homecoming." Chalke then exited in 1995, when the part went back to Goranson, who played Becky on and off from September 1995 through May 1996. Chalke popped back up at this time, taking on Becky through the series finale in May 1997. Meanwhile, Goranson has played Becky for the entire run of the *Roseanne* follow-up series* The Conners* so far, with Chalke appearing as Andrea in three episodes of the 2018 revival season of *Roseanne* and an episode of *The Conners*.

Maxwell Huckabee for Aaron Hart for Jared Gilmore for Mason Vale Cotton (Bobby Draper on Mad Men)

Maxwell Huckabee on 'Mad Men'; Aaron Hart on 'Mad Men'; Jared Gilmore on 'Mad Men'; Mason Vale Cotton on 'Mad Men'.

According to Kiernan Shipka, who played big sister Sally, there were no fewer than eight Bobbys in the series' seven seasons — only four of whom, however, were credited. Those four major Bobbys were Maxwell Huckabee (season 1), Aaron Hart (seasons 1 and 2), Jared Gilmore (seasons 3 and 4), and finally Mason Vale Cotton (seasons 5–7).

Lisa Robin Kelly for Christina Moore (Laurie Forman on That '70s Show)

Lisa Robin Kelly on 'That '70s Show'; Christina Moore on 'That '70s Show'.

Carsey-Werner/Everett; 20th Century Fox/Everett

Lisa Robin Kelly was introduced as Laurie Forman in *That '70s Show*'s first season. Making her debut in the second episode, "Eric's Birthday," Kelly played the older sister to Topher Grace's Eric Forman. The actress continued to play Laurie on and off for five years, making her last appearance in season 5's "Celebration Day." In the first episode of the sixth season, Laurie was played by Christina Moore with little explanation given for the change. Moore portrayed the promiscuous older sister for six episodes, wrapping her run at the end of the show's sixth season in 2004.

Alessandra Torresani for Mae Whitman (Ann Veal on Arrested Development)

Alessandra Torresani on 'Arrested Development'; Mae Whitman on 'Arrested Development'.

Fox; Mike Yarish/Netflix/Everett

Her? Mae Whitman may be famous for her early role on *Arrested Development*, but she was not the first actress to play Ann Veal on the Emmy-winning sitcom. The character of George Michael's (Michael Cera) girlfriend was introduced by Alessandra Torresani in the season 1 episode "Let 'Em Eat Cake" in 2004. Whitman first played Ann a few months later, appearing in the season 2 episode "The One Where They Build a House."

Janet Hubert for Daphne Reid (Vivian Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

Will Smith and Janet Hubert on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'; Daphne Reid and Will Smith on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'.

Chris Cuffaio/NBCU Photo Bank; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

*The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* viewers first met Aunt Viv in 1990 thanks to Janet Hubert. Hubert played Vivian Banks from the show's September 1990 premiere episode through 1993, taking her last bow in the season 3 episode "Six Degrees of Graduation." Amid rumors of a feud with *Fresh Prince* star Will Smith, Hubert was replaced for the sitcom's fourth season. Daphne Reid stepped into Aunt Viv's shoes in the season 4 premiere, continuing the character's story from 1993 until the show's wrap in May 1996. Hubert has since shared in the 2020 *Fresh Prince* reunion special on HBO Max why she left the show, which included personal struggles her cast wasn't privy to.

Dick York for Dick Sargent (Darrin Stephens on Bewitched)

Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery on 'Bewitched'; (L to R): Elizabeth Montgomery, Erin Murphy, Dick Sargent, and David Lawrence on 'Bewtiched'.

ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty (2)

Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) met her match in Darrin Stephens on *Bewitched*, but the adman wasn't even played by the same actor through the show's eight-year run. Dick York originated the role, playing Darrin from the 1964 series premiere "I, Darrin, Take This Witch, Samantha" through season 5's "Samantha and Darrin in Mexico City," five years and 17 episodes later. Dick Sargent then took over, first playing Darrin in the season 6 premiere, "Sam and the Beanstalk," and continuing to do so until the show came to a close in 1972.

Lily Nicksay for Lindsay Ridgeway (Morgan Matthews on Boy Meets World)

Lily Nicksay on 'Boy Meets World'; Lindsay Ridgeway on 'Boy Meets World'.

ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty (2)

*Boy Meets World* premiered in 1993 with Lily Nicksay playing Morgan Matthews, the little sister to Ben Savage's Cory Matthews. She continued the role through the end of the second season, bidding adieu in the 1995 season finale "Home." Morgan was nowhere to be seen in the first half of the third season, finally returning in 1996's "A Kiss Is More Than a Kiss" with Lindsay Ridgeway playing the character. The show nodded to the absence, as Cory told his sister, "Morgan, long time, no see!" and she responded, "Yeah, that was the longest timeout I've ever had." Both Nicksay and Ridgeway appeared as Morgan (with Ridgeway being credited as "Morgan Matthews II") in the 2017 series finale of *Girl Meets World*, a show centered around Cory and Topanga's daughter.**

Barbara Bel Geddes for Donna Reed for Barbara Bel Geddes (Miss Ellie Ewing on Dallas)

Barbara Bel Geddes on 'Dallas'; Donna Reed on 'Dallas'.

Everett; CBS via Getty

*Dallas* premiered in April 1978 with Barbara Bel Geddes playing Miss Ellie Ewing. She continued the role for six years, leaving after the season 7 episode "End Game" in May 1984. In November 1984, Donna Reed stepped into her shoes, taking a turn as Miss Ellie Ewing beginning with the season 8 episode "Homecoming." Another swap was in the works, however, as Reed exited the show a year later, with her final appearance in May 1985's "Swan Song." Geddes returned as Miss Ellie Ewing in September 1985 in the season 9 premiere, "The Family Ewing."**

Dixie Carter for Mary Ann Mobley (Maggie McKinney on Diff'rent Strokes)

Dixie Carter on 'Diff'rent Strokes'; Mary Ann Mobley on 'Diff'rent Strokes'.

Gary Null/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Dixie Carter introduced the character of Maggie McKinney in *Diff'rent Strokes*' sixth season. She played the aerobics instructor for one year, leaving the show in 1985's season 7 episode "Blue Collar Drummond." Mary Ann Mobley took over in the eighth season premiere, playing Maggie in the final run of episodes.

Al Corley for Jack Coleman (Steven Carrington on Dynasty)

Al Corley on 'Dynasty'; Jack Coleman on 'Dynasty'.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty (2)

When *Dynasty* made its debut in January 1981, Al Corley was playing the character Steven Carrington. Corley portrayed the oil heir for about a year, exiting *Dynasty* after the 1982 season 2 episode "The Cliff." Jack Coleman took over from there, making his debut as Steven in the 1982 season 3 episode "Acapulco." Coleman stayed on the show for six years, picking up a final appearance in 1988's season 8 episode "Colorado Roulette."

Ross Butler for Charles Melton (Reggie Mantle on Riverdale)

Ross Butler on 'Riverdale'; Charles Melton on 'Riverdale'.

The CW; Jack Rowand/The CW

Ross Butler was the first to don the football jersey of Reggie Mantle, playing the stereotypical bro-y jock for *Riverdale*'s first season before exiting to portray another jock character, Zach, on Netflix's *13 Reasons Why*.

Upon his character's recasting with Charles Melton, Butler posted a video on X expressing his gratitude: "I'm so happy the CW...gave me, an Asian American, a chance to play a traditionally caucasian character, Reggie. And in light of recent casting news, I am even more excited and more proud that they decided to keep Reggie Asian American.... I support Charles Melton all the way, passing the baton off."

For the rest of the show's seven-season run, Melton brought fresh energy to Reggie while also refining his acting chops, earning a slew of nominations and awards for his breakout performance in *May December *(2023) the same year that *Riverdale* wrapped.

Jake T. Austin for Noah Centineo (Jesus Adams Foster on The Fosters)

Jake T. Austin on 'The Fosters'; Noah Centineo on 'The Fosters'.

ABC Family/Eric McCandless; Nicole Wilder/Freeform via Getty

Jake T. Austin picked up a big gig in 2013 when he originated the role of Jesus Adams Foster on *The Fosters*. He played the young man for two years, wrapping his run after the season 2 episode "The End of the Beginning" in March 2015. The character was then absent for a handful of episodes, finally returning in August 2015 with Noah Centineo appearing as Jesus in season 3's "Lucky."

Ed Skrein for Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones)

Ed Skrein on 'Game of Thrones'; Michiel Huisman on 'Game of Thrones'.

HBO; Macall B.Polay/HBO

When *Game of Thrones* fans first met Daario Naharis in the show's third season, the sellsword was played by Ed Skrein. When the fourth season debuted in 2014, however, Michiel Huisman stepped into the role of Daario** **through the end of the sixth season, after which Daario was never seen on the series again.

Santino Fontana for Skylar Astin (Greg on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)

Santino Fontana on 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'; Skylar Astin on 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'.

Scott Everett White/The CW; Robert Voets/The CW

In the first season of *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend*, Santino Fontana charmed viewers as Greg Serrano, the show's sarcastic, cynical bartender and one of Rebecca Bunch's (Rachel Bloom) love interests. Before the musical-comedy series was renewed for another installment, the Broadway star and *Frozen* voice actor had already committed to other projects. As a result, he was only available for four episodes in season 2, prompting the showrunners to change Greg's character arc.

Greg eventually returned, sober, in season 4 with *Pitch Perfect* star Skylar Astin taking over the role. Co-creator Aline Brosh McKenna explained to EW how they executed the recast, saying: "Greg being a different person is not as much about his looks as his vibe — the reason Greg is different is he doesn't hate himself anymore. There's a sweetness and a kindness that radiates from Skylar, and it's wonderful for Rebecca Bunch."

Mike Evans for Damon Evans for Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson on The Jeffersons)

Mike Evans on 'The Jeffersons'; Damon Evans on 'The Jeffersons'.

CBS via Getty (2)

Mike Evans joined *The Jeffersons* as Lionel Jefferson, playing the young man in the series premiere. He continued his turn through the first season, but the role went to Damon Evans in *The Jeffersons*' second season. Damon portrayed Lionel for three years, exiting the show after 1978's season 4 episode "Lionel Gets the Business." In 1979, Mike returned, taking on Lionel in the season 6 premiere and continuing the gig through the 1985 episode "Sayonara: Part 2" in the final season.

Clayton Moore for John Hart for Clayton Moore (The Lone Ranger on The Lone Ranger)

Clayton Moore on 'The Lone Ranger'; John Hart on 'The Lone Ranger'.

LMPC via Getty; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

In September 1949, *The Lone Ranger* made its debut, with Clayton Moore playing the title character in "Enter the Lone Ranger." Moore continued to play the Lone Ranger through March 1951, leaving after the season 2 episode "Backtrail." When the third season premiered in September 1952, John Hart was the man behind the mask. Hart played the Lone Ranger until September 1952, exiting after the season 3 episode "The Red Mark." Moore then made his return, coming back to the role in the September 1954 season 4 premiere "The Fugitive" and continuing the role until the show's wrap in June 1957.

Jeremy Gelbwaks for Brian Forster (Christopher "Chris" Partridge on The Partridge Family)

Jeremy Gelbwaks on 'The Partridge Family'; Brian Forster on 'The Partridge Family'.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty (2)

When fans first took in *The Partridge Family*, Jeremy Gelbwaks was playing the role of Chris Partridge. The young man appeared on the show for about a year, playing the drummer through the season 1 finale, "A Knight in Shining Armor," in 1971. When season 2 debuted, Brian Forster was in the role. Forster continued to play Chris for three years, going out with the show's final episode in 1974.

Ryan Bittle for Jeremy Garrett (Todd Wilkins on Sweet Valley High)

Ryan Bittle on 'Sweet Valley High'; Jeremy Garrett on 'Sweet Valley High'.

Saban Intl./Everett; Saban International/Everett

*Sweet Valley High* made its TV debut in September 1994, recruiting Ryan Bittle for the role of high school dreamboat Todd Wilkins. Bittle held the gig for two years, eventually leaving after the season 2 episode "A Look Back in Anecdotes" in 1996. He was then replaced by Jeremy Garrett, who took on the role of Todd the same year. Garrett continued his turn through the show's final run of episodes in 1997.

Beverley Owen for Pat Priest (Marilyn Munster on The Munsters)

Beverly Owen on 'The Munsters'; Pat Priest on 'The Munsters'.

CBS via Getty; Everett

Viewers met the Munsters in September 1964, getting an introduction to Marilyn Munster thanks to actress Beverley Owen. Owen played the normal family member through the 13th episode in December 1964, passing the part to Pat Priest, who made her first appearance as Marilyn the following week in "Grandpa Leaves Home." Priest continued to portray Marilyn throughout the rest of the show's run.

Andrew Terraciano for Mika Amonsen (Sean Reagan on Boston Blue)

Andrew Terraciano on 'Blue Bloods'; Mika Amonsen on 'Boston Blue'.

Patrick Harbron/CBS via Getty ; Christos Kalohoridis/CBS

Andrew Terraciano played Sean Reagan on all 14 seasons of *Blue Bloods*, debuting in season 1 when he was just 7 years old. For the spinoff *Boston Blue*, however, the character was recast with Mika Amonsen.

Speaking with *Variety*, executive producer Brandon Margolis said the decision had nothing to do with Terraciano's contributions to the character, but rather reflects "a new chapter" for both Sean and his father, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg). "It felt like there was an organic opportunity to bring in a new performance with a new energy, to help dramatize that change," he said.

Jordan Elsass for Michael Bishop (Jonathan Kent on Superman & Lois)

Jordan Elsass on 'Superman & Lois'; Michael Bishop on 'Superman & Lois'.

Dean Katie Yu/The CW; Shane Harvey/The CW

On the CW's *Superman & Lois*, Clark Kent and Lois Lane are the parents of twin boys, Jonathan and Jordan. Jonathan was initially played by Jordan Elsass, but the actor left the series following season 2.

The decision was apparently made by Elsass, as a statement from Warner Bros. TV said he "notified the Studio that he will not be returning to *Superman & Lois* for season 3 due to personal reasons." Sources reiterated to EW that his departure wasn't a workplace-related issue, but a private matter.

Michael Bishop took over the role for seasons 3 and 4, fulfilling the Australian actor's longtime dream of joining the Kent family.**

Jane Levy for Emma Greenwell (Mandy Milkovich on Shameless)

Jane Levy on 'Shameless'; Emma Greenwell on 'Shameless'.

Showtime;  Cliff Lipson/Showtime/Courtesy Everett

Jane Levy originated the role of the libidinous Mandy Milkovich on *Shameless*, appearing in the first season before departing to lead ABC's *Suburgatory*.

Reflecting on the career move in 2012, Levy told *Backstage* that she was drawn to the sitcom. "I try not to get attached to stuff; I try to move on," she said. "But this was the first one I went out for and it was exciting... When I found out it was actually going to happen, I went crazy."

Emma Greenwell stepped in as Mandy beginning in season 2, giving the character a grittier edge. She stayed on *Shameless *through season 6, much of which was spent in a complicated on-and-off relationship with Jeremy Allen White's Lip Gallagher.

Julia Butters for Giselle Eisenberg (Anna-Kat Otto on American Housewife)

Julia Butters on 'American Housewife'; Giselle Eisenberg on 'American Housewife'.

Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Craig Sjodin via Getty

Julia Butters charmed audiences as the lovable Anna-Kat Otto for the first four seasons of *American Housewife*. After earning acclaim for her breakout role in Quentin Tarantino's *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, Butters left the series to "pursue other opportunities," per *Deadline*.

She has since appeared in movies like Steven Spielberg's *The Fabelmans* and *Freakier Friday *with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.

Giselle Eisenberg (*Life in Pieces*) took over the role of Anna-Kat for the show's fifth and final season.

Phil Bruns for Barney Martin (Morty Seinfeld on Seinfeld)

Phil Bruns on 'Seinfeld'; Barney Martin on 'Seinfeld'.

NBC; Michael Yarish/NBCU Photo Bank

Morty Seinfeld, Jerry's loud, paranoid dad on *Seinfeld*, is among the comedy's more memorable supporting players. Barney Martin played Morty from season 2 through season 9, but the character was first portrayed by actor Phil Bruns in the season 1 episode "The Stake-Out."

As noted by director Tom Cherones, the role was recast due to co-creators Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David wanting Morty to have a "harsher" vibe.

John Randolph for Jerry Stiller (Frank Costanza on Seinfeld)

John Randolph on 'Seinfeld'; Jerry Stiller on 'Seinfeld'.

NBC; Michael Yarish/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

After so many memorable episodes and line readings ("Hello, woman"), it's hard to believe Frank Costanza was played by anyone but Jerry Stiller. When the volcanic father of Jason Alexander's George debuted in season 4, however, he was played by actor John Randolph (*National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation*) in a performance far more reserved.

In a DVD featurette, David couldn't recall why Randolph wasn't brought back in season 5, but noted that writer Larry Charles suggested they recast Frank with Stiller. Frank became such an iconic figure on the show that David even negotiated for Stiller and Alexander to reshoot Randolph's season 4 scene and insert it into reruns and subsequent releases.

Ruby Rose for Wallis Day (Kate Kane on Batwoman)

Ruby Rose on 'Batwoman'; Wallis Day on 'Batwoman'.

Jeffery Garland/The CW; The CW/Everett

After just one season, Ruby Rose announced she was leaving her role as Kate Kane on the CW's *Batwoman*. Rose later alleged unsafe working conditions on set and accused former Warner Bros. TV president Peter Roth and her costar, Dougray Scott, of mistreatment. Warner Bros. TV denied the claims, and a few cast members also disputed her comments, claiming Rose was fired from the show.

For season 2, Javicia Leslie was cast as the Ryan Wilder version of Batwoman following the apparent death of Kate, though she was later revealed to be alive (and portrayed by actress Wallis Day).

Jo Marie Payton for Judyann Elder (Harriette Winslow on Family Matters)

Jo Marie Payton on 'Family Matters'; Judyann Elder on 'Family Matters'.

Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty; CBS

Jo Marie Payton exited *Family Matters *halfway through its final season, with her last appearance as Harriette Winslow airing on Dec. 19, 1997. The role was then recast with Judyann Elder, who played Harriette for the show's remaining nine episodes.

Payton told EW in 2017 that she doesn't have any regrets about leaving and even admitted she'd been ready to move on years earlier. "I actually made the decision to leave the show two years before I left," she revealed. "I was unhappy about a lot of things; I was going through a divorce, I wasn't happy on the show — it didn't mean I did not want to perform as an actress or an artist … I wanted to do something else."

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- Entertainment Industry Roles

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Published: January 01, 2026 at 05:38PM on Source: MARIO MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byMario Satorik

in

January 01, 2026

30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from Janet Hubert to Ruby Rose

From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced. 30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from ...

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Zach Bryan Confirms Marriage to Samantha Leonard on Instagram: ‘Tougher Than the Rest’

Zach Bryan Confirms Marriage to Samantha Leonard on Instagram: 'Tougher Than the Rest' Erin Carlson January 1, 2026 at 1:30 AM 0 Kayla Oaddams/WireImage ; Courtesy of Samantha Leonard/Instagram Zach Bryan has confirmed his marriage to Samantha Leonard. Bryan, 29, took to Instagram on Wednesday, December 31, and shared a blackandwhite photo of him carrying Leonard, 28, as she sported a strapless white bridal gown with a feathery hem. The happy couple smiled as Leonard held a wine glass.

- - Zach Bryan Confirms Marriage to Samantha Leonard on Instagram: 'Tougher Than the Rest'

Erin Carlson January 1, 2026 at 1:30 AM

0

Kayla Oaddams/WireImage ; Courtesy of Samantha Leonard/Instagram

Zach Bryan has confirmed his marriage to Samantha Leonard.

Bryan, 29, took to Instagram on Wednesday, December 31, and shared a black-and-white photo of him carrying Leonard, 28, as she sported a strapless white bridal gown with a feathery hem. The happy couple smiled as Leonard held a wine glass.

"Tougher than the rest," he captioned his post, which also included a video of him performing the Bruce Springsteen song with the same name at their wedding reception.

Earlier Wednesday, the country star was spotted holding Leonard in his arms after exchanging vows in Spain, multiple outlets reported. A video posted via Instagram showed the newlyweds laughing as they hopped into a convertible and drove off into the proverbial sunset.

Singer Zach Bryan's Dating History: From Ex-Wife to Barstool Fling

The day before the wedding, Bryan shared a photo of him with his guy friends, adding a caption that cited lyrics from the Black Eyes Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." On December 29, Bryan posted a clip of him crooning a heartfelt song on the guitar that seemingly referenced his upcoming nuptials.

"I made a woman fall in love and made our young hearts cry," he sang. "I'm on an aeroplane bound to Spain tonight."

View this post on Instagram

On Wednesday, Leonard posted a clip via her Instagram Stories in which she and Bryan touched down on an airplane.

The couple were first linked in August. That October, Bryan paid tribute to his new love via Instagram, writing, "From bull runs to all the bulls***, today is your birthday and I love you Samantha Marie. To the only woman who can hike six miles in Chanel flats, skydive over the alps and catch a bigger fish than me all in the same day. Hope your day was as graceful as you are."

Brianna Chickenfry Says Zach Bryan Picked Out an Engagement Ring for Her

Sparks flew between Bryan and Leonard one year after his not-so-amicable split with Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia, whom he dated from the summer of 2023 up to fall 2024.

"Brianna and me [sic] have broken up with each other and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that, I'll always thank her," Bryan said in a statement in October 2024. "I've had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be."

LaPaglia, 26, has said that the breakup blindsided her and accused Bryan of being emotionally abusive. (Us Weekly reached out for comment at the time. Bryan hasn't responded to the allegations.)

LaPaglia's fans, meanwhile, have noted the physical resemblance between her and Leonard.

"Next question is [one] that I got a million times. 'What do you think about Zach's girlfriend looking exactly like you?'" LaPaglia said during an October episode of her "Plan Bri Uncut" podcast. "I think that is narcissism textbook 101, like, that's what narcissists do. They just go and find another version of you to date."

She continued, "People are like, 'Are you creeped out? Are you mad? Are you flattered?' I am flattered to be honest. I dyed my hair so that people [would] stop sending me every single picture that he posts of her, and I blocked him. I don't wanna see this [and] I don't want to indulge in anything that he does."

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

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Source: Entertainment

Published: January 01, 2026 at 03:45PM on Source: MARIO MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byMario Satorik

in

January 01, 2026

Zach Bryan Confirms Marriage to Samantha Leonard on Instagram: ‘Tougher Than the Rest’

Zach Bryan Confirms Marriage to Samantha Leonard on Instagram: 'Tougher Than the Rest' Erin Carlson January 1, ...

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Guess Who This Kid In Overalls Turned Into!

Guess Who This Kid In Overalls Turned Into! TMZ StaffJanuary 1, 2026 at 2:01 AM 0 Guess Who These Cute Kids Turned Into Part 18 Click image to open gallery Before this brownhaired boy turned into a shining star, he was just growing up in Vancouver, Canada, and dreaming of Hollywood's big flashing lights! He's a selftaught musician who's a big punk and horror fan! ... Mike Wheeler in "Stranger Things." Can you guess who he is?

- - Guess Who This Kid In Overalls Turned Into!

TMZ StaffJanuary 1, 2026 at 2:01 AM

0

Guess Who These Cute Kids Turned Into -- Part 18 - Click image to open gallery

Before this brown-haired boy turned into a shining star, he was just growing up in Vancouver, Canada, and dreaming of Hollywood's big flashing lights!

He's a self-taught musician who's a big punk and horror fan! ... Mike Wheeler in "Stranger Things."

Can you guess who he is?

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

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Published: January 01, 2026 at 03:45PM on Source: MARIO MAG

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Clooney and costar Adam Sandler explain their reaction to filmmaker Noah Baumbach's big surprise. George Clooney was 'surprised' by Jay Kelly scene that director kept secret from him Clooney and costar Adam Sandler explain their reaction to filmmaker Noah Baumbach's big surprise. By Gerrad Hall :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/Gerrad413fcf02541834f43bb26c0de8fe66f66.jpg) Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at , overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage. He is also host of The Awardist podcast, and has cohosted EW's live Oscars, Emmys, SAG, and Grammys red carpet shows.

Clooney and costar Adam Sandler explain their reaction to filmmaker Noah Baumbach's big surprise.

George Clooney was 'surprised' by Jay Kelly scene that director kept secret from him

Clooney and costar Adam Sandler explain their reaction to filmmaker Noah Baumbach's big surprise.

By Gerrad Hall

Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at **, overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage. He is also host of *The Awardist* podcast, and has cohosted EW's live Oscars, Emmys, SAG, and Grammys red carpet shows. He has appeared on *Good Morning America*, *The Talk*, *Access Hollywood*, *Extra!*, and other talk shows, delivering the latest news on pop culture and entertainment.

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December 27, 2025 11:00 a.m. ET

When George Clooney took a seat in a theater to prepare for a scene in *Jay Kelly* where his character, the titular movie star, is about to receive a life achievement award, he wasn't prepared for what was about to happen.

As is tradition during such an honor, a video plays that includes clips from the honoree's various film projects. In this case, director Noah Baumbach had secretly assembled a reel featuring clips of Clooney's work — and when the director called action on the scene, the reel played for the crowd to capture Clooney's genuine reaction.

"Oh, it was a surprise all right. I was surprised," Clooney says, above, during **'s *Around the Table* video series, joined by Baumbach and costars Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Emily Mortimer (the latter of whom co-wrote the script with Baumbach).

"We were both surprised," adds Sandler, who was also kept in the dark about the clip reel. "We felt things that we didn't expect to feel."

Adam Sandler and George Clooney in 'Jay Kelly'.

"We held hands," says Clooney, and Baumbach used it in the film. "No, I didn't know he was going to use sort of clips from my own actual career, which was a surprise. And you get to look at a lot of bad haircuts over the… mullets. Don't you laugh," he says to Sandler. "You had a mullet."

"My mullet was fluffy," the *Saturday Night Live* veteran quips. "Mine wasn't as good as yours. Yours laid there nicely."

"I had a good mullet… Full party in the back," Clooney jokes. "Who would put it up on a screen that people could see now with a beautiful score?"

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"So that's why you were so emotional," Dern says.

Clooney adds, "Well, Adam just kept saying, 'How do you still have a career?' That's what he kept saying to me, which was painful. It's painful."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

As for that clip reel, it features Clooney's movies *The American*, *Burn After Reading*, *Combat Academy*, *From Dusk Till Dawn*, *The Good German*, *Intolerable Cruelty*, *Leatherheads*, *Michael Clayton*, *Oceans 11*, *Out of Sight*, *The Peacemaker*, *Sunset Beat*, *Syriana*, *The Thin Red Line*, *Three Kings*, and *Up in the Air*, and as well as a bit of his breakout role on the TV series *ER*.

The scene comes at the conclusion of a whirlwind trip for Jay Kelly, who didn't originally want the award, but when his daughter leaves L.A. for a European vacation with friends, he tells his manager and publicist, played by Sandler and Dern, that he will, in fact, accept the award — all an excuse for him to also conveniently be in Italy at the same time as his daughter, who he just wants to spend some time with.**

Watch the full *Around the Table* with Baumbach, Clooney, Sandler, Dern, and Mortimer above. *Jay Kelly* is available to stream on Netflix.

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Published: January 01, 2026 at 03:38PM on Source: MARIO MAG

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byMario Satorik

in

January 01, 2026

George Clooney was 'surprised' by Jay Kelly scene that director kept secret from him

Clooney and costar Adam Sandler explain their reaction to filmmaker Noah Baumbach's big surprise. George Clooney was ...

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Showrunner Dan Shotz said that Reddick's wife Stephanie told him that Tamara Smart &34;is very important to our family and there is something so magical about her.&34; How Lance Reddick inspired a key casting decision on Percy Jackson and the Olympians after his death Showrunner Dan Shotz said that Reddick's wife Stephanie told him that Tamara Smart &34;is very important to our family and there is something so magical about her.&34; By Wesley Stenzel :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/WesleyStenzelauthorphoto32b61793a2784639af623f2ae091477e.jpg) Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at .

Showrunner Dan Shotz said that Reddick's wife Stephanie told him that Tamara Smart "is very important to our family and there is something so magical about her."

How Lance Reddick inspired a key casting decision on Percy Jackson and the Olympians after his death

Showrunner Dan Shotz said that Reddick's wife Stephanie told him that Tamara Smart "is very important to our family and there is something so magical about her."

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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December 27, 2025 1:05 p.m. ET

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Lance Reddick; Tamara Smart in Los Angeles on Dec. 3, 2025. Credit:

Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty; Savion Washington/Getty

- Tamara Smart portrays Thalia Grace, the demigod daughter of Lance Reddick's Zeus, on *Percy Jackson and the Olympians*.

- Showrunner Dan Shotz said that Reddick's wife Stephanie urged him to consider Smart for the role.

- Smart previously portrayed Reddick's on-screen daughter on Netflix's *Resident Evil*: "There is something so magical about her."

A year after his death, Lance Reddick inspired a key casting decision for *Percy Jackson and the Olympians*.

Dan Shotz, the showrunner for the fantasy-adventure series, explained in a recent Instagram post how the late *John Wick* actor guided the decision to cast Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace, the demigod daughter of Reddick's Zeus.

"After a worldwide search to find Thalia for @percyseries, in mid-July '24, I got a call from Stephanie Reddick, the wife of the late, great @thereallancereddick, saying there is this young actress you should take a look at for Thalia," Shotz wrote on Dec. 26 alongside a carousel of photos with Smart.

The showrunner recalled Stephanie saying, "She played Lance's daughter on another series, she is very important to our family and there is something so magical about her. No pressure, just take a look at her tape."

Tamara Smart in 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians'.

Disney/David Bukach

Shotz wasn't confident that the recommendation would pan out. "All I could think about is how do I tell Stephanie Reddick that most likely this isnt going to be the person," he wrote. "Then her tape came in (woah), then I met her (oh my), then she read with @walker.scobell and his first words after the read were… 'we are casting her, right?' Magical is so the right word."

The showrunner went on to praise Smart's talents. "[She] is a force, a talent with a deep, profound soul and I know she is honoring Lance with every word that comes out of her mouth," Shotz wrote. "Thank you to Stephanie and Lance Reddick for finding us our Thalia."

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'Percy Jackson' EPs explain Chris Rodriguez recasting, reveal original actor still appears

Smart previously portrayed Reddick's on-screen daughter in Netflix's *Resident Evil* series in 2022. The actress explained how the Reddicks introduced her to the Disney+ iteration of *Percy Jackson* in a conversation with **.

"I remember the first season of *Percy Jackson* coming out, and I knew Lance and so I watched it with his wife, Stephanie, and I just loved it," she said. "I remember the second season being announced and since I'd read the books, I knew Thalia was going to be around and I was like, 'I can't wait to see who they cast.' Because I thought I was way too old!"

Smart said that she discussed the project with Stephanie after securing an audition. "I remember immediately messaging Stephanie and being like, 'This is crazy. I am going to do my best for this. I'm giving it my everything,'" she said. "I was trying to stay very calm but this was a very big sentimental thing for me."

Tamara Smart and Lance Reddick in West Hollywood, Calif., on July 11, 2022.

Charley Gallay/Getty for Netflix

The actress said that Stephanie accompanied her to set on her first day of shooting on *Percy Jackson*. "It was such a supportive day. I had Stephanie with me, Lance's wife — she came out for my first day," she said. "It was really emotional but incredible. I felt like I was living this day for Lance and I felt like he was there with me and very proud, so I don't think I'll ever forget that day. It's such a weird twist of fate that I'm even on this show, and I'm also very grateful to the legacy that they've left for Lance and the way that they've been so respectful about it."

Reddick died at 60 on March 17, 2023, from a combination of coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic heart disease. Smart told EW that *Percy Jackson* helped her grieve her former on-screen dad.

"Watching [season 1] very much helped me heal on my grief journey with Lance," she recalled. "And as much as I was so excited and honored to be a part of the show, I found it quite difficult at times because shooting the show is a constant reminder of Lance in what now, I think, is the best way. But at the time, I found it very difficult to handle. I was a lot more emotional, and a lot of scenes just felt very charged for me because they were being related to a place that was so deep-rooted in my heart. That was something that I definitely struggled with."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Courtney B. Vance took over as Zeus in season 2 of the series, and Smart said that meeting the actor for the first time was a "beautiful" experience. "I remember him shooting last season and he did a minute of silence for Lance, which was just such a beautiful ode to him before he ever even played the character," she recalled. "I remember him snatching the mic out of our assistant director's hand and being like, 'Hey, we're not shooting yet. This is what we're doing.' He's incredible, and I can't wait for everyone to see how truly, truly incredible he is in this show."

*Percy Jackson *releases new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+.

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Source: Sci-Fi

Published: January 01, 2026 at 03:38PM on Source: MARIO MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byMario Satorik

in

January 01, 2026

How Lance Reddick inspired a key casting decision on Percy Jackson and the Olympians after his death

Showrunner Dan Shotz said that Reddick 's wife Stephanie told him that Tamara Smart &34;is very important to our famil...

Read More