Luke Kleintank, Michael Weatherly, Maia Mitchell, and others have made the difficult decision to leave their respective shows in pursuit of a better work-life balance.
Luke Kleintank bid farewell to FBI International after three years on the show, citing his commitment to family as the primary reason for his departure. He expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans, emphasizing the enriching experience of working on the show. Kleintank’s final episode is set to air on May 7, allowing him more time with his wife, Christina Vignaud, and daughter, Ruby.
Michael Weatherly’s departure from NCIS in 2016 shocked fans, driven in part by his desire to spend more time with his children. Now, with his youngest children, Olivia and Liam, older, Weatherly is set to return to the NCIS universe in a spin-off series, NCIS: Europe, alongside his friend Cote de Pablo.
For Maia Mitchell, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reevaluation of priorities, leading to her decision to leave The Fosters spin-off, Good Trouble, in 2022. Mitchell relocated to Australia to be closer to her loved ones, acknowledging the challenges of working away from home during a global pandemic.
After 12 years on The Walking Dead, Andrew Lincoln departed the show in 2022, citing the difficulty of traveling between Georgia, where the show was filmed, and his home in England. With young children, Lincoln found it increasingly challenging to maintain the demanding schedule of the show.
Emily VanCamp’s departure from The Resident in 2023 came after five years on the show, driven by a shift in priorities towards family. The demands of filming and the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced VanCamp’s decision to prioritize time with her husband, Josh Bowman, and their two daughters.
These actors’ decisions reflect a common desire to prioritize family and personal well-being, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
