Major Private Practice News: Audra McDonald Out After This Season, May Return as Guest Star
Private Practice will soon bid farewell to one of its core characters, Naomi.
In what TV Line calls an amicable split, Audra McDonald is leaving the West Coast-based ABC medical drama at the end of the season to be closer to her family in New York.
While the Tony winner will no longer be a main cast member, reports say there is no bad blood whatsoever and she may well be back in a guest-starring capacity next season.
Audra's character, Naomi, has played a less integral role of late.
“I have spent four amazing years working with the best cast and crew on television at Private Practice,” McDonald said in a statement confirming her departure.
“Though I am stepping away from the series as a regular in order to spend more time in New York with my family, I am not closing the door on Private Practice."
"I am beyond grateful to Shonda Rhimes, ABC, and the team behind the show.”
Executive producer Rhimes says, “We are so appreciative of Audra and her talents and look forward to having her return to Private Practice as often as possible."
"Audra has been a bicoastal commuter throughout four seasons on the air, and e respect and appreciate her desire to spend more time with family in New York.”
McDonald’s departure has been rumored for some time already, as her role has diminished as the producers struggled to accommodate her 3,000-mile commute.
At least we can expect her to leave Oceanside on relatively good terms, or alive in any case. How do you think Private Practice will handle Naomi's departure?
Are you sad to see Audra leave the cast? Leave a comment below.
Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.
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May 27th, 2012 9:44 PM
I am really sad to see her go. I was hoping she would return as Addison decides if she should marry Sam. I dont want them to be together. It is not cool to marry your best friends husband. Sams character sucks since Naomi has been off the show. Hopefully next season will not be a total bust.
April 18th, 2011 2:45 AM
I hope they realise that this could all have been avoided by using the original actress they had for Naomi on the Grey's Anatomy backdoor pilot...
March 27th, 2011 6:08 PM
I am going to be really sad to see her go because not only is she a great actress but she is also african american and we don't have many of them or there especially in the high position that Naomi played..oh well I guess Sams charactor is going to have to do *rolling eyes*
March 21st, 2011 4:46 PM
She's a good actress but cannot stand her holier-than-though, self-righteous judgmental character. Glad to see her go.
Rank: Extra
March 8th, 2011 11:04 AM
I guess this means Maya will go to Columbia and Naomi, the great grandma that she is, will go with her.
As much as I rooted for her and sam the first 3 seasons, I felt the kiss to be unnecessary. Sam is supposed to be the good guy! If not even he can control himself while his girlfriend is going through a rough time, it's hard to believe any man ever could.
February 26th, 2011 4:10 PM
I was so excited when Sam and Naomi kissed because I think Addison can be a royal self-centered bitch and doesn't deserve Sam...and now I see that Naomi is leaving:( so sad
February 16th, 2011 3:45 PM
I will miss Naomi's character - a lot. I thought the acting by Ms. MacDonald was OUTSTANDING!!!!! I am saddened by this departure. I think Addison needed this relationship. Dag! I really hate that she's leaving. Her acting during the Mia pregnancy/marriage/accident series was just superb, piercing and REAL!!!
February 11th, 2011 9:07 PM
I am going to be so sad when she leaves. I love her so much!!!!! :) I hope she can come back as much as she can!!!! :)
Rank: Regular Character
February 9th, 2011 11:43 AM
I will miss naomi the character not Audra. Altho Audra is a great actress, and extremely funny on twitter but I think that Merrin Dungey (who played naomi in the backdoor pilot) would have been a better choice for the role of Naomi. I know she backed out and made a dumb ass move but she was Naomi for me. Naomi never had the best storylines and always played second fiddle to Addie. In Grey's Sandra got a good story line almost every season. Naomi got the ba stuff while Addie mixed it up with heart surgeons, copz, oncologists etc.
I hope she does come back for atleast fove eps next season. And i really hope Shonda makes her go to seattle and help der give him his mc baby.
February 9th, 2011 11:02 AM
I never liked her anyway. I almost liked her when she was almost with that guy in the wheelchair. I won't miss her. I like Amelia and Addison better.