Actors Who Refused To Return For TV Show Revivals

The world of television is a complex and often frustrating one. TV is a collaborative medium that only works when everyone does their part. The actors are usually the most important puzzle pieces, especially when they become synonymous with a fan-favorite character. This means that whenever a show gets looked at for a potential reboot or revival, whether or not the key cast members will return becomes a major talking point. Sometimes they jump at the chance to reprise their roles, but other times, they flat-out refuse to take part.

We're taking a journey through television history to look at the times actors have said no to reprising their roles in revival shows. This means that they have turned down an official offer from a network, or they have pre-emptively shot down the idea of coming back during an interview. Here are some actors who refused to return for TV show revivals.

"Beverly Hills, 90210" is one of the quintessential shows of the 1990s. From the fashion to the music to its sunny California setting, the show hugely influenced popular culture. Today, if you catch a teen-centric show, there's a good chance it's taking a few ques from "Beverly Hills, 90210." The original series followed Brandon (Jason Priestley) and Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) as they attempted to adjust to the California lifestyle. Along for the ride was Donna Martin (Tori Spelling), a ditzy but well-intentioned girl. Throughout the series, we get to see Donna go through her own trials and tribulations, including dealing with her dyslexia and an abusive relationship.

When a series revival titled "90210" was announced, many former cast members, including Shannen Doherty, immediately signed on to appear alongside the new cast. Initial reports suggested that Tori Spelling had ruled herself out because she had just given birth. However, it later transpired that she had agreed to come back, but had backed out when she realized that she was going to be paid less than the others. "Insiders tell me that Tori was hired to reprise her role as fashion boutique owner Donna Martin for just $10,000-$20,000 per episode," Deadline's Nikki Finke revealed. "But then Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty were signed for $35,000-$50,000 a show. When Tori found out her former co-stars were getting paid way more than she was, she got p***** and demanded equal pay. But the network suits have refused." Spelling would eventually reprise the role in "BH90210."

This is an example of a star turning down a revival before it has even been given a chance to take shape. If you were a '00s kid, there's a good chance that you caught "The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody" on the Disney Channel. The series followed Zack and Cody Martin (Dylan and Cole Sprouse) as they turned the Tipton Hotel into their personal playground. Their shenanigans were often at the expense of the hotel's manager Mr. Moseby (Phill Lewis) and their mother Carey (Kim Rhodes). The duo's antics proved so popular that they went on to star in "The Suite Life on Deck."

With '00s nostalgia running rampant lately, one would think that a "Suite Life" revival would be a no-brainer for Disney. However, it seems as though the show's two most important ingredients — the lead stars — aren't interested in another stint at the Tipton. During an appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show," Cole said: "No, absolutely not" to any potential revival, citing how much the original show meant to people (via the Daily Mail). While certainly disheartening for fans, it is encouraging that Cole and his brother respect the original series enough that they don't want to taint its legacy.

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tim Kring's "Heroes" was providing prime time viewers with superhero action and intrigue on a weekly basis. The show was originally envisioned as having a fluctuating cast, meaning that each season would follow a new group of super-powered people. Though he was a side-character in Season 1, Zachary Quinto's Sylar received more screen time in Season 2. Sylar (aka Gabriel Gray) was a serial killer with the ability to harvest the powers of other superheroes.

Over the course of the show's remaining seasons, Sylar's fluctuation between good and evil became a main plot point. The show concluded in 2010, but "Heroes" was given a second-life just five years later with "Heroes Reborn." While it was "a meaningful experience" for Quinto, he felt like returning to the role for the revival was the wrong move, as he explained during an interview with BuzzFeed's Kate Aurthur. "I just felt like I didn't want to go back to it," he said. "It's a great thing to be a part of. I just felt like I need to cultivate other outlets for myself."

More than two decades after its premiere on NBC, "Will & Grace" is still seen as a landmark show in the history of LGBTQ representation on television. The show told the story of Will Truman (Eric McCormack) and Grace Adler (Debra Messing), a gay lawyer and a straight interior designer who are best friends. In 2017, NBC confirmed that the series was being brought back, and it officially premiered in September of the same year. McCormack and Adler were slotted back into their original roles for another go, but, sadly, a beloved co-star wouldn't be joining them this time.

Shelley Morrison, who portrayed Rosario Salazar — a maid employed by Grace's assistant Karen Walker — was not coming back. The character of Rosario became a favorite of many, hence her expanded role in the show's later seasons. Unfortunately, when the revival came around and the creators reached out, Morrison opted not to reprise her role. "Shelley has decided to retire," co-creator Max Mutchnick said (via The Hollywood Reporter). "It was with a heavy heart that she gave us that information and that we received it, but it is the way that it goes. It is a choice that she has made. We really wanted Shelley to be a part of this series, so we find ourselves having to figure that out moving forward." Morrison passed away just two years later. She was 83.

If you want some television that'll make you feel like your brain just took a ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl, then "Twin Peaks" is priority viewing. David Lynch's hybrid of small town Americana and his standard surrealism turned some heads back in the 1990s. While initially centered on the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer, it quickly became more about the day-to-day interactions within the titular town. This resulted in an increasingly quirky cast of characters, all possessing their own odd traits and idiosyncrasies.

Following the show's cancellation, the series took on a cult following, resulting in a feature film and a revival in 2017. When the revival was announced, many of the show's original cast were quick to jump aboard. However, Michael Ontkean, the man who portrayed Sheriff Harry S. Truman, wasn't interested in donning the uniform for the show's big comeback, it was quickly confirmed. A source close to Ontkean spoke to Nerdist and informed them that "Michael is fully retired from show business, and has been for many years." While his presence was missed, we can respect Ontkean's choice to maintain his peaceful life away from the bright lights of television.

"Frasier" is still regarded as one of the greatest spin-offs ever made, and it isn't hard to see why: Its stellar blend of lowbrow and highbrow humor struck a chord with viewers across the board. With 264 episodes over 11 seasons, there are too many hilarious and meaningful moments to count. A major player in many of those moments was Frasier's eccentric brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce). For the show's entire run, Pierce brought big laughs with his quick timing and mastery of the show's witty writing.

That's what makes Pierce's confirmation that he won't be returning in the "Frasier" revival all the more disheartening. In an interview with People, star Kelsey Grammer said: "David basically decided he wasn't really interested in repeating the performance of Niles." When interviewed later on by Vulture, Pierce explained his decision. "Because it's so valuable to me, I also wouldn't do it just [to] do it. And I believe it can be done without me, too — finding new stories to tell, in the same way that 'Frasier' did after 'Cheers.'" While not writing off an appearance entirely, Pierce has made it clear that it won't be happening anytime soon.