Post by Lizzy on Jul 29, 2007 22:57:48 GMT -5
Alex Kingston, who's played Dr. Elizabeth Corday on "ER" for the past seven seasons, won't be back for an eighth. However, the reason for her departure isn't as controversial as it originally sounded.
The British actress said in an interview with Britain's Radio Times magazine, published Monday (June 7) that her contract wasn't renewed for next season because the show's producers think she's "too old" for the show.
"Apparently I, according to the producers, the writers, am part of the old fogeys who are no longer interesting," the 41-year-old Kingston says. "Does it mean that I am the geriatric being pushed out because she is too old?"
Kingston herself answers that question in a statement released by her publicist. She says her comments to the magazine were taken out of context and that she was speaking "tongue in cheek" during the interview.
"I regret if these statements have affected the producers, as we are in mutual agreement that the storyline for my character had run its course," the statement reads. "... I am grateful for the professional associations and friendships I have made through 'ER,' and the incredible opportunities it has afforded me."
Warner Bros. TV, which produces the NBC series, also has nothing bad to say. A statement from the studio calls Kingston a "gifted actress" but says that her character is no longer central to the show.
"Like countless other characters on long-running series, storylines run their course over time," the statement says.
Kingston's screen time has dropped in the past two seasons -- "ER's" ninth and 10th -- following the death of her character's husband, Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards).
She joined the cast of "ER" in 1997. Her other credits include "Croupier" and
The British actress said in an interview with Britain's Radio Times magazine, published Monday (June 7) that her contract wasn't renewed for next season because the show's producers think she's "too old" for the show.
"Apparently I, according to the producers, the writers, am part of the old fogeys who are no longer interesting," the 41-year-old Kingston says. "Does it mean that I am the geriatric being pushed out because she is too old?"
Kingston herself answers that question in a statement released by her publicist. She says her comments to the magazine were taken out of context and that she was speaking "tongue in cheek" during the interview.
"I regret if these statements have affected the producers, as we are in mutual agreement that the storyline for my character had run its course," the statement reads. "... I am grateful for the professional associations and friendships I have made through 'ER,' and the incredible opportunities it has afforded me."
Warner Bros. TV, which produces the NBC series, also has nothing bad to say. A statement from the studio calls Kingston a "gifted actress" but says that her character is no longer central to the show.
"Like countless other characters on long-running series, storylines run their course over time," the statement says.
Kingston's screen time has dropped in the past two seasons -- "ER's" ninth and 10th -- following the death of her character's husband, Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards).
She joined the cast of "ER" in 1997. Her other credits include "Croupier" and
