Penny Johnson Jerald Is Leaving ‘Castle,’ Shares Disappointment With Fans On Social Media
Penny Johnson Jerald took to social media this week to express her shock and disappointment over being let go from the cast of Castle, UPI is reporting.
To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no (cont) http://t.co/ShjcoiU61Z
— Penny Johnson Jerald (@btwprod) May 30, 2015
Since Twitter posts are limited to 140 characters, Jerald wasn’t able to say all she wanted to say in a short amount of space. On a different social media platform, she explained herself a little better.
“To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the Castle family. Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ.”
The Spreadit reports that Penny was on vacation with her family when she learned of her firing. Johnson had been a part of the Castle family since 2011, playing the role of Victoria Gates, according to The Hollywood Reporter, filling an empty spot in the show’s 12th Precinct after the writers killed off Roy Montgomery.
Prior to her Castle gig, Johnson had made a name for herself playing solid characters on Bones and 24, among other dramas. On Castle, Jerald’s character was loved by fans, but never really developed, and showrunners viewed her as “expendable.”
In fact, Castle is going through some sharp changes in advance of its eighth and possibly final season (though ABC denies that the show is being cancelled after next season). The show’s next season will be shortened from the industry-standard 24 episodes to 13, according to The Spreadit; showrunner David Amann has left the show to be replaced by Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley; and Stana Katic just got a new contract. All of this means that Penny Johnson Jerald’s firing could have been a cost-cutting move.
On social media, fans expressed their support for the actress.
@btwprod WHAT WAIT NO — milena (@btrainwreck) May 30, 2015
@btwprod WHAT?! nooooo. This is really sad. I’ll miss seeing you on Castle ?
— Pally (@Paladin356) May 30, 2015
@btwprod I wish you well for the future. I know that God has plans for you and you put a smile on our faces. We’ll miss you, Penny! — kelli (@kelliwellijelli) May 30, 2015
What do you think about Penny Jerald Johnson being fired from Castle?
[Image courtesy of: Getty Images/Ethan Miller]
