I'm more inclined to believe that LE leaving was a mixture of unfortunate negotiations and a clever career move on her part. I doubt she overestimated her importance to the show - the limited screen time she got in Season 6 was an unmistakeable hint that she isn't needed, and the limited screen time Wilson got in Season 7 another one that everyone except Hugh Laurie is considered expendable. LE has been around for long enough to know the way the business works, and emotions aren't usually a part of it.
1. I think she was subjected to tougher and later negotiations than RSL because there's a simple law in the world of series: fewer women are needed than men (just look at the male:female ratio on House), hence it is more difficult for women (especially women over forty) to find alternative offers. The production company hence assumed that they'd be able to get her a lot cheaper than a male actor who is of similar importance to the series.
2. LE probably figured that it will be easier for her to land a new contract after her successful Season 7, where she had a LOT of screen time and a very good salary, than after Season 8, where she is bound to be marginalized, on a much lower salary, and a year older than she is now. Public awareness of her is very high now - in a year's time, with only short appearances per episode (if at all), she'll be as good as forgotten.
As such, it is probably sensible of her to refuse an offer that will not increase her market value, but to move on now while the going is still good.
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Re: Cutting Cuddy
Date: 2011-05-27 09:02 pm (UTC)1. I think she was subjected to tougher and later negotiations than RSL because there's a simple law in the world of series: fewer women are needed than men (just look at the male:female ratio on House), hence it is more difficult for women (especially women over forty) to find alternative offers. The production company hence assumed that they'd be able to get her a lot cheaper than a male actor who is of similar importance to the series.
2. LE probably figured that it will be easier for her to land a new contract after her successful Season 7, where she had a LOT of screen time and a very good salary, than after Season 8, where she is bound to be marginalized, on a much lower salary, and a year older than she is now. Public awareness of her is very high now - in a year's time, with only short appearances per episode (if at all), she'll be as good as forgotten.
As such, it is probably sensible of her to refuse an offer that will not increase her market value, but to move on now while the going is still good.