Did anyone hear about this? I read in the paper that Debbie Allen said the reason Marisa Tomei was let go was that Debbie wanted to do a storyline where her character had a black boyfriend and he took her home for Thanksgiving and shocks his parents and that NBC didn't want to do that storyline.

This seems kind of strange. Not the storyline or NBC not wanting to do it, but why is she coming clean about this now? And that would've only been one episode that would've aired several episodes into the season. I think there was more going on than what Debbie Allen is claiming.

Did anyone hear about this? I read in the paper that Debbie Allen said the reason Marisa Tomei was let go was that Debbie wanted to do a storyline where her character had a black boyfriend and he took her home for Thanksgiving and shocks his parents and that NBC didn't want to do that storyline.

This seems kind of strange. Not the storyline or NBC not wanting to do it, but why is she coming clean about this now? And that would've only been one episode that would've aired several episodes into the season. I think there was more going on than what Debbie Allen is claiming.


Logically based on the storylines of the show, it would have made no sense. Marisa's character was a BLACK college which would have placed her in the minority automatically thus it wouldn't have been no surprise if she would have dated a black man. Her parents had to know Hillman was a black college and so on.

It does back the claim that has been discussed her and at the old TVTome about her leaving on her own but too many details are left out for one to believe the stories. I simply think with the reformatting of the series for season two, there was simply nothing else to do with her character and she was not offered another contract.

I read the same story. I think it has more to do than just that. It was one episode for crying out loud! I think they wanted to keep the emphasis on the black characters once Denise left the show. It was retooled and she was a casualty.

I read the same story. I think it has more to do than just that. It was one episode for crying out loud! I think they wanted to keep the emphasis on the black characters once Denise left the show. It was retooled and she was a casualty.
Which I am glad they did because I found it so hard to believe (and others I know as well) that this girl would choose to go to a black majority college. Just not believable. Is it me, or did they end up showing ALL black students eventually? I can't recall seeing any "white" students after Denise and Marisa were no longer part of the show. It's as if it turned to an ALL BLACK COLLEGE...which I found to be more suitable for the show and more entertaining.

I thought about the storyline again last night and if they really wanted to do it (really make it work), they would have given her a racist grandparent or some other relative that would appear at a family gathering. Of course, this relative would not have known that Hillman was a black college.

I read the same story. I think it has more to do than just that. It was one episode for crying out loud! I think they wanted to keep the emphasis on the black characters once Denise left the show. It was retooled and she was a casualty.

Most of my friends who went to historically black colleges always griped about the first season of the show not being too realistic of a black college. They thought the first season looked more like a state university.

Which I am glad they did because I found it so hard to believe (and others I know as well) that this girl would choose to go to a black majority college. Just not believable. Is it me, or did they end up showing ALL black students eventually? I can't recall seeing any "white" students after Denise and Marisa were no longer part of the show. It's as if it turned to an ALL BLACK COLLEGE...which I found to be more suitable for the show and more entertaining.

After Denise left, it was completely 100% an all black college.

Did it mention in season 1 where Marissa's character was from? Because if she chose an All black college that would mean she grew up around black people. I couldn't see a White girl who grew up in the suburbs deciding to go to an all black college

Did it mention in season 1 where Marissa's character was from? Because if she chose an All black college that would mean she grew up around black people. I couldn't see a White girl who grew up in the suburbs deciding to go to an all black college

I don't think it ever mentioned Hillman being an all black college until season 2. They were plenty of whites at school in season 1.

I don't think it ever mentioned Hillman being an all black college until season 2. They were plenty of whites at school in season 1.
I think it was already established on Cosby that Hillman was a historically black college- which doesn't mean that non-blacks couldn't go there. I thought Marisa was an OK character for what season 1 was, but after Denise left she and Millie served no purpose.

Which I am glad they did because I found it so hard to believe (and others I know as well) that this girl would choose to go to a black majority college. Just not believable. Is it me, or did they end up showing ALL black students eventually? I can't recall seeing any "white" students after Denise and Marisa were no longer part of the show. It's as if it turned to an ALL BLACK COLLEGE...which I found to be more suitable for the show and more entertaining.


No in the 4th season I believe Andrew Lowery guest starred for a season as Matthew, Freddies cousin. Who so happened to had dated Kim. So I think that whole Marisa Tomei Character dating a black student so that's why she left the show, is a bunch of crap.

No in the 4th season I believe Andrew Lowery guest starred for a season as Matthew, Freddies cousin. Who so happened to had dated Kim. So I think that whole Marisa Tomei Character dating a black student so that's why she left the show, is a bunch of crap.
Thanx for reminding me of him. I loved his character. Soooo, now that opens a door to something...why was it said by Allen that Marisa and an interracial relationship wasn't going to happen? Do you think the network finally gave in?

I'm not convinced that was the reason. Debbie Allen just wanted to move the show in a different direction and the character just didn't fit in with that.

Thanx for reminding me of him. I loved his character. Soooo, now that opens a door to something...why was it said by Allen that Marisa and an interracial relationship wasn't going to happen? Do you think the network finally gave in?


I don't know, I doubt that the story is true. I think that she was just let go because the second season was totally different then the first. They just made changes and her character and others like Kim Wayans was let go.

After watching 4 eps, They needed to get rid of Marissa Tomei's Character because the character was just strange

After watching 4 eps, They needed to get rid of Marissa Tomei's Character because the character was just strange
She just didn't fit in. Which is why it was hard to believe she would want to be at a black majority college.

Maggie was the token white in this show. Her presence proves that it is not always a good idea to put someone in a show just to show racial diversity. It would be like a black character being put into Friends or Frasier just because they are black and not because they are a unique character.

Maggie was the token white in this show. Her presence proves that it is not always a good idea to put someone in a show just to show racial diversity. It would be like a black character being put into Friends or Frasier just because they are black and not because they are a unique character.
Thank you!:wave:

Maggie was the token white in this show. Her presence proves that it is not always a good idea to put someone in a show just to show racial diversity. It would be like a black character being put into Friends or Frasier just because they are black and not because they are a unique character.



That did happen on Friends, the Black Girl that Ross and Joey was interested in

That did happen on Friends, the Black Girl that Ross and Joey was interested in

Yeah, Aisha Tyler... she was pretty good on Friends.

Yeah, Aisha Tyler... she was pretty good on Friends.


She had some MANLY looking Hands-lol

She had some MANLY looking Hands-lol


She has some long fingers, I don't think she has manly hands. Plus she TALL, tall people tend to have big hands and feet.

I think that Marisa's character could have fit in nicely along with Denise. No Doubt about that. Debbie Allen had some good ideas. People keep blaming Lisa Bonet and it was not her fault. I blame Anne Beatts. Have you noticed the difference between the change of the character in seasons one and two? Denise and Maggie could have held her own and Debbie herself said that she did not fire anyone. It could have worked IMO.

I think that Marisa's character could have fit in nicely along with Denise. No Doubt about that. Debbie Allen had some good ideas. People keep blaming Lisa Bonet and it was not her fault. I blame Anne Beatts. Have you noticed the difference between the change of the character in seasons one and two? Denise and Maggie could have held her own and Debbie herself said that she did not fire anyone. It could have worked IMO.


Who is Ann Beatts?

Who is Ann Beatts?

Anne Beatts was the Producer for the first season. Then Cosby got rid of her and hired Debbie Allen as producer for seasons 2 on.

Anne Beatts was the Producer for the first season. Then Cosby got rid of her and hired Debbie Allen as producer for seasons 2 on.


Wonder why if ADW finished #2 after season 1. Strange

Wonder why if ADW finished #2 after season 1. Strange


Because season 1 was boring as hell, And Cosby saw that.

I bet after Marisa Tomei was let go, she was glad to be off that show, since she turned to making films and ended up winning an Oscar for "My Cousin Vinny"...she ended up with a better career.

I bet after Marisa Tomei was let go, she was glad to be off that show, since she turned to making films and ended up winning an Oscar for "My Cousin Vinny"...she ended up with a better career.


I don't beleive I've ever seen anything she was in.

I know she's done a lot of work, two movies stand out, the one I mentioned in my previous post and one she did a few years back with Mel Gibson, WHAT WOMEN WANT. I seen that one, it was great.


Here is more info on her:

Actress - filmography
(In Production) (2000s) (1990s) (1980s)

The Night Job (2007) (pre-production)
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) (filming) .... Gina
Wild Hogs (2007) (post-production)


I Was a Network Star (2006) (VG)
"Rescue Me"
... aka Rescue Me: FDNY (USA: complete title)
- Chlamydia (2006) TV Episode .... Angie
Danika (2006) .... Danika
Factotum (2005) .... Laura
Loverboy (2005) .... Sybil
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (2005) .... Meredith Morrison
Alfie (2004) .... Julie
"Game Over" (2004) TV Series (voice) .... Raquel Smashenburn (unaired pilot)
Anger Management (2003) .... Linda
"The Simpsons"
- A Star Is Re-Born Again (2003) TV Episode (voice) .... Sara Sloane
The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002) (voice) .... Bree Blackburn
The Guru (2002) .... Lexi
... aka Gourou et les femmes, Le (France)
Just a Kiss (2002) .... Paula
Jenifer (2001) (TV) .... Nina Capelli
Someone Like You... (2001) .... Liz
... aka Animal Attraction (UK)
In the Bedroom (2001) .... Natalie Strout
What Women Want (2000) .... Lola
King of the Jungle (2000) .... Det. Costello
The Watcher (2000/I) .... Dr. Polly Beilman
Happy Accidents (2000) .... Ruby Weaver
Dirk and Betty (2000) .... Paris


Slums of Beverly Hills (1998) .... Rita Abromowitz
Only Love (1998) (TV) .... Evie
Since You've Been Gone (1998) (TV) (uncredited) .... Tori
My Own Country (1998) (TV) .... Mattie Vines
Welcome to Sarajevo (1997) .... Nina
A Brother's Kiss (1997) .... Missy
Unhook the Stars (1996) .... Monica Warren
... aka Décroche les étoiles (France)
Four Rooms (1995) .... Margaret
The Perez Family (1995) .... Dorita Evita Perez
"Saturday Night Live"
... aka SNL
... aka SNL 25 (USA: new title)
- Episode #20.2 (1994) TV Episode .... Host
Only You (1994) .... Faith Corvatch
... aka Him
... aka Just in Time
The Paper (1994) .... Martha Hackett
Untamed Heart (1993) .... Caroline
Chaplin (1992) .... Mabel Normand
... aka Charlot (Italy)
Equinox (1992) .... Rosie Rivers
... aka Isimeria
My Cousin Vinny (1992) .... Mona Lisa Vito
Zandalee (1991) .... Remy
Oscar (1991) .... Lisa Provolone
Parker Kane (1990) (TV) .... April Haynes


"A Different World" .... Maggie Lauten (1987-1988)
- Dr. Cupid (1988) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Wild Child (1988) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Does He or Doesn't He? (1988) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Romancing Mr. Stone (1987) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Sometimes You Get the Bear, Sometimes the Bear Gets You (1987) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
(5 more)
"Leg Work"
- Pilot (1987) TV Episode .... Donna
Supermom's Daughter (1987) (TV) .... Noelle Crandall
Playing for Keeps (1986) .... Tracy
The Toxic Avenger (1985) (uncredited) .... Health Club Girl
The Flamingo Kid (1984) .... Mandy
"As the World Turns" (1956) TV Series .... Marcy Thompson Cushing (1983-1985)

Because season 1 was boring as hell, And Cosby saw that.


Well I have to add that to my RESEARCH TOPIC list because I doubt if that was the reason-lol

Well I have to add that to my RESEARCH TOPIC list because I doubt if that was the reason-lol


It was the reason, it was boring, Are you not watching season 1???? When you see season 2 you will see the difference. Not that many people liked the frist season because it dealt with stupid topics. The only reason ADW was num 2 in the rankings is because the show that was before "Cosby" and the show that was after it "Cheers" If it came on in Cheers time slot it would have been cancelled.

I know she's done a lot of work, two movies stand out, the one I mentioned in my previous post and one she did a few years back with Mel Gibson, WHAT WOMEN WANT. I seen that one, it was great.


Here is more info on her:

Actress - filmography
(In Production) (2000s) (1990s) (1980s)

The Night Job (2007) (pre-production)
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) (filming) .... Gina
Wild Hogs (2007) (post-production)


I Was a Network Star (2006) (VG)
"Rescue Me"
... aka Rescue Me: FDNY (USA: complete title)
- Chlamydia (2006) TV Episode .... Angie
Danika (2006) .... Danika
Factotum (2005) .... Laura
Loverboy (2005) .... Sybil
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (2005) .... Meredith Morrison
Alfie (2004) .... Julie
"Game Over" (2004) TV Series (voice) .... Raquel Smashenburn (unaired pilot)
Anger Management (2003) .... Linda
"The Simpsons"
- A Star Is Re-Born Again (2003) TV Episode (voice) .... Sara Sloane
The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002) (voice) .... Bree Blackburn
The Guru (2002) .... Lexi
... aka Gourou et les femmes, Le (France)
Just a Kiss (2002) .... Paula
Jenifer (2001) (TV) .... Nina Capelli
Someone Like You... (2001) .... Liz
... aka Animal Attraction (UK)
In the Bedroom (2001) .... Natalie Strout
What Women Want (2000) .... Lola
King of the Jungle (2000) .... Det. Costello
The Watcher (2000/I) .... Dr. Polly Beilman
Happy Accidents (2000) .... Ruby Weaver
Dirk and Betty (2000) .... Paris


Slums of Beverly Hills (1998) .... Rita Abromowitz
Only Love (1998) (TV) .... Evie
Since You've Been Gone (1998) (TV) (uncredited) .... Tori
My Own Country (1998) (TV) .... Mattie Vines
Welcome to Sarajevo (1997) .... Nina
A Brother's Kiss (1997) .... Missy
Unhook the Stars (1996) .... Monica Warren
... aka Décroche les étoiles (France)
Four Rooms (1995) .... Margaret
The Perez Family (1995) .... Dorita Evita Perez
"Saturday Night Live"
... aka SNL
... aka SNL 25 (USA: new title)
- Episode #20.2 (1994) TV Episode .... Host
Only You (1994) .... Faith Corvatch
... aka Him
... aka Just in Time
The Paper (1994) .... Martha Hackett
Untamed Heart (1993) .... Caroline
Chaplin (1992) .... Mabel Normand
... aka Charlot (Italy)
Equinox (1992) .... Rosie Rivers
... aka Isimeria
My Cousin Vinny (1992) .... Mona Lisa Vito
Zandalee (1991) .... Remy
Oscar (1991) .... Lisa Provolone
Parker Kane (1990) (TV) .... April Haynes


"A Different World" .... Maggie Lauten (1987-1988)
- Dr. Cupid (1988) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Wild Child (1988) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Does He or Doesn't He? (1988) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Romancing Mr. Stone (1987) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
- Sometimes You Get the Bear, Sometimes the Bear Gets You (1987) TV Episode .... Maggie Lauten
(5 more)
"Leg Work"
- Pilot (1987) TV Episode .... Donna
Supermom's Daughter (1987) (TV) .... Noelle Crandall
Playing for Keeps (1986) .... Tracy
The Toxic Avenger (1985) (uncredited) .... Health Club Girl
The Flamingo Kid (1984) .... Mandy
"As the World Turns" (1956) TV Series .... Marcy Thompson Cushing (1983-1985)


I saw none of those movies.

I saw none of those movies.
I saw none of those movies.

So... is doesn't negate the fact that she did pretty well for herself, despite being fired from a popular show. She won herself an oscar in 93 and was nominated for another oscar a few years ago. It's like Hilary Swank, she was fired from 90210 and ended up with 2 oscars. I'm sure neither her or Marisa are crying over being fired from their respective shows because they were actually better for it. They're both more successful than the casts of ADW and 90210.

So... is doesn't negate the fact that she did pretty well for herself, despite being fired from a popular show. She won herself an oscar in 93 and was nominated for another oscar a few years ago. It's like Hilary Swank, she was fired from 90210 and ended up with 2 oscars. I'm sure neither her or Marisa are crying over being fired from their respective shows because they were actually better for it. They're both more successful than the casts of ADW and 90210.

I never said that she wasn't a successful actress, I said I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF HER MOVIES. I'm not debating weather her movies were good or bad or her acting abilities.

Don't sweat it, Brie. I knew what you were trying to say.

Don't sweat it, Brie. I knew what you were trying to say.


Thanks, Some people should at least attempt to read some of the past post on a thread before they add their 2 cents.

I never said that she wasn't a successful actress, I said I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF HER MOVIES. I'm not debating weather her movies were good or bad or her acting abilities.
I agree. I knew what you meant. Which is why I posted the info so you could see what work she has done.:wave:

Thanks, Some people should at least attempt to read some of the past post on a thread before they add their 2 cents.

After you quoted someone as saying that she ended up with a better career, you replied that you didn't believe you had seen anything she was in. I thought you were implying that because she hasn't been in much mainstream fare, that she didn't have a successful career after she left ADW. So I did read previous posts and there's no need to get snippy. It was just a misunderstanding.

After Denise left, it was completely 100% an all black college.


Not necessarily. If you look in season two and three, you can spot extras that are caucasian in the background of the pit and in Gilbert Hall and at the library. I used to think the same thing too but I took a closer look.

Not necessarily. If you look in season two and three, you can spot extras that are caucasian in the background of the pit and in Gilbert Hall and at the library. I used to think the same thing too but I took a closer look.

Freddie's cousin was on the show for a year and he was white.