If an actor dies should it be written into the script... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Will and Grace Fanatic · 02-10-2014, 11:15 PM

or should they just make something up like the character just moved away?

I personally prefer they write the character's death into the show.

James28 · 02-11-2014, 01:42 AM

What about a character just being "retired" after an actor's death and an explanation is not provided on-screen? What do you think of that?

Dude111 · 02-11-2014, 02:31 AM

Quote:

have the death written into the show

How can it be written in IF THEY PASSED AWAY?? (They arent there to do it)

Its a hard call.......

mr awesome · 02-12-2014, 10:28 AM

Having the character die on the show would be my first choice, but if they don't want to do that at least have the character leave the show with some throwaway lines. I would want to be more creative than just replace an actor and continue with the show as like nothing happened. JMO.

comedyfreak · 02-12-2014, 11:53 AM

Have it written in the show.

James28 · 02-15-2014, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude111

How can it be written in IF THEY PASSED AWAY?? (They arent there to do it)

Its a hard call.......

I think it means, "The character in the show dies with the actor [because the actor who played the character passed away]."

SitcomsOffline · 02-18-2014, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James28

What about a character just being "retired" after an actor's death and an explanation is not provided on-screen? What do you think of that?

Then it would leave a plot hole.

(I.E. Chuck from Happy Days or Judy from Family Matters)

SitcomsOffline · 02-18-2014, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude111

How can it be written in IF THEY PASSED AWAY?? (They arent there to do it)

Its a hard call.......

Several shows have done so successfully.

Gimme a Break is one that comes to mind (after Dolph Sweet's death).

king of comedy · 02-18-2014, 06:16 PM

Having it written into the show would respect the actor who played that character.

RetroGuy2000 · 02-19-2014, 03:22 AM

I hate it when shows don't acknowledge when an actor has left a show, whether due to death or other reasons. They need to acknowledge it, not just pretend that the person never existed. However, that's exactly what happens on many sitcoms. We as viewers are supposed to forget that the character ever existed.

I have a lot more respect for shows that deal with a character's passing on by handling it in an adult manner. Unfortunately, that quite often doesn't happen.

View Poll Results: If the sitcom actor/actress dies their character should
have the death written into the show	8	72.73%
have a random reason why they are no longer on the show	3	27.27%
be recasted	0	0%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll

02-10-2014, 11:15 PM	#1
Will and Grace Fanatic be happy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 15, 2002 Location: seattle, washington Posts: 2,746	If an actor dies should it be written into the script... or should they just make something up like the character just moved away? I personally prefer they write the character's death into the show.
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02-11-2014, 01:42 AM	#2
James28 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2007 Posts: 3,991	What about a character just being "retired" after an actor's death and an explanation is not provided on-screen? What do you think of that?
	__________________ "When the run of a network TV show has ended, some go out with a bang, some with a whimper, but all are...Future Endeavored." "Stay Safe"? More like "Stay Sad". #2020Hurts

02-12-2014, 11:53 AM	#5
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,061	Have it written in the show.
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02-19-2014, 03:22 AM	#10
RetroGuy2000 Julie,Julie Anne,&Felice 4Ever Forum Star Join Date: Dec 27, 2013 Posts: 16,914	I hate it when shows don't acknowledge when an actor has left a show, whether due to death or other reasons. They need to acknowledge it, not just pretend that the person never existed. However, that's exactly what happens on many sitcoms. We as viewers are supposed to forget that the character ever existed. I have a lot more respect for shows that deal with a character's passing on by handling it in an adult manner. Unfortunately, that quite often doesn't happen.
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02-12-2014, 10:28 AM	#4
mr awesome Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 23, 2013 Location: pittsburgh Posts: 275	Having the character die on the show would be my first choice, but if they don't want to do that at least have the character leave the show with some throwaway lines. I would want to be more creative than just replace an actor and continue with the show as like nothing happened. JMO.

02-18-2014, 06:16 PM	#9
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	Having it written into the show would respect the actor who played that character.