By Jawn Murray, AOL Black Voices Columnist 'Girlfriends' star Tracee Ellis Ross addressed Jill Marie Jones' departure from the Kelsey Grammar-produced sitcom in the Fall 2006 issue of Vibe Vixen. In her first major cover feature since her April 2002 Upscale magazine cover, Ross sets the record straight on Jones' decision to leave the show.
"In order for the show to come back, the cast was not going to get the huge raise we dreamed of. So when the calls went out about the new contracts, Jill gave a quick 'no.' It was her decision. Clearly, we all wanted to come back to 'Girlfriends' as we know it. However, like anything, the show is bigger than one person. The show is called 'Girlfriends,' not 'Jill and Friends,'" Ross said, before adding, "I think I was mostly sad that after six years, the call didn't come to me that said, 'Hey, I've decided to leave and this is what it's about.' But the show will go on. "Ross's co-stars Golden Brooks and Persia White will return when the seventh season of 'Girlfriends' premieres on the new CW Network on Oct. 1. Source |