Lindsey Morgan, who stars alongside Jared Padalecki on the CW series Walker, will be departing the show during its current second season.
The 31-year-old actress made the announcement via a statement released to Deadline on Friday, October 29. She said:
“After much thoughtful consideration and introspection, I have made the incredible difficult decision to step away from my role as Micki Ramirez on Walker for personal reasons, and I am eternally grateful to have the support of the producers, CBS Studios and The CW in allowing me to do so.
The opportunity to play Micki has truly been a blessing as has working alongside the incredible cast and crew of this terrific series. Please know that I will continue to root for my TV family and wish them all the best.”
Lindsey will appear in a handful of episodes of season 2 before being written out of the show.
Her departure from Walker ends a long tenure for Lindsey at the CW. She starred as Raven on The 100 for seven seasons before signing on to Walker.
Lindsey recently approached the producers about leaving the show. Series developer, executive producer and show runner Anna Fricke and the CW and CBS studios all showered her with support, as did Jared, the series lead and executive producer.
Jared said about Lindsey following her decision:
“Lindsey is a wonderful person, inside and out. I am proud of, and grateful for, her work on Walker. Moreover, I’m honored to consider her a friend.”
Anna Fricke likewise expressed her affection and support for the actress:
“It’s been a true pleasure to work with Lindsey. I admire her as a person and as a professional. She will of course be missed, but we truly support her and celebrate the impact she has made on the show.”
The CW and CBS Studios also released a statement:
“We respect and support Lindsey Morgan’s decision to step away from her role as a series regular on Walker and wish her only the best. She is a tremendously talented actress who will certainly be missed, and we will, of course, leave the door open for ‘Micki’ to return.”
Lindsey took to social media over the weekend to open up further about her decision. On her Instagram account, she wrote about how leaving was entirely her choice and how grateful she was for the support she received from everyone on the show:
It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the difficult decision to step away from my role as “Micki Ramirez” for personal reasons.
I am extremely grateful to the team at The CW network and CBS Studios, Anna Fricke, the most graceful and compassionate showrunner, Jared Padalecki, a wunder-boss and acting partner-in-crime for fully supporting my decision, while doing everything in their power to make this situation as comfortable as possible.
This decision was entirely my choice and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all those involved for their full support and compassion. I have only been treated with the upmost respect, kindness and appreciation from this cast, crew, production, writing team, network and studio. WALKER was one of the safest, professional and joyful sets that I’ve ever experienced and it was truly a privilege to create with such gems of human beings.”
She also thanked her fans and expressed her optimism at returning to her career “happier and healthier”:
“If this pandemic taught me one thing, it is that health and well-being are a privilege, and should be our greatest priority. Therefore, I am optimistic towards what this next chapter will bring me and though my heart is breaking to no longer be kicking serious ass ‘TX Ranger style’ week after week on your TVs, I have to do what is best for myself.
I thank you all for your constant support and love over the years, and I urge you to keep tuning in to see the magnificent people on WALKER make more amazing television, as I know I will.
This isn’t goodbye, but an extended break and I hope to return to my career healthier and happier than ever after taking this time off.”
We wish you all the best, Lindsey!
