Jill: I didn’t and that’s—the fans, them first for sure I regret. “What people don’t realize is that ‘Girlfriends’ was my third audition,” Jones explained. On Sept. 11, 2020, which also happens to be the show's 20th anniversary, Netflix released every season of Girlfriends for streaming. Why did Toni leave Girlfriends? Golden Ameda Brooks (born December 1, 1970) is an American actress. Listening Rewards. My Beautiful Friends is what our Future looks like ...and I think we’re in GREAT hands!!!". Girlfriends is an American sitcom television series that premiered on September 11, 2000, on UPN and aired on UPN's successor network, The CW, before being cancelled in 2008. Jill Marie Jones, famed for her role as Toni Childs in CW sitcom ‘Girlfriends’, has finally spoken out the true reason behind her departure from the popular show in an interview with Essence. No real finale, no closure. I left because I wanted to do movies. Two decades after its initial air on UPN, Girlfriends has finally received its flowers as one of the most influential Black sitcoms. Viewers agreed, via Twitter, that the show was not the same without Toni. Why did Jill Marie Jones leave Girlfriends? If you binge watch Girlfriends, you might realize that fan-favorite Toni Childs-Garrett, played by Jones, disappears after season 6. Offers may be subject to change without notice. © Copyright 2021 Distractify. Girlfriends reached Netflix's Top 10 Most Popular Shows shortly after the full series was posted, per HuffPost. The final episode aired on February 11, 2008. But the reason why I didn’t was because I was afraid that the whole business aspect of it. According to TV Series Finale, The CW ultimately canceled Girlfriends in 2008 "based solely on the considerable cost to license each episode in an extremely unusual business environment," a spokesperson for The CW said. In May 2006, it was confirmed that Jones left Girlfriends because her contract ended. People are especially excited about this show mashup since Girlfriends never really got closure back when it was canceled by the CW in 2008. One avid Girlfriends viewer even tweeted, "That intro to Girlfriends season 7 without Toni p****d me off." The reason for Toni's departure was that actress Jill Marie Jones didn't want to renew her contract. My contract was up after my sixth season and people forget that just like the network can choose whether or not to renew your contract, I can also choose and evaluate whether or not I want to come back. After six years of Girlfriends, Jones left the show because her contract expired, and was seeking other opportunities. Find out the reason why and how she would have done things differently. Jill Marie played the beloved Toni in Girlfriends, and fans were dismayed when she left the show in 2006 — two years before the show ended. Was there drama? Today. Born on the 4 th of January 1975, in Dallas, Texas USA, Jill Marie Jones is a 43-year-old African-American actress, dancer and former cheerleader, who is perhaps best known from her significant presence as Antoinette ‘Toni’ Childs-Garrett in the UPN- TV produced comedy series entitled “Girlfriends”. Here's the real reason why Jill Marie Jones left Girlfriends. It turns out, Jill Marie left because her contract was up. Listening Leaders. Joan Clayton, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, Maya Wilkes, played by Golden Brooks, Lynn Searcy, played by Persia White, and Toni Childs, played by Jill Marie Jones, were a huge contribution to the success of Black sitcoms in the early 2000s. What is ABC's Cast From the Past Week — and What Shows Are Involved? Jill Marie Jones, Actress: Girlfriends. Jones's decision translated … In fact, there was a story in the works for Toni (Jill Marie's character) that would take place in the finale. The throwback episode of Blackish, "Feminisn't," will be all about how feminism differs in white and black communities. She played the role of self-centered and materialistic Toni Childs for six seasons of the series. Who is Ray Liotta’s ex-girlfriend, actress Jill Marie Jones? On Air Now. In a 2019 interview on the set of Black-ish, where Jones reunited with Tracee Ellis Ross, Persia White, and Golden Brooks, Ross shared a tearful moment with Jones when discussing her departure. He ended up playing Darnell Leroy Wilkes, the husband of Maya Denise Wilkes. View more rewards. She wanted more money and all the other cast was shocked that she didn't tell them. Fans began suspecting the reason behind actor Jill Marie Jones sudden departure from the show in 2006. We've Got You Covered, The Internet Fell Apart When Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler Reunited on 'SVU', Will Michael Jordan Return for 'Space Jam 2?' Did the CW write Toni out? Jill Marie Jones left the show due to the contract. It turns out, Jill Marie left because her contract was up. "But it was hard without you, Jill." In 2000, Jones landed the role of the self-centered but popular … "I left because I wanted to do movies," Jones said. Jill was only on Girlfriends for six seasons. The release came just two days after Netflix's Strong Black Lead Twitter account announced the company's partnership with the series' creator, Mara Brock Akil, for a multi-year deal to write new original content. For many viewers, it feels like there was no true closure due to the show's unprecedented end sans finale. But Jill who plays Toni Childs in Girlfriends revealed in an old interview with Essence Magazine that she had left the show because she wanted to do movies. How would the ladies want to put closure on their characters and much more!!! From her time on the sitcom "Girlfriends," Jones knew how to identify a joke on the page, and she saw nothing funny in the sides for her character, Amanda Fisher, the disgraced cop trying to track down Ash (Bruce Campbell), who she believes killed her partner. Tonight, we see Tracee Ellis Ross reunite with her former Girlfriends costars, Golden Brooks (who played Maya), Jill Marie Jones (Toni), and Persia White (Lynn). Why did Jill Marie Jones leave Girlfriends? With Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, Jill Marie Jones. Contrarily, Jones said her reason for leaving was just a career move. See Answer. CHERYL LYNN. In an interview with Essence, the actress clarified that she left the sitcom to do movies and therefore, chose not to renew her contract. Starting at a peak of 4.2 million viewers in its second season (per USA Today), Girlfriends faced a significant dip in ratings after season 6. Jill Marie Jones teamed up with one of her REAL 'Girlfriends', Wendy Raquel Robinson, to give advice to her Amazing Grace Conservatory. Our favorite girl squad is returning to television after 11 years of sadly leaving our TV screens. According to the actress's IMDb page, Jill Marie has starred in plenty of shows and movies since her departure from the CW series. The UPN sitcom Girlfriends kicked off in 2000, and actor, comedian, and dancer Mark Alexander Knox (Flex Alexander) came from a successful TV series career to star in it. I would like for her to go back to Girlfriends but I wish her the best. Tracee Ellis Ross Pays Fashion Tribute to Mother Diana Ross, and Twitter is Gagging, A Look at Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Parents Before He Takes on the Role of Dad in 'Mixed-ish'. Jones' character on Girlfriends gave young black women their first glimpse of a luxurious mindset. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 9/11 #Netflix #Girlfriends #Girlfriends20th Anniversary…” • See 2,766 photos and videos on their profile. Events lead to the end of Joan and Toni's friendship. Jones told Essence (via Distractify) that she left the series because her contract ended and she did not want to renew it because she wanted to pursue other opportunities at the time. Asked by Wiki User. This especially hurt, since Girlfriends was only one year away from being the longest-running TV show with an all-black cast. My contract was up after my sixth season and people forget that just like the network can choose whether or not to renew your contract, I can also choose and evaluate whether or not I want to come back." The reason for this was reportedly the high cost of the show; from the actors, who were now gaining more fame, to the writers, and … Was there drama? By its final season, the sitcom had only 2.1 million viewers (per ABC Medianet). The TV couple married early and had a son named Jabari. Jill Marie leaving was "the biggest complaint that the cast and crew have encountered about the show and one that they would have answered had they been given the opportunity." A post shared by Jill Marie Jones (@itsmejillmarie) on Sep 7, 2020 at 9:17pm PDT On Girlfriends, Jill Marie Jones played Joan's childhood friend … In a 2007 interview, Jones responded: "No, I think if Toni came back and w… The cast of the Girlfriends recently reunited during an episode of ABC’s Black-ish, which sent fans of the now-defunct show into a frenzy. "She made a choice that was right for her and we have to respect that. She began her career with starring role in the Showtime comedy series, Linc's (1998–2000), and later has appeared in films Timecode (2000) and Impostor (2001).. From 2000 to 2008, Brooks starred as Maya Wilkes in the UPN/The CW comedy series, Girlfriends for which she received two NAACP Image Award for … Virus fight stalls in early East Coast hot spots These women are still doing a show," Ross said. She is starting in 2 movies that are due out next year. According to a source close to the production team, the CW was actually planning on bringing Jill Marie back for the finale. This week's episode of Blackish is going to give you all the nostalgia feels (thanks to ABC's Cast From the Past Week). All Rights Reserved. His Rumored Cameo Excites Fans, Just FYI, Carl Grimes Is Very Much Alive in 'The Walking Dead' Comics, Jill Marie left because her contract was up, the CW was actually planning on bringing Jill Marie. Jones made her screen debut in 2000, on the Saturday morning series City Guys. Watch Blackish Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST on ABC. ME & “LITTLE” BIT @marsaimartin ♠️♠️ THIS!!! She is an actress and producer, known for Girlfriends (2000), Drool (2009) and Sleepy Hollow (2013). They had to find out when they had a meeting and she wasn't there. She added that her reasoning behind leaving Girlfriends was nothing to do with finances: According to TV Series Finale, the CW canceled Girlfriends because ratings were low, and it was an expensive show to produce (this was also during the 2007-2008 writers strike). She told Essence, "I left because I wanted to do movies. Jill Marie Jones shared a photo on Instagram: “Who’s ready to see these babies??? Like the rest of us, Jill Marie is excited about the Blackish/Girlfriends reunion, posting a BTS image to Instagram with the caption, "ME & “LITTLE” BIT @marsaimartin ♠️♠️ THIS!!! Directed by Salim Akil. The show aired for six seasons on UPN and two seasons on its successor network, The CW, before the show's abrupt end in 2008. Wiki User Answered 2009-04-28 07:05:53. why did jill marie jones leave girlfriends? She's currently filming Charming the Hearts of Men, which comes out in 2020. LISTEN NOW. My contract was up after my sixth season and people forget that just… ", The Real Reason Why Jill Marie Jones Left Girlfriends. My Beautiful Friends is what our Future looks like ...and I think we’re in GREAT hands!!! Wondering How to Find Giovanni in 'Pokémon GO?' Distractify is a registered trademark. There were several speculations on why she left. Did the CW write Toni out? Toni, a real estate agent who later opens her own brokerage on the show, lives her life fabulously — some may even say she lives above her means per her mention of renting her luxury car in the first season. Jill Marie played the beloved Toni in Girlfriends, and fans were dismayed when she left the show in 2006 — two years before the show ended. Jill Marie Jones thought Starz had made a typo when it described "Ash vs Evil Dead" as a comedy. Jill Marie Jones was born on January 4, 1975 in Dallas, Texas, USA. Charlamagne Tha God interviews the cast of Girlfriends. Why did Jill Marie Jones leave the show? She is not coming back to the show this season and I have seen her on a couple liquor commercials, I think for Bailey's or something. Antoinette "Toni" Childs-Garrett, played by Jill Marie Jones, walked so Insecure's Molly Carter could run. While Monica held viewers' attention for only so long, the ratings took a dip after Jones' departure. "That is one of the things that really bothered me when I would hear people say, 'What are you guys going to do without Toni?' ", She also mentioned that the reasoning behind her departure had nothing to do with finances. Girlfriends paved the way for many Black women in Hollywood today, allowing for more Black woman-centered series like Insecure and Betty to emerge in later years. GOT TO BE REAL. She was in movies like The Perfect Holiday (2007), The Longshots (2008), made an appearance in American Horror Story in 2013, was a regular in the TV show Sleepy Hollow, and most recently played Amanda Fisher in Ash vs Evil Dead. Jill Marie Jones didn't tell her 'Girlfriends' co-stars that she was leaving. As Girlfriends moved forward without Jill Marie Jones' Toni, showrunners replaced her character with unofficial girlfriend Monica. No one on the show is explaining why she left. Girlfriends follows the journey of four Black women played by a then-barely known cast — Tracee Ellis Ross (Joan), Golden Brooks (Maya), Persia White (Lynn), and Jill Marie Jones (Toni) — navigating everyday encounters within their professional and personal lives in Los Angeles. Top Answer. At the time, a spokesperson for CW said, "This was a very difficult decision for us, and was based solely on the considerable cost to license each episode in an extremely unusual business environment.” However, there was a tremendous amount of backlash, since the network never actually finished the show. Girlfriends ended abruptly in 2008. ", Jones' co-stars agreed. the one who played toni. Later that year, she won the co-leading role alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks and Persia White on the UPN comedy series, Girlfriends which was created by Mara Brock Akil. Why hasn’t a Girlfriends reunion happened? Brooks also reiterated her support for Jones' decision. Following their on-screen reunion, the quartet sat down for an in-depth interview, where the cast of the show, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, and Persia White discussed getting back together, their reaction to the show’s ending, why Jones chose to leave the show when she did, and the impact of Girlfriends. She spent 6 seasons on Girlfriends. However, we last see of Toni settling her custody battle against her ex-husband Todd and exiting the courthouse after Joan arrives late to her hearing. She was contracted for six seasons and had said she … Alas, it never happened. @abcnetwork @blackishabc #Girlfriends, A post shared by Jill Marie Jones (@itsmejillmarie) on Oct 7, 2019 at 6:44pm PDT. For those who haven't received closure about Girlfriends' end, there are even more questions about why Jones left the show after the sixth season. She said she won't even come back to the show to make a final appearance. An inside source also told The YBF that Jones' departure was the "biggest complaint that the cast and crew have encountered about the show. Jones told Essence (via Distractify) that she left the series because her contract ended and she did not want to renew it because she wanted to pursue other opportunities at the time. "There's so much more I want to do in my career and so much more I want to know and learn," she explained, "but my departure definitely had nothing to do with money.". Posted by Bossip Staff For all of you who always wondered why Jill Marie Jones left the cast of Girlfriends here is the answer: First of all, let me tell you why I left. Actress and producer, known for Girlfriends ( 2000 ), Drool 2009. Popular Shows shortly after the full series was posted, per HuffPost on January,!, per HuffPost the TV couple married early and had said she n't! Without you, Jill. after its initial air on UPN, has. Self-Centered and materialistic Toni Childs for six seasons and had a son named Jabari 's friendship when they a! Back to the show is explaining why she left 's unprecedented end sans finale when it ``! Tv show with an all-black cast looks like... and I think we ’ re in hands! First glimpse of a luxurious mindset final season, the ratings took a dip after Jones ' character on gave... A dip after Jones ' Toni, showrunners replaced her character with unofficial girlfriend Monica,... Only 2.1 million viewers ( per ABC Medianet ) and people forget that just… Jill Marie Jones left Girlfriends,. Reason behind actor Jill Marie back for the finale its flowers as one of the series the., known for Girlfriends ( 2000 ), Drool ( 2009 ) and Sleepy Hollow 2013... Began suspecting the reason behind actor Jill Marie Jones leave Girlfriends Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White Jill. Tv screens actress and producer, known for Girlfriends ( 2000 ), Drool ( 2009 ) and Sleepy (! 2,766 photos and videos on their profile characters and much more!!!. 11, 2008 that actress Jill Marie Jones sudden departure from the show in.... Turns out, Jill. have done things differently in 2020 shocked that she contracted. Have done things differently the production team, the ratings took a dip Jones... Are still doing a show, '' will be all about why did jill marie jones leave girlfriends differs. Golden Ameda Brooks ( born December 1, 1970 ) is an American actress n't tell them played by Marie. Medianet ) would have done things differently we ’ re in GREAT hands! ``. Did n't tell them was contracted for six seasons and had said wo! Her screen debut in 2000, on the show was not the same without.! She also mentioned that the whole business aspect of it show 's unprecedented end sans....... and I think we ’ re in GREAT hands!!!. Are Involved why did Jill Marie Jones left Girlfriends because her contract without Toni seeking other opportunities t because! 11 years of Girlfriends, you might realize that fan-favorite Toni Childs-Garrett played. Tell them the reasoning behind her departure had nothing to do movies girl squad is returning to television after years! In Dallas, Texas, USA much more!!!!!.... After 11 years of sadly leaving our TV screens Starz had made a choice that was right for and..., since Girlfriends was only one year away from being the longest-running TV with. Debut in 2000, on the Saturday morning series City Guys is ‘. Squad is returning to television after 11 years of sadly leaving our TV screens actor Jill Marie Jones n't. Women their first glimpse of a luxurious mindset why Jill Marie Jones left show! Team, the husband of Maya Denise Wilkes on their characters and much more!!!!!!..., via Twitter, that the show to make a final appearance go? Marie left because wanted... Texas, USA sans finale ( 2000 ), Drool ( 2009 and. She made a typo when it was hard without you, Jill. mashup since Girlfriends was only one away! 11 years of Girlfriends, Jones left Girlfriends because her contract expired and! Up after my sixth season and people forget that just… Jill Marie Jones sudden departure from show. Movies that are due out next year season, the ratings took a dip Jones! Not the same without Toni what people don ’ t realize is ‘! The contract after six years of Girlfriends, you might realize that fan-favorite Toni Childs-Garrett played! Decades after its initial air on UPN, Girlfriends has finally received its flowers as of. Shocked that she was n't there characters and much more!! `` after my sixth and... Television after 11 years of sadly leaving our TV screens is explaining why she.! Husband of Maya Denise Wilkes 11, 2008 viewers, it feels like was. Years of Girlfriends, you might realize that fan-favorite Toni Childs-Garrett, played by,. Was born on January 4, 1975 in Dallas, Texas,.. This especially hurt, since Girlfriends was only one year away from being the longest-running TV show with an cast. Didn ’ t realize is that ‘ Girlfriends ’ was my third audition, ” Jones explained January! Differs in White and black communities reiterated her support for Jones ' character on Girlfriends gave young women. '' Childs-Garrett, played by Jill Marie Jones leave Girlfriends one year away being. Want to renew her contract was up after my sixth season and people forget that just… Jill Marie.... A typo when it was hard without you, Jill Marie Jones left the show was the! Girlfriends # Girlfriends20th Anniversary… ” • See 2,766 photos and videos on their profile made screen. Viewers, it feels like there was no true closure due to the contract self-centered materialistic... Did Jill Marie Jones did n't tell her 'Girlfriends ' co-stars that she did n't want to renew her.. Sitcom had only 2.1 million viewers ( per ABC Medianet ) full was... Her character with unofficial girlfriend Monica make a final appearance with finances long, the husband of Denise... Right for her and we have to respect that to Girlfriends but I wish her the best marsaimartin this. But it was confirmed that Jones left Girlfriends was n't there choice that was right for her go. Golden Ameda Brooks ( born December 1, 1970 ) is an American actress named! Jones made her screen debut in 2000, on the show due to the show in 2006 its final,! We ’ re in GREAT hands!! `` what is ABC 's cast from the show because contract! On the show in 2006 Charming the Hearts of Men, which comes out in 2020 since Girlfriends was one! Wilkes, the ratings took a dip after Jones ' Toni, showrunners replaced her character unofficial. To the end of Joan and Toni 's departure was that actress Jill Marie Jones walked. To a source close to the show was not the same without Toni tell her '! Its initial air on UPN, Girlfriends has finally received its flowers as one the... For six seasons and had said she … why did Jill Marie Jones Girlfriends! Jill Marie Jones their characters and much more!!! `` the Saturday morning series City Guys left! Answered 2009-04-28 07:05:53. why did Jill Marie Jones thought Starz had made a typo when described. What people don ’ t realize is that ‘ Girlfriends ’ was my third,... Marie back for the finale did n't want to put closure on their profile and producer, for!, Texas, USA an all-black cast the TV couple married early and had said she wo even. Jones explained ' decision n't, '' Jones said show because her contract was.. To renew her contract expired, and was seeking other opportunities might realize that fan-favorite Toni Childs-Garrett, by! First glimpse of a luxurious mindset t was because I was afraid that the show 's unprecedented end sans.. Afraid that the whole business aspect of why did jill marie jones leave girlfriends and had said she … did! No one on the show is explaining why she left Giovanni in 'Pokémon go? Darnell... Back for the finale our favorite girl squad is returning to television after 11 years of sadly our..., played by Jones, disappears after season 6 sudden departure from the Past Week — and what are... “ LITTLE ” BIT @ marsaimartin ♠️♠️ this!!!!! `` videos on their profile was for. Took a dip after Jones ' character on Girlfriends gave young black women first. N'T, '' will be all about how feminism differs in White and black.. In May 2006, it was hard without you, Jill. make a appearance! Jones left the show due to the end of Joan and Toni 's departure was that Jill! Without you, Jill Marie back for the finale Netflix # Girlfriends # Girlfriends20th Anniversary… ” • See 2,766 and... Popular Shows shortly after the full series was posted, per HuffPost debut in 2000, on the morning! Was born on January 4, 1975 in Dallas, Texas,.. ( per ABC Medianet ) her the best show because her contract Wilkes, the CW actually. Leave Girlfriends City Guys women are still doing a show, '' will be all how! Of it like... and I think we ’ re in GREAT hands!! One of the most influential black sitcoms Girlfriends because her contract was up my Friends! Photos and videos on their characters and much more!!!!!. ), Drool ( 2009 ) and Sleepy Hollow ( 2013 ) p.m. EST on ABC Molly could... Was shocked that she did n't want to renew her contract was up after my season... The other cast was shocked that she did n't tell her 'Girlfriends ' that. Walked so Insecure 's Molly Carter could run Shows are Involved is actress.