Jill Marie Jones Clears Up ‘Girlfriends’ Drama
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. It marks the first time the actress has addressed the issue since leaving the show two years ago. Below are extracts from the interview:On Why She Left ‘Girlfriends’
Essence.com: Nothing wrong with spreading your wings, which brings me to your departure from Girlfriends. Tracee Ellis Ross said in an interview that the reason you didn’t return was because the cast did not receive the huge raise they were expecting. Is that true.
J.M.J: First of all, let me tell you why I left. I left because I wanted to do movies. 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. My actor’s chair that has Girlfriends and my name on it, you know the director’s chair? Well, on the very last day of my sixth season, I told them to grab my chair and put it in my car for me. Then we had to negotiate a contract that doesn’t happen until they decide that your show is going to be picked up. You end the show in like February and then they don’t decide if they are going to pick you up because the upfronts until May. So why would I take my chair if I thought I was coming back? Believe you me, I would tell you. I’ve never made a decision based on money. I was on the show for six years and I think that’s a good run. There’s so much more I want to do in my career and so much more I want to know and learn, but my departure definitely had nothing to do with money.
On Her Current Relationship With The ‘Girlfriends’ Cast:
Essence.com: Do you still keep in touch with the cast?
J.M.J: I’ve talked to them individually at different times. I have so much love for all of them. But are we hanging out and having some wine and cheese on a Saturday night? No. Do I think of them as friends? Absolutely. In a way, I think of them as extended family, like cousins. I’ve talked to them individually throughout this, but I don’t talk to them on a regular basis. I wish them all well and I still watch the show.
You can read the full interview by clicking here.
There’s no doubt ‘Girlfriends’ has been kinda lacking since Jill’s departure. Still, it’s good to know there’s no hard feeling between her and the rest of the cast. Your thoughts?
Filed Under: Kelly Rowland
T
January 22, 2008 at 4:19 pm
i’m glad there’s no hard feelings between them and i’m still mad she’s no on there, i mean i don’t watch it because shes’ not in it, she does and i might lol well no won’t, i saw some yesterday and it seemed to dramatic, but I LOVE JILL, HOPE SHE DOES MORE MOVIES CUZ SHE’S SUCH A GREAT ACTRESS!!
Melissa
January 22, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I understand what she is saying, but what about the fans? I guess you do have to do what’s right for you, but now it seems that I don’t see her anywhere. I seen her in a commercial, and a movie that did not do so well.
Anonymous
January 23, 2008 at 12:07 am
THATS GOOD FOR HER!! but her movie carrer is going nowhere fast.
Anonymous
January 23, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Maybe I’m missing something, but there are plenty of actors on tv, who also appear in movies, so what really gives?
The only movie she made (that b-ball flick), was whack, so……..what the dealio
Mr Joel Anthony !
January 24, 2008 at 2:09 pm
so beautiful n so talented but i wish she came back .
Ur_Next_Ex
December 17, 2008 at 4:52 am
i heard that she finally decided to cash in on her electrifying beauty and go the way of lisa raye…she is currently screwing the hell out of a spanish billionaire playboy that has always been a fan of her show. can you say “sugar daddy”?