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?
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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!!
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.
THATS GOOD FOR HER!! but her movie carrer is going nowhere fast.
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
so beautiful n so talented but i wish she came back .
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”?
I was upset when Jill left the show. I loved her character she kind of remind me of myself alittle. Then I was really upset when they took the whole show off the air.
I love Toni Childs, that was the reason I was watching girlfriends, in season episode 2 when I saw just 3 girls on the “girlfriends flick”i simply turned it off and went back to season 1 episode 1. Toni was my favorite character in the movies and even generally. I really wish she’ll change her mind and come back to the show cause girlfriends isn’t fun anymore
They tried to fill in her spot with William’s wife . but that did not work for me missed her on the show and I miss the show all together. I hate the way she left. I liked all of the girls and Joan was my girl. All of them carried each other. They should just bring it back and keep it fun!
Every time something good happens for a group someone wants to break out alone and do their own thing. After leaving girlfriend Jill’s career went absolutely nowhere. I personally didn’t care for Toni child’s character. She was too self center and Joan should have kicked her to the curve long time ago. Jill just wasn’t the breakout star she thought she would be. Sorry. Now anyone else think Lynn’s character was disgusting? That was one lazy, crazy character.
Every time something good happens for a group someone wants to break out alone and do their own thing. After leaving girlfriend Jill’s career went absolutely nowhere. I personally didn’t care for Toni child’s character. She was too self center and Joan should have kicked her to the curve long time ago. Jill just wasn’t the breakout star she thought she would be. Sorry. Now anyone else think Lynn’s character was disgusting? That was one lazy, crazy character.
I think you missed the point of the show, all of the characters are very different personalities that is the beauty of the show, the mix was perfect, Lynn ‘s character was funny but Jill was my favorite. They all were great. I miss that show.
I know I’m months behind on this comment but I agree. I loved the show and I loved the personalities. I think I liked Myia the most. I recently purchased the complete series on dvd. Worth every penny.
I just really started watching the re-runs and I thought the combination of the 4 of them is what made the show. Lynn was the free spirited person that most people watch but would never be (Though they might think about it) lol. Joan is the overprotective yet strangely refreshing straight laced person, Maya, a more typical home type person, and Toni – well, she was the extreme of being self centered yet honest. When she left, I was very disappointed. I would have loved to have friends like that growing up, always there when needed, yet willing to be honest with each other. I watch the re-runs, but really wish the show had continued
Frankly I didn’t really like her on the show and why do they always have the worst looking one on there and say that she’s the most beautiful woman on there which is never true they do that on every show not just girlfriends act like the worst looking girl is the best looking girl in the best looking girl is the worst looking girl sucks bad seriously
I really miss this show !! Maya with her “hell to the no”, Toni and her selfishness, Lynn and her lazy ass, and Joan with her fragile emotional life.. BRING IT BACK TO US MAYA !
Well you can watch the reruns on Netflix now so enjoy!! But I do hope they bring it back as a remake like they are with all these old shows. Would be BEAST MODE~!!
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I haven’t seen Jill do anything major on tv, movie or broadway for that matter. But hey she has the right to steer her own ship. Just don’t get shipwrecked . Now Netflix has picked up Girlfriends and I’m 59 enjoying a 8 seasons just like it was yesterday! $sistasforever!