Image Credit: Miranda Penn Turin/ABCSomeone better pour Nora Walker a tall glass of pinot, because her beleaguered clan is about to sustain another loss: As first reported by GiveMeMyRemote.com, Emily VanCamp is parting ways with Brothers & Sisters and her role of Rebecca. In the following exclusive interview, the Everwood grad sets the record straight about the circumstances surrounding her departure and teases the “traumatic” event that leads to Rebecca’s goodbye.
Is it true that you’re leaving?
EMILY VANCAMP: It is true. I’m going to go back for a couple of episodes, which I’m really excited about. I really feel like Rebecca has run her course. And the deal I was offered this year was for two more years, and I just felt like since renegotiations were happening that maybe it would be the right time to move on. I’ve been doing this for a very long time, and other opportunities have presented themselves that I haven’t been able to do. I’ve had such an amazing four years on the show and I felt like maybe it was time. It was a big risk, but I’m really excited about it.
Isn’t a six- or seven-year contract standard practice when you join a show?
VANCAMP: It is. I think [ABC] decided that they wanted to renegotiate with me and, I think, different cast members. All I know is what was happening with me. They [wanted to] renegotiate for the next couple of years and the idea of doing two more years was slightly daunting —not because I haven’t appreciated every single moment on that show. I’ve had such a brilliant time, and I had the opportunity to work with some of the best — I’m so grateful for that. But with family dramas, it’s hard to keep those stories alive. I just felt like it was time to move on.
There’s speculation that you were a casualty of widespread budget cuts at the show. Not true?
VANCAMP: I’d like to think that it was a mutual agreement. I don’t really make decisions based on [money]. For me, it was really a creative thing….I did a lot of soul-searching. It’s a big risk for me to take. [B&S showrunner David Marshall Grant responds: "We love Emily. Everyone here loves Emily. She wanted to try other things and I don't think anyone here wanted to stand in the way of her dreams."]
Are you concerned what your fellow cast members might think of your decision? Like, “Who does she think she is, leaving the show?”
VANCAMP: No. I think everyone sort of knew what was happening with my character and the relationship between Justin and Rebecca. There was a lot of fighting [between them]. It wasn’t moving forward in a way that was productive or exciting. I think this will give Dave Annable [Justin] an opportunity to do some different things, which will be exciting for him. I don’t think that anyone will disagree with what I’m doing. I think mostly they’ll be happy for me. It really is not an ego thing whatsoever….With such a huge cast, all I’m doing is opening up more time for them. [Laughs] Anyone who knows me knows that my ego really does not drive me. It’s about being happy and creatively fulfilled. I’ve been doing television for a long time. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m going to go off and do movies. I’d love to do some theater. I’ve thought about going back to school. There are so many things that are going through my brain. I’m 24 now, and I want to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.
How many episodes are you going back for?
VANCAMP: I’m definitely going back for two or three episodes at the beginning of the season. I’m really excited about the story. I spoke to our showrunner, David Marshall Grant, and he’s come up with some great story lines for the next season. I’m very excited about what’s happening for Rebecca.
I’m guessing the yearlong separation between Justin and Rebecca caused even further distance.
VANCAMP: I think so. I also think that when families go through traumatic situations — like a massive car crash — there are a lot of emotional issues to deal with. No one really knows what happened to Holly [Patricia Wettig] yet. Everyone knows what happened to Robert [Rob Lowe]. I think there are going to be a lot of emotional implications as a result of that event.
What’s next for you professionally?
VANCAMP: I’m working on a Hallmark movie right now called Let Them Shine. I’m playing a teacher, which I always wanted to do. When my character was young and out of college, there weren’t a lot of job opportunities for her in the middle of the school year, so she ended up teaching homeless children and she essentially changed their lives. And then after this I’m going to do Brothers & Sisters, and then who knows? We’ll have to wait and see. It’s a really exciting time for me right now.
What say you, Brothers & Sisters fans? Will you miss Rebecca? Or do you agree with EVC that her character has run her course? Sound off below!
I’ll miss her, but the show needs to focus on the core Walkers
I agree that she has run her course, but she doesn’t really sound like she means it. Of course, these are just words on a screen, but that’s my take.
She says: “the relationship between Justin and Rebecca….It wasn’t moving forward in a way that was productive or exciting.” SO TRUE. But this is the writers’ fault–and I bet Emily V. knows that and just won’t say it. I lurved Justin and Rebecca during the first year or two, even when they were “siblings.” They clicked instantly, and it was a pleasure to watch the characters get together. Then it all went to pot. I’m starting to think that these writers are incapable of positively sustaining any long-term relationship on this show in an interesting way (save for Kevin and Scotty–hopefully!)
I agree. Justin and Rebecca had become the worst couple on TV. There was absolutely zero communication between them.
She’s not a vital part of the show so she can go. It is surprising though.
Agree. I hate Rebecca and Justin, no chemistry and such a ridiculous relationship with all the dramas and miscommunication issues. So glad the actors actually recognize this too.
She is doing exactly what Katherine Heigl DIDN’T do. Like Heigl, she is essentially complaining about her character’s storylines, but she is doing so in a polite and diplomatic way. And I don’t blame her. Rebecca’s character has gone nowhere. It’s fight with mom, fight with Justin -lather rinse and repeat, over and over again. Rebecca never really supported Justin’s quest to become a doctor, she was very selfish.
I couldn’t agree more!
Yeah, but Heigl has more talent and beauty. And Rebecca still had room to grow whereas Izzie’s storylines were truly exhausted, hence Heigl at least being merited in her complaints and decision to leave.
Heigl was vilified because she has a moniker for being outspoken – and people were looking for the negatives in everything she said. As Zach said – when Heigl left her storylines were going nowhere. The writers had really made some bad decision with Izzies character and I think she made the right decision.
Plus, Heigl wanted to leave because she was becoming more famous and getting leading role offers in movies. This chick is definitely not that kind of success and I think is talking around the truth, which is that they wrote her out, and she has nothing lined up. It’s like when a company fires you but allows you to say you “resigned,” to save face. IMHO of course.
The trouble is, Heigl has a brain and a ton of class, and she had a lot of other lucrative offers. And if think working with Shonda Rimes isn’t a nightmare in the first place, you need to do some more research. Heigl was perfectly right in declining the award nom – in light of the braindead way noms are given to the same people year after year and also in light of the great performances by Sandra Oh and Chandra on Grey’s (that deserved nominations). After all, once you have an Emmy and a SAG award (and a Golden Globe, Saturn, Teen Choice, MTV movie, and Satellite award noms), more of the same doesn;t mean much difference. hopefully, VanCamp will continue to be successful in her next projects, and be so lucky as Heigl.
Heigl’s biggest mistake IMHO was not opening up her big mouth (though yes, that has obviously gotten her in trouble and cut back on her appeal), but simply not leaving (or contractually being able to leave?) the show sooner. Heigl stayed too long; if anything, EVC didn’t stay on long enough. I watch the show and didn’t foresee her completely leaving after only another 2 or 3 episodes. Even if the cliffhanger car accidents will understandably bring many swift changes, it still feels too soon both for the loyal viewer and the actress who didn’t have enough time/exposure to book another long-term gig.
Eew, what’s with all the Heigl defenders? That woman was the WORST, both on Grey’s and off. I don’t watch Brothers & Sisters and don’t really know who this VanCamp is, but I can already tell she has more class than Heigl ever did. I’m sure whatever projects she goes on to make will be 100x better than the God-awful rom-coms Heigl does.
I liked Heigl from the second I saw her on Roswell. And it was the same witz Emily on Everwood. Both TV shows were great and had an amazing cast.
And though I obviously don’t know anything about them personally, I can totally agree with their decisions to split Grey’s or B&S respectively. I stopped watching both shows because they were going nowhere whatsoever. Rebecca and Justin always have been the cutest couple. But then something changed and it was terrible to watch. Same thing is true for Isabel on Grey’s.
I like seeing Heigl on the screen (the big and the small one). So as long as she keeps up the good work I really don’t care about what the tabloids are saying!
Of course EVC is right: It’s hard to keep a Drama series running with the same cast over such a long time. And few people can do it (in my opinion Shonda Rhimes can’t). But if you realize it you have to do something about it. And one option is leave the show (or in my case: stop watching).
Marissa, you don’t watch B&S, you don’t know who EVC is…what the fcuk are you doing posting here? Do you troll all blogs and whenever you see positive comments regarding Heigl, you just *have* to post? You really are a catty jealous b!tch. I’d understand if this was about Heigl…but it’s not even about her, and you post? Slag hag.
Wow Jill, like your idol, you’re incredibly classy. Attacking a poster personally by calling them offensive names like “catty jealous bitch” and “slag hag” for merely expressing an opinion about an actress? And it’s not like I started the post about Heigl, about 8 other people had already posted about her before me. Get a grip (and a brain and some taste, while you’re at it).
Emily is simply complaining about her character’s story lines (eg, the writers) in a very professional manner.
I’m not surprised, and I agree with her assessment. And given the budget pressures on the show, I’m not surprised that ABC was seeking to renegotiate her contract and probably a few others.
She and Justin have no chemistry. The best storyline she had was her pregnancy, and that ended. I think they should write her off via divorce and have her go off to Italy or something with some hottie.
to France with Sarah’s man?
I don’t know if I completely agree that Rebecca has run her course. I thought that happened when we found out she wasn’t a Walker, but then the whole relationship w/ Justin happened and there was new life in the character. It’s definitely a good place in terms of the storyline if she’s ready to leave, but there are always more directions for characters to go.
I agree. The only thing that held her back for me was that she was becoming some twentysomething with no real career (now that Ojai was gone, anyway), no college education or plans, and no children.
Maybe Rebecca hadn’t run her course, but Rebecca/Justin had. And if she’s not with Justin then she really has no connection left with the Walkers and therefore the show…same with Scotty, Robert or Julia (2 of the 3 already being gone)
I really like the character of Rebecca, but I can understand that Emily VanCamp wants to move on to other things. She is young and has been doing this for 4 years. Time to try something new. I imagine when you are an actor you want to get as many experiences as possible.
Lots of changes for the show in September!
Really? You people are falling for that? She’s doing a Hallmark movie! LOL! That’s not a step-up!
Exactly. I’m sorry, but if anything ran its course on this show, it’s EVC’s talent and beauty. She came in as this appealing ingenue, but as her character evolved, the actress herself became less interesting, and I don’t think leaving a secure job in this economy is going to help on that front–she’s not going to be the next Katherine Heigl (if that’s something to even aspire to at this point). Obviously I think they let her go due to budget cuts. I wonder if Rob Lowe preemptively left for similar reasons! Sad on both fronts, I must say. I’m not particularly a fan of Lowe on- or off-screen, but he’s a fine actor and his character grew on me. Similarly, even if EVC tapped out her talent, her character still had room to grow, i.e. actually have that baby. Here she was supposed to be the half-sister and they turned her into Justin’s girlfriend, all for her to leave? I love the show, the cast, and the dialogue, but the storylines and executive decisions are getting ridiculous. Just drop Tommy for good and keep EVC and I’d be happy. Too much death and divorce on this show–not even realistic.
So what’s going to happen to Holly that justifies Rebecca leaving for good? Patricia Wettig’s husband (playing her onscreen boyfriend) is an executive producer, so I’m sure as long as she still wants the work, she’s not going anywhere. But maybe she’s seriously injured and has to take a hiatus with Rebecca caring for her? With Ojai and now her daughter gone, she has no reason to interact with the Walkers. The irony is that if Rebecca were the one injured or killed, Holly would have no reason to be on the show anymore, but it doesn’t work as nicely the other way around. This is just sad, though, that we might end up losing 3 good characters…and still have Tommy.
I really wish people would stop saying actors shouldn’t leave a job in this economy. It’s such a dumb thing to say and just shows that you know nothing about the entertainment business. Acting isn’t like other professions. It isn’t as affected by the economy as everyday jobs. In fact, the TV and film industries are some of the only businesses that are virtually recession proof. Movie ticket sales usually go up during a recession. If a studio is hit hard by the economy the people who are most affected are the below the line workers, not actors. There are just as many acting jobs available now as there were before the economy went south, particularly for actors who have a lot of experience.
@nodnarb – I’m not sure if you’re making this mistake, but it’s not a movie for the Hallmark channel. It’s a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that will air on CBS. Having the lead role in a movie that will air in primetime on a major network is nothing to scoff at imo.
Ahh, that is better. But just barely.
as an actor, working = success. keeping you name out there and building lines on resumees never hurts.
@ Patrick – saying the economy doesn’t affect actors of any stature is a very ignorant thing to write. Sure, George Clooney will always have a job, but this girl? She’s talented, pretty, and appealing, and sure, give her another year and she can get another role on an *ensemble* series, but it was not in her best interest at least in the short term to leave the show, and I’m sure it wasn’t her sole decision. Lots of lesser actors are out of work because of the recession as well as factors that, as you suggest, have nothing to do with the economy, such as low ratings, studio politics, bad aging, you name it. This girl is not necessarily above it all. This decision also comes after the pilots for next season have already been launched. Again, I’m not saying she won’t be able to land another series because she certainly can, but it’s still TV. She was on a hit show, even if it’s on its way out, and now she’s doing a TV movie. (And Winona Ryder did a Hallmark movie this year. Ryder is much more talented than VanCamp but still having trouble getting big projects.) The economy only makes it that much harder for anyone who’s not Sandra Bullock to get another successful series or film deal greenlit. Sure, she can do theater and work consistently for the rest of her life, but will she be making the same money? No. It’s not a good move for her right now.
You know, there are more important things in life than money, right? Emily said it herself. She doesn’t make decisions based on money. She makes them based on creative reasons and I assume based on what will ultimately make her happy. I’m sure she has plenty of money saved up for her future. She seems like a levelheaded girl. And staying on the show just to cash a paycheck isn’t the right thing to do in my mind. Not if you don’t feel creatively fullfilled or aren’t happy with what you’re doing. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Emily knowing that she doesn’t make her decisions simply based on how much money she’ll make.
i believe Ms Van Camp will go on to bigger and better things. when i first saw her on Everwood, she was so refreshing and doe eyed beuatiful like Natalie
Portman in Beautiful Girls. she will surprise all of her detractors one day. mark my words. and this is truly my first blog posting ever.
everybody is leaving or dying these days, glas i’m not a walker.
This news makes me a little sad! But I’m hopeful that Justin will get a Decent story line! He has been kind of a bore since he kicked the drug abuse problem…
One of the major problems TV these days has is the lack of a “forever couple.” Scotty and Kevin are the show’s last hope at showing that some marriages DON’T fail. If they break up, this program will be facing TGAS- Terminal Grey’s Anatomy Syndrome.
-TGAS well said!!
I’ve been a fan of the show from the beginning, and though I think EVC is talented, her storylines have been kinda meh! for the past 2 seasons. Glad she’s moving on to something else.
Looking forward to the September premiere!
I agree, Sam. But on that note I think they WILL make a point of keeping the gays together. I bet they’d risk losing viewership otherwise. Plus, Scotty and Kevin ultimately have the fewest serious problems of any of the couples anyway. They’re like Lynette and Tom on Desperate Housewives – you just don’t mess with them.
I agree. I adore Kevin and Scotty and I think they are the best couple on the show. I hope they remain together.
This is EXACTLY what I think. Brothers and Sisters will be 1 for 5 with successful marriages: Sarah/Joe, Tommy/Julia,Kitty/Robert, and now Justin/Rebecca; the only one that still works is Kevin/Scotty.
I honestly don’t know if I can watch a show that just killed two marriages in one season finale. I know I’ll get the “then just stop watching” thing, but I really love this show when it’s touching and funny; it’s just so hard to watch when no relationships seem to work out.
Her character ran her course ages ago. Really happy about this news, Justin and Rebecca were always the worst couple on this show. They worked so much better with the sibling relationship they started out with.
I think this might actually cause one of my favorite shows to jump that shark. I’ve been highly dissatisfied with Justin & Rebecca’s strife, coming after Kitty and Robert’s. Neither couple should have been fighting like they were. They were all good for each other. I don’t know if the show will be watchable anymore.
I agree that neither couple should have been fighting like that and that they were all good for each other. Thank heavens we still have Kevin and Scotty being functional and good to each other while still facing drama, but there was really no reason that Justin and Rebecca and then Kitty and Robert should have fallen apart like they did.
I love Kevin and Scotty, and if that relationship has serious problems, that would be the final straw. Season pass on my TiVo would be canceled.
I stopped watching when Kitty was diagnosed with cancer. That was the shark jumping moment for me! The show became the disease of the week, and/or let’s give Calista and Sally another emmy ploy! How many medical crises can one family suffer in such a short time? Besides the business stuff and conflicts with Holly were far more interesting than the maudlin who’s dying next.
Agreed
So happy about this. I could never get into her character.
i’m more concerned about the show itself, all brothers and sisters fans should show their support for this season more than ever — they reduced the number of episodes from 22 to 18 so they can show shondra rimes new show off the map and it concerns me about brothers future. i hope abc changes it’s mind and gives brothers a full season order.
I am a fan, and I still watch for Kevin and Scotty. But this show is way past its prime. It’s all about Parenthood now.
yes parenthood: a show about family dynamics that does not resort to soap opera drama.
I don’t agree with EVC that Rebecca has run her course, she had potential to really help with the new business. Rebecca seemed like she had real power and has the ability to knock Holly down when she gets out of hand. I don’t want to see EVC leave B&S I just hope Holly needs rehab and she takes her tv mom with her.
Bummed she’s leaving! I liked her and Justin together.
I hate the ABC! I wish Emily the best! She’s such a nice girl!!
I really like EVC but I’ve grown tired of Rebecca and won’t miss her character. Wish EVC nothing but the best as she moves on to new things!
I’ve always liked her, and I like how B&S pretty much stuck with it’s cast instead of a revolving door of love interests. If she comes back a few times a year I’d be happy…but I have to say with Rob, Emily and a reduced Calista, I’m not sure if it’s going to work.