We all heard late Friday night that other than possibly an occasional guest spot, Chord Overstreet will not be returning to Glee for Season 3, and that Harry Shum Jr. and Darren Criss will be promoted next season to series regulars. But what what what about the rest of the cast? Who will leave and who will return?
Mike O’Malley, who plays Kurt’s sympathetic dad, said in a recent interview that he’ll play Bert Hummel as long as the producers will have him and said that “I did make a deal so that I would be back for more.” Looks like a go to me.
Ashley Fink, who plays the big and tough Lauren Zizes will remain a guest star, according to Deadline’s Chord Overstreet report, but has heard from a sources that her “presence may be scaled back.”
Jessalyn Gilsig who played Terri, Mr. Shue’s neurotic wife will not be returning as a series regular next season, although she, like Chord, may return as an occasional guest star.
Charice won’t be returning for Season 3 to play foreign exchange student, Sunshine Corazon, according to reports. Despite much ballyhoo about her addition as a guest star last fall, she only appeared in 3 episodes. I would not consider that a news bulletin, exactly, although I suppose there were fans who were hoping Ryan Murphy would finally expand her role.
Creator Ryan Murphy said in a recent interview that he won’t be featuring any high profile guest stars. Kristin Chenoweth, who played the alcoholic April Rhodes, is not expecting to return for Season 3. That list would include, I assume, Gwyneth Paltow (Holly Holiday) John Stamos (Emma’s husband), Idina Menzel (Rachel’s mom), Cheyenne Jackson (Vocal Adrenaline coach), and Jonathon Groff (Rachel love interest and VA star) too.
However, big named guest stars are ratings crack. We’ll see if Murphy can stick to that particular proclamation.
The fate of other guest stars like Dot-Marie Jones and Max Adler are still up in the air. I expect Max Adler as Karovsky, will return. Murphy seems to love writing for him and the bullying/closeted storyline is still playing out. I wouldn’t be totally shocked to see Dot-Marie’s football coach character scaled back or eliminated.
A poster who was taking me to task in the Chord thread (heh) nonetheless posted some interesting statistics regarding number of episodes (out of 22 total) cast members appeared in Season 2.
Harry Shum Jr (Mike Chang) – 22
Chord Overstreet (Sam) – 21
Ashley Fink (Lauren Zizes)- 17
Lauren Potter (Becky) appeared in 14.
Darren Criss (Blaine) – 13
Max Adler (Karovsky) 12
Mike O’Malley (Bert Hummel) – 8
It’s interesting to note that Mike O’Malley, who plays Kurt’s dad, is the only Season 2 regular on this list–and has the least screen time. Yes, Chord was contractually hired only as a guest star last season. O’Malley negotiated a good deal, but then, he was already a TV star coming into his Glee role.
