I wish Robert Downey Jr. had stayed.

He was fired actually



"While everything was going well on the show, the same couldn’t be said for Downey’s personal life. He was miserable being “stuck” doing television (he didn’t have a problem with the show or his co-stars, he just hated the 9 to 5 work atmosphere after the much more flexible schedule of film) and his drug use continued. He got caught with drugs again in November 2000, but while awaiting the hearing, he continued acting on Ally McBeal. However, in April 2001, with the filming finished on all but one episode of the season, Downey was arrested once again for drug use, although he wasn’t charged (he was on cocaine at the time, though).

That was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back, and Downey was fired from Ally McBeal, either by Kelley or by higher-ups at Fox forcing Kelley to let him go."

Yes, I loved Robert Downey, Jr. in Ally McBeal, too … his Larry character was one of my favorites besides Ally. Loved Larry for Ally. Just finished watching the entire series today having watched it when it was on the air back then. I think I stopped watching it back then once Billy died. Loved Robert as Larry & so wanted him to be the one for Ally. I can only imagine how beautifully the show would have ended with Ally & Larry together if Robert had not been fired due to drug-related arrests. It amazes me how well he acted despite the drug issues. I was SO devastated when he had to be written out of the show due to being fired following drug-related arrests. The show was ruined when he left.

Robert Downey Jr. is an brilliant actor with an infectious personality. I do not know him personally … only what I happen to read occasionally only. From what I have read, I am thrilled that he was able beat the drug habit, found love, has the joy of family & is living an amazing life with much success in his career. So sad that his father introduced him to drugs at the age of eight. I cannot imagine the strength required, pain endured & integrity needed to prevail over drugs & rebuild life … having had such a start. What a blessing.

I'm introducing my son to this. He's a big Boston Legal fan. I've got just seasons 3 & 4. Gil Bellows' exit and RDJ's intro.
We're enjoying it immensely. But yes, RDJ left all too quickly. And that's what makes season 4 all the better. Imagine if the show crashed with him in it? Too scary to think about... alright, it's too late for that... thinking about it, that is.
Great show for its time. Boston Legal with great music?

And while we're waxing Ally McBeal...How exactly did Vonda Shepard get in the opening credits? A really great agent?

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He made the show after Billy died. Then when he was gone, that last season sucked big time!