Penny Johnson Jerald and Castle are putting an end to their collaboration after four years. The 54-year-old actress, who started portraying Capt. Victoria Gates in 2011 made the big announcement on Twitter.
Castle‘s Penny Johnson Jerald was apparently fired by ABC, and fans have taken to social media to express their anger and disappointment. Jerald was not expecting this development. The 24 actress took to Twitter Friday to reveal that she would not be a part of Castle Season 8. She wrote:
“To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the Castle family. Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ.
Castle has been going through many changes lately. First of all, season 8 will only have 13 episodes instead of 23. David Amann left the television series, and Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley were hired as co-showrunners to replace him. Additionally, it took a long time for Stana Katic to get a new contract.
Jerald’s character was liked by fans but never had her own storyline. This is something that probably made it easier for bosses at the network to get rid of the actress. The show probably had to make some tough calls for the two lead actors to remain on board. According to rumors, the upcoming season will be the last one for Castle. Production of season 8 is set to begin in July.
It appears that Penny Johnson Jerald was on vacation with her family when she found out that Castle was moving ahead without her. The reactions on social media were very supportive of the October Road actress. You can check out some of them below.
What are your thoughts on Penny Johnson Jerald being ousted from Castle?
@Fillionfangirl I think everyone had really warmed to her character and let's face it, she was Captain longer than Montgomery was #IronGates
— Angel Costa (@angelcosta78) May 30, 2015
@btwprod You may not be on the show, but you'll always be #Castle family. #IronGates is fabulous, and I am so sad you won't be continuing.
— Melanie (@Tigerlily_lady) May 30, 2015
Andrew Marlowe, Amanda Johns, Dara Creasey, Terri Edda Miller & Penny Johnson Jerald. Who will be the next thing is out of Castle?
— Isatic (@MarisabeL709) May 30, 2015
@btwprod WHAT WAIT NO
— milena (@btrainwreck) May 30, 2015
@btwprod WHAT?! nooooo. This is really sad. I'll miss seeing you on Castle 🙁
— Pally (@Paladin356) May 30, 2015
@btwprod I wish you well for the future. I know that God has plans for you and you put a smile on our faces. We'll miss you, Penny!
— kelli (@kelliwellijelli) May 30, 2015
