The REAL Reason Jill Marie Jones QUIT Girlfriends (Allegedly) Part 1

[@hopedash5372]

She took a chance and it didn't completely work out. This happens in life. At least she tried. No failure in that.

[@larabraver]

I just wrote a similar comment.

[@kamikani08]

Thank you...not everything a conspiracy

[@teeleevision]

Just like Envogue when Dawn Robinson left! Envogue was NEVER THE SAME & GIRLFRIENDS WAS NEVER THE SAME. Jill Marie Jones made that show Pop!! ❤️

[@Locd4life707]

Facts!

[@teeleevision]

@@Locd4life707 yep!!!!

[@brandonbates9259]

Let me keep this going lol because that was a great point... When Naturi got kicked out of 3LW that group was never the same

[@MsTrueTy]

@@brandonbates9259 The temptations were never the same once they lost their three major members. David Paul and Eddie. Even when David left the temptations music definitely shifted. But the group was never the same once they lost Eddie and Paul.

[@thex1373]

Golden Brooks also, Toni & Maya were my favorite characters

[@LorenCognita]

She was probably blackballed from the film industry by the creators of Girlfriends for leaving the show. She was an AMAZING actress…. I don’t see any other reason why Hollywood wouldn’t have been fighting to cast her. The fact that such a talented actress on a hit tv show couldn’t land bigger roles says a lot 😢

[@budlight6665]

Umm only one that really went to do big things was tracie

[@glenrushing5361]

I honestly don't think the creators of Girlfriends have that type of power to blackball Jill. If it were a Tyler Perry or Oprah then maybe yes. Keep in mind that even established African American movie stars have a tough time getting movie roles. It is very competitive, yet limited

[@Thatcuntbih46]

Right!? I hope I thought I would have seen her everywhere not only what should I tell him to actress but she was extremely beautiful.

[@kenyettaready]

@@glenrushing5361wasn’t the creator of girlfriends Kelsey Grammar? He’s very big in Hollywood

[@glenrushing5361]

@@kenyettaready the creator of Girlfriends is Mara Akil...Kelsey Grammer was the Executive Producer. Yes, Kelsey is big in Hollywood, but I still don't think he has the pull in the movie industry to have someone blackballed

[@Winnib7479]

Unfortunately back then Network's would NEVER have paid a black cast as much as they paid the cast of Friends. Sad but true.

[@Steph-nc4bo]

Viewership was high, but not NEARLY as high as Friends, they wouldn’t have brought in as much money as the show friends did in comparison, to get paid as much.

[@Winnib7479]

@@Steph-nc4bo I never watched one episode of Friends so I wouldn't know.

[@nataliehenderson8657]

They expect black women to work for free and not want millions of Dollars d fuk

[@raqui174]

Friends had a bigger audience

[@BunniiBlossomBleum]

@@Winnib7479 I keep hearing this! FRIENDS pushed out the black shows not because they didn’t have views or they weren’t extremely broadly loved it was just because they were hitting numbers like friends and then to shut down every black show and pushed friends and himym lol after finding it out I can’t look at those shows the same anymore because those actors knew they were stepping down on people who were equally talented.

[@EvolMuzik4ever]

The show wasn't the same without her. She made girlfriends.

[@elizabethr4107]

💯

[@babyhousewifee]

I just finished the entire series last weekend on Netflix. I’m literally living the lives of each one the the girls in my own way. The effect this show had on me as a kid and now as a woman WOWWW beautifully written all the characters. It’s a shame how it ended we need a reunion with alll the girlfriends 💘

[@sarah_lee5150]

And will don’t forget about uncle dad! Lol

[@kat64470]

I'm Joan! Ugh and it irks me! 😂😂

[@babyhousewifee]

@@kat64470 I’m tony with a dash of mya 😂

[@babyhousewifee]

@@sarah_lee5150 aka the fifth girlfriend loveee William so much

[@ayeelaura]

yesss they instilled so much confidence in me as a child

[@LittleQween65]

This show had a profound effect on me, and my journey as an African-American woman! 🌟

[@eastbee103]

Why?? How though?? You let TV dictate your life and experiences?? No wonder they call tv the idiot box or the boob tube!!

[@ravenahenry]

I watch this show religiously on Netflix. If I can't find anything to watch, I rewatch girlfriends .... never disappoint

[@corinicole9271]

I absolutely loved this show!! Joan, Maya, Lynn & Toni all got on my nerves at times, however, Toni became my fave in the later seasons. For many, Tracee Ellis Ross was the show. But obviously, Jill Marie Jones was the show as well. Once she left, it was never the same. But I also feel like if Tracee, Golden, or Persia ended up leaving, the show would have ended the same. They all made the show!

[@Theeglowgetter34]

I agree !!! Growing up Toni was always my favorite character. However, I feel like they all played their part as girlfriends and I think if any of them left it just wouldn’t have been the same.

[@Bree5three]

@@Theeglowgetter34 Ehhh no shade to Persia/Lynn but she could've left and I would've known no different. I know it's a sitcom but the more compelling parts are the conflict. Joan and Toni, and in some instances Maya, brought the drama, Lynn was more the hijinks and that's cute but not what kept me as a viewer.

[@KingMaryJane]

I have ALWAYS loved Jill Marie Jones. As a darker skinned Black Woman, I was in utter AWE on how she commanded a room, spoke her mind, and KNEW HER WORTH. She made me feel like it was okay for me to revel in my accomplishments. She is totally unapologetic- and it made me relax KNOWING that I was the same 😂😂. She was everything. At the time- it was really difficult for me to understand why Tracee Ellis was “the show”- I was NOT a fan. Her eyes took too much of my focus 😂

[@fredaadu8400]

Her eyes took too much of my focus. 😆 🤣

[@misscooks601]

😂😂😂 the tracee Ross part is straight up facts. Jill Marie was definitely my favorite too. She had her life together and knew exactly what she wanted.

[@KingMaryJane]

@@fredaadu8400 😂😂 Looking like she was constantly on a cliffhanger- like everything surprised her 😂😂

[@KingMaryJane]

@@misscooks601 YES 🙌🏾-

[@meme-uk6xz]

All four of those actresses played their parts perfectly....they just fit together well ....none more important than the other ....stacy was friends with each of the ladies and she brought them together

[@angelatrammel2153]

This show was my favorite back then in early 2000s and still one of my favorites. It really made me appreciate how beautiful we black women are. I’m hoping for a Girls Friend movie..!! Thanks for this commentary

[@brandinicole7992]

Nobody wore a red lip like Toni Childs! 😍

[@shameekisreal5185]

💯💯💯‼️

[@donnajeffreys8252]

Such a pretty woman 💋

[@breakthecycle1971]

I loved “Girlfriends”! I’ve seen the series a million times. My 24yr old son is tired of me watching. It would have been nice if we got a movie(closure) like sex in the city.

[@classicstorm]

I always hear this, especially with black cast; they ban together, but then only one person follows through with it and ends up quitting or getting fired...

[@RaquelCGary]

I don’t understand how The Game has been revived fifty-leven times but we can’t get a real Girlfriends send off! Unless loose ends were tied up when they were all on Black-ish which I didn’t see. The guy who played Kyle on Living Single tried to do the same thing, get the cast more money but he wasn’t backed up by the cast so he left. Wish these actors of the shows we love could stick together like the cast of friends did. Smh…

[@MsCeeTheBeautyDiva]

I pray they bring this show back for just a mini special! I’m really about to make a petition frfr 😭😭😭😭

[@MsCeeTheBeautyDiva]

@@LilithsCosmicLounge I agree 1000%

[@johnfredericks4376]

They sort of did when they all showed up on Blackish for an episode.

[@snsn7251]

Classic. Shame how it ended. All the actresses stood on their own. Strong characters and William

[@SoDebNair]

I actually spoke with Mara on Twitter and she said that the fans have to want it and speak out so they can either do a reboot or a movie. I’d love to speak with you about this because we can get it started.

[@SSSS-wq4vn]

I would like a movie or three. Just saying.

[@SSSS-wq4vn]

It would be a cool to bring Jill back for the movie. ❤

[@SoDebNair]

@@SSSS-wq4vn from what I’m told Jill is willing to come back

[@kat64470]

Yea, let's getting started

[@SLa-pb1gg]

Now see, she said that studio’s wasn’t willing to put up money for a movie but that she had a script already. So I wonder what the truth is.

[@blkgm7005]

I remember the rumors and being so mad at her as a fan. I thought she was getting too big headed at the time. Looking back now, I get her frustration...probably how all the ladies felt but were prob just trying to keep working. Its sad that nobody but Tracee went on to do more awesome shows and opportunities bc those ladies were magical together.

[@Sirie7206]

Although she did, I’ll always see her as Joan.

[@LoveisKiing]

The way I scrolled past and saw Jill’s photo in the thumbnail… I thought she done gone on to meet Him 😩. I’m glad sis is still with us 😂❤

[@robinblack7883]

She was also on a hit show in showtime afterwards. I forgot the name of it. It was a sc-fi

[@tabblack43]

🥴😂😂😆

[@Bueller.Bueller.Bueller.]

Just because she wasn't in many movies doesn't mean she didn't try. You can't just snap your fingers and get what you want in Hollywood. Maybe she tried. Regardless of the outcome of the success of a movie she was in 2 around that time and that counts as success. Do you know how many people audition for one role? Sometimes thousands and it's narrowed down to 1. I admire that she responded gracefully because what you say can block you from future roles/jobs. She seems smart to me! Too bad the whole cast couldn't stick together and get higher pay like the Friends cast.

[@Jae_Denee]

I BELIEVE it was over money. I believe the Director’s would have worked with her to do “movies” as well as being on the show but maybe she was so fed up that she left. The show was a huge SUCCESS. I think Jill was like I’ll show ya’ll who the real star is of this show and left to prove a point ……IT WAS DEFINITELY OVER MONEY. What she said in her interview does NOT make sense.

[@nataliehenderson8657]

Just like black mammies today can’t stick together to get all the money they can get always got be one to outshine the other

[@darnellmajor8895]

GOOD point jdenee!!! Because REMEMBER Sarah Michelle Gellar lasted SEVEN years on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and did a ton of movies at the time like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scooby Doo and Cruel Intentions! So why couldn't Jill work something around her schedule like SMG did? Something tells me she didn't really get along with the crew or cast because she really was the best on Girlfriends lol

[@SabrinaHendrix.]

She was most definitely the prettiest on the show & most sophisticated I always wondered why she was never a cast in anything besides that show

[@PARTSUNKNOWN8]

They were all beautiful

[@SabrinaHendrix.]

@@PARTSUNKNOWN8 you’re entitled to your opinion just like I am

[@DonnaOliphant-gq2ps]

She was csst in other movies look her up

[@kandikrush6553]

Thank you, Lailah!!!! Now I want to why Dawn Lyen Gardner left Queen Sugar! My fav characters never make it to the series finale.

[@ladytea697]

Honestly this reminds me of the curse of David Caruso. The guy who starred in NYPD Blue and blew up then decided to leave the show so he could be a big movie star. Well his big movie career never panned out. Jill Marie Jones was amazing as Toni. She should have hung on as long as possible. Sometimes that next big break never comes as it didn’t for her. However, the show was never the same without her.

[@reginayfavors]

Same thing happened with Farrah Fawcett. She should have stayed on Charlie's Angels all the way to the end. Then moved on.

[@larabraver]

That’s life - sometimes you just have to jump and take a risk; it may work out…or not. Would I have left a successful show?, no, but we each have to listen to our guts. She didn’t get a big movie career, but maybe got a big love for herself, a big life partner or big friendships.

[@maxinef6654]

Yup exactly. He too was on a very successful show and left to do movies. It didn’t turn out the way he wanted and ended back on TV.

[@JB-hc9ox]

What’s interesting is The Game is back on. And there isn’t a reboot in SIGHT for girlfriend’s 😥

[@vickyodera5722]

It's sad how the friends cast were able to do it and these black women were not

[@mikalmccoy530]

Thank you new member! I remember Tracee Ellis stating that Jill Marie was acting like a diva because she was the star of the show & should get paid for it. Tracee also said the show is not called Toni's Girlfriends; we are equals. But they have all kissed & made up. Still waiting on her movie career, not those straight to DVD's versions.

[@tajsimms8976]

Toni kinda was the star of the show, her drama was the show. Once she left the show just felt empty, I understand why she wanted more money.

[@SLa-pb1gg]

Everything just changed when Toni left. The writing, the aura, the acting, everything just changed. The 3 of them didn’t work as well as they did as a 4some. I also heard around this time that Tracee was being a mean girl and forcing them to take sides, basically making Jill feel like an outsider.

[@kktheonlyonestephens5097]

I can’t understand how they KEEP making more episodes of “the game” but nothing for Girlfriends? TF? They should have stuck together period! And Tracy has enough influence to bring this back to at least wrap it up? Come ooooonnnnn!

[@Oma918]

Girlfriends needs to be renewed. I can’t believe they haven’t done that yet. When are we going to get the ending we deserve? I keep watching the show on Netflix hoping that I will get a proper ending but nope. Same ole abrupt ending with Joan reading Aaron’s letter to his class. We deserve better.

[@shakirasmith6454]

Thank you!! The one show I wouldn’t mind getting a reboot, the last episode of season 8 wasn’t a proper ending.

[@BigNovemberScorpio]

I still watch girlfriends and i actually like jill marie outside the show I'm glad you are doing this! 🔥🔥🔥 it wasn't the same after toni childs left

[@theresadurant5246]

Thank you so much for sharing this story with us. I love this show in still watch reruns of Girlfriends all the time.

[@AimeeMayB]

I wish they brought girlfriends back !!

[@MrsTammyBaby]

Thank you! I love Girlfriends. I keep watching every season over and over on Netflix!!!

[@spfsincerely1341]

You picked my favorite series ever, Girlfriends, to cover behind scenes tea.

[@corennakhieu5483]

The four of them had something special together. When she left, it felt different. I tried to watch but the show was not good anymore.

[@dollarmike7144]

Toni carried that show on her back 🙌🏾

[@nesoldier74]

I own all of the dvds up until when Toni left. I didn’t want the following seasons. Girlfriends was not the same without Jill. 😢

[@edreid7872]

With the exception of Tracy, its been hard to track anyone's career.. And I always thought Kelsey Grammer, whose production company was behind bringing us the show, could have had some influence on a TV movie wrap up..he is regarded as one of Hollywood's power players.. His Frasier character is gearing up for yet another comeback, and will probably have the honor of the longest running character on three different television shows...

[@ezgoing4eva]

We all know why "friends" situation worked and not "Girlfriends"

[@DivaDen]

I actually remember that interview and was a bit disappointed with her answer cause she wasn't in very many movies after leaving.

[@ruthannsenior1149]

It’s a shame that we didn’t get to see Joan get married. Especially since she was beasting for damn near all of the seasons to find a man and get married. They need to do a reboot like all of them other shows !

[@evernechatman1590]

Ikr

[@08baby25]

@@ruthannsenior1149 I agree. I still look at her as Joan on blackish and happy that she finally got her family.🤣❤️

[@RDCFemmes]

the original black girl in luxury

[@cynthiaanderson7998]

She was something else in 35 and ticking 🤣🤣🤣

[@lrs1519]

She was awful! Like dang!

[@TheJanieLynn]

Thanx, for the update. Girlfriends sitcom, was one of my faves. Sum info, l was unaware of...0_0

[@danijones819]

Girlfriends is my favorite..I still watch reruns like it;s my first time

[@unapologeticallyromel7096]

Yes I used to watch this show & The Game when I was little 🤣

[@keithbarnes1051]

All of them complimented each other! I still watch them in syndication

[@knightowl368]

Just because she wasn't in movies doesn't mean that she wasn't trying to be. It could be that she wasn't booking them. Sometimes it's hard for TV actresses to cross over to movies. And who's to say that they didn't blackball her from being able get movie roles, especially if she left because of money. Their ratings went down after she left, so the execs. were probably mad about that.

[@rochelle951]

I'm here for the tea sis 🍵

[@cookies4582]

Yup and she has still by that when Charlemagne interviewed them awhile back and I wish they never had gave Monica a full-time part trying to force to be a gf to replace Toni and they should have never paired her with William

[@1PrinceJay]

She served back in the days black bourgeois nostalgic on screen and I was all for it and enjoyed watching girlfriends.

[@confidentminaj]

Me and my granny watch every Monday my fav was Toni and joan..loved the show it showed bw in a professional and successful lives the shows nowadays just show us in bad way all the fighting and bs makes us look bad..I still Watch girlfriend’s on KZbin so nostalgic for me

[@JackDenn]

Damn. I can't imagine leaving a job so I could "thrive" in my career, but end up on straight to dvd movies. 🥴

[@weathamorris4251]

That's not true

[@JackDenn]

@@weathamorris4251 what's not true?

[@JackDenn]

@@LilithsCosmicLounge that's exactly what I was thinking.

[@fanatiquemusique]

@@LilithsCosmicLounge In my opinion this theory makes more sense. She wanted more money but didn't get it and sought to get it elsewhere. It was a gamble. A lot of people do this. Sometimes it works out but in her case it didn't.

[@mekakoop9777]

The perfect Holiday

[@imdurmac1]

her leaving definetly had an impact on the show. i missed her. the group needed all 4 to do the show as each brought their own special something to the success of the show.

[@clarissanickersonfourman]

The irony is she didn’t go on to do much. I wonder what the truth is about who she is.

[@ernestineforbes2924]

I still love the show til this day also continue to watch the reruns over and over again. I hoping for a reunion from all of the cast leaving no one out. I wish the best for all of them.

[@MsABee1]

Hello & thank you to the new member! 🙌🏽

[@WithloveTrinize]

Jill as Ms.Toni was the first one to int me to Hermes… when she bought that Kelly bag she couldn’t afford 😂😂

[@bren7067]

Could UPN/CW even afford to pay the cast more money? Remember it took ANTM a while to even get a decent budget. I believe Jill when she said she wanted other roles. Her lack of major roles is probably because she couldn't book larger ones.

[@candacehood9864]

I'm glad you started with this one! I still watch it on Netflix to this day (and CleoTV)

[@rudolphmcneill515]

People act like her here career died. She was in like 12 movies and 7 other shows and counting.

[@brandonbates9259]

Yea but did any of those break her out of for mostly being known as Toni??? Example, we know Tichina Arnold as Pam from "Martin" and Rochelle from "Everybody hates Chris

[@TheeMichellesMind]

I LOVED this show!!! I do think Jill left for money and doesn’t want to say that. Otherwise the reason she did give for leaving didn’t work out too well for her with the movie thing. Not sure why though because I thought she was phenomenal in the role of Toni Childs. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@andreaharvey6123]

It’s funny that you’re doing this series, I have been watching this ole time fav of mine for the last 2 months. I let it play in the background while watching KZbin😊. I was wondering why Jill Marie Jones left, thank you for doing this for us🤗

[@CeliniacForLife]

I love Toni and Jill, but Jill made a stupid decision, plain and simple. Most successful 90s and 00s Black sitcoms don't last more than five seasons, just long enough to go into syndication; Girlfriends lasted eight. She should've stayed.

[@teebradley2078]

Why is Tracee the only 1 flourishing after this Very successful series??

[@Peachcobler22]

She's Diana Ross' daughter. Nepo baby.

[@Mimi-cg2cw]

Her Mother is Diane Ross..she opened many doors .. Traci came not using the Ross name.she was a Latina flop

[@greenbyrdd8308]

She took a gamble on becoming a movie actress and it sounds like it didn't pay off but, at least she tried. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[@keishanb85]

Thanks for the tea, and thank you to the new tea supplier 👋🏾👋🏾.

[@peni1641]

Granted not a movie but, Jill was the in the t.v show Sleepy Hollow wherein she was the wife to the Sheriff played by Orlando Jones. Sleepy Hollow is currently streaming on CW Seed and Tubi.

[@unapologeticallyromel7096]

Thanks Lailah for the tea🍵

[@famousnobody7574]

Traci Ross talks too damn much. All of Diana Ross’ children did an sit down & Traci dominated the entire interview & kept answering questions that was meant for her siblings. Like gurrrl! Shut…up!🙄

[@brandyeduncan7285]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂

[@lr2ldn]

I stopped watching after she left. I don't even know how the show ended because I didn't watch it anymore. lol.

[@fah232]

Sad to say, but unfortunately what they did with Jill is believable because it has been done multiple times, and I have been through it personally.

[@monikaisom9702]

Thank you for all the work your channel bring

[@ayanamarietv]

Your untie is everything!!! That’s what got me tuned in automatically ❤️🙌🏼

[@wordswrittenbyme2109]

I grew to love Toni Childs and she was apart of the core group. Soo when she left it left a void. Even though i love and enjoy the later seasons.

[@abundantlywealthy8642]

She thought she was hurting them by leaving and ended hurting her own career. There’s nothing wrong with wanting more in life however you have to be careful not to burn bridges for some reason I believe that happened or she could’ve just been type cast 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@lpgilber]

Many television actors want to do movies but only a few become highly successful. So she might have left to do movies but just wasn't hired.

[@EboJ13]

Well done video. Welcome to our new She Shed Member. Thank you! love Girlfriends. It's unfortunate how everything went, the way it ended.

[@epiphannytaylor3211]

She really should have stayed. I believe that she left for the reason that she claimed but unfortunately it didn’t go well for her.

[@shanekatorbert6093]

The memories me an my mom use to love watching girlfriends together it brings memories from my middle school days I just watch it again on Netflix… I would love for them to reunite again one last time for the fans 😢

[@nikicarrie4071]

Aw me and my daughters watch it and we live it 🥰🥰 thank you !! 🥰 tony is my daughters favorite

[@tae_locdin]

Girlfriends should've been a franchise like Sex and the City!

[@4evermistyblu]

Loved me some Toni Childs!!! She’s legendary!!! 👑

[@luthelbrooker3144]

That's what happened to living single.

[@lolabunnii5368]

This was so good I need more

[@djkweensupreme]

Many of us not paid what we deserve or what we are worth I feel like many of us being underpaid

[@peachprince4168]

The show wasn’t the same once she left

[@dahomiee]

Jill spoke about it in a breakfast club interview

[@whit4464]

I noticed her role seemed a little off right before she left beginning when Toni got pregnant. I know they wanted to show the shift in Toni’s priorities as a married woman with a b any but it was still kind of weird in a way I can’t put my finger on. Almost like they were phasing her out and she was ready to go and it began to show in her acting.

[@nopereradicator]

Her storyline felt rushed.

[@abundantlywealthy8642]

AGREED

[@lukejack9551]

She's beautiful 😍😍😍😍

[@veej4444]

✌🏾Thank You New Team Member 🥰

[@King-lt8ml]

Yesssssahhh classic early 2000s nostalgia. This was dope throwback Thursday

[@princellasmith7562]

What was great about this show was that: 1.) black women could see some of themselves in each of the characters 2.) It showed the spectrum of socioeconomic groups and personality groups among black women and that we are not homogeneous.

[@thamp94]

I absolutely loved that show❤️❤️❤️

[@everettcoleman8322]

if any one of them would have left would have mest up the show

[@thagoochtookmylunchmoney8800]

Agreed the dynamic between the characters is what made it work perfectly ❤

[@tashamac601]

It was t the same after Toni left smh , we need a reboot . Also met her in person when I used to work at fox studios briefly she was really nice & looked so pretty.

[@speakingsandee6145]

Hi and thank you for your phenomenal and diligent response work.

[@gwene.4726]

Me and my friends would watch together over the phone and gag over the Fashion!!!! Best show ever!

[@MakeItMakeSensemims]

Tony was always my favorite ❤️