Here is the opening from the original and unaired pilot for the 1998-2006 TV series Charmed featuring the late Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Lori Rom as Halliwell sisters Prue, Piper, and Phoebe, respectively. After this pilot was shot, Lori Rom quit the show, was replaced by Alyssa Milano in the role of Phoebe, and a new pilot was made with scenes shot with Alyssa to replace the ones shot with Lori.
Once Lori announced she would not continue with the series, producer Aaron Spelling contacted Alyssa Milano, whom he worked with on Melrose Place, and offered her the role as Phoebe. She accepted, and the rested is Charmed history. Also part of Charmed history is that Shannen Doherty was reported to have clashed with other cast members, particularly Alyssa Milano, which lead to a “she goes or I go” ultimatum from Milano, and that was the main reason Shannen departed from the show after the third season and was replaced by Rose McGowan, but all that is another story.
As for Miss Rom’s departure; it wasn’t over anything typically associated with sudden early cast changes. She wasn’t fired because she “wasn’t a good fit” or didn’t have the right “chemistry” or clashed with her costars or directors. According to sources close to the show and Lori herself over the years; Lori, a devout Christian, quit because her church didn’t approve of her playing a witch. There have been other reasons for her departure speculated about over the years, but it’s all been just unsubstantiated speculation thrown around on fan forums. Also of note is that it was odd that she went on to play roles in such films as 2008’s Resident Evil: Degeneration. Perhaps Miss Rom’s stance on being able to separate one’s religious beliefs with playing a fictional character changed over time.
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. A former Xanga blogger ("Xangan"), Chris is still in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco. Besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
She must have regrets about giving up that role – and I wonder if her and Shannon Doherty would have gotten along?