Holland Taylor Explains Why She Didn't Renew Her Contract on 'Two & a Half Men' After 6 Years
A choice after six years
Taylor discussed her decision on the Alchemy with Anthony Mason podcast. She said that once her contract ended, the show would ask her to make guest appearances, and she could decide whether to accept.
She described leaving the contract as her own choice. Taylor said she still loved many aspects of the show, but felt the production had not treated her generously.
Pay and recognition
Taylor said her salary was comparable to what she had earned on a series about eight years earlier. She added that she received four Emmy nominations for her work on the sitcom but did not get a raise.
According to Taylor, the producers said they could not pay her more when she declined to continue under contract. She said she was willing to return occasionally as a guest, while arguing the usual contract renewal could bring substantial salary increases.
Her role and awards
Taylor played Evelyn Harper, the mother of Charlie and Alan, throughout the series’ twelve seasons. She held a main role through season nine and appeared as a recurring cast member during the final three seasons.
Her Emmy nominations for the sitcom came in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2010, all for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Before the show, Taylor won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Practice in 1999.
Key points
- Taylor says she chose not to renew her contract after six years on the sitcom.
- She cited low pay and no raise despite four Emmy nominations.
- She remained willing to return for occasional guest appearances.
- Taylor played Evelyn Harper across all twelve seasons of the series.