Those who are leaving the show in its sophomore run include Raza Jaffrey who plays Karen's fiance, and Brian d'Arcy James who portrays Julia's husband.
- May 23, 2012
AceShowbiz -
When "Smash" returns with its second season, viewers will have to bid goodbye to four characters. Reports say season 1 regulars Raza Jaffrey, Brian d'Arcy James and Jaime Cepero, as well as recurring guest star Will Chase will leave the show.
Jaffrey portrays Karen's (Katharine McPhee) cheating fiance who was dumped by the Broadway star in the season finale. James plays Julia's (Debra Messing) husband, who saw his wife comforting her former flame Michael (Chase) in the last episode.
Cepero plays Ellis, the so-called villain on the show, who has been fired by Eileen (Anjelica Huston). He reportedly may return for one episode or two to wrap up the storyline.
While axing these four actors, "Smash" will also add new cast members. It was recently reported that the show will feature at least three new faces in the second season. One is called Courtney, "an African-American chorus member in her mid- to late-20s" with a powerhouse voice. She is described as "incredibly attractive and confident, but also open-minded and non-judgmental."
Another is named Danny, "a straight, working class fella in his mid-20s and from Brooklyn." He is "sexy, charismatic and musically gifted, but also self-destructive and remote." Also coming to the show is Joe, "a Brooklyn-born guy in his early to mid-20s." He is "gay, very cute, incredibly open and optimistic."
"Smash" season 2 is slated to premiere in midseason with Josh Safran ("Gossip Girl") as the new showrunner to replace Theresa Rebeck.
