In a recent interview on the And That's What You REALLY Missed podcast, Matthew Morrison, known for his role as teacher Will Schuester on the hit series Glee, opened up about his intention to leave the show before the untimely death of his co-star, Cory Monteith.
Morrison revealed that during the show's fifth season, he became increasingly dissatisfied with the direction of his character and the overall trajectory of the show. He expressed his desire to explore new opportunities and projects beyond Glee, hoping to venture into the world of movies. 'I actually was trying to get off the show,' he admitted.
The producers initially agreed to let Morrison leave the series, understanding his desire for growth and progression as an actor. However, everything changed when tragedy struck in 2013. Monteith, who portrayed Finn Hudson on the show, tragically passed away at the age of 31. The producers informed Morrison that his departure couldn't be accommodated anymore, explaining that having both main male leads leave the show simultaneously would be unfeasible.
Understandably, Morrison respected their decision, recognizing the complex nature of the situation. He was also grappling with his own feelings of grief and loss over the death of his close friend. 'You know, trying to reconcile my own wants and selfish needs with the grief of losing an amazing friend, there's a lot of just mixed emotions,' he shared.
Despite his initial plans to exit the show, Morrison displayed professionalism by fulfilling his obligations and continuing to portray Will Schuester. Additionally, he mentioned that a significant pay increase played a role in his decision to stay on the show.
Glee, which aired from 2009 to 2015, gained immense popularity for its musical performances and compelling storylines. It followed a group of high school students who came together to form a glee club, providing them an outlet to escape the challenges of daily life.
The revelation by Matthew Morrison sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the beloved series and offers fans a deeper understanding of the personal struggles faced by the cast and crew during this tumultuous time. While his desire to explore other opportunities was put on hold, his role on Glee undeniably left a lasting impact on both him and the audience.
