A Seamless Switch
Recasting is a hidden craft of television production: When a character is swapped mid‑show, the writing, wardrobe, and tone often keep things steady so the introduction of a new actor doesn't completely throw viewers off. Here are some television characters who were recast that you may not have noticed.
Aunt Viv / Vivian Banks – The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air
In Seasons 1–3 of The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air, Jane Hubert played the role of Vivian “Aunt Viv” Banks. However, starting in Season 4, she was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid. The show didn’t write out the character—just recast and carried on, and many casual viewers accepted the change.
Screenshot from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, NBC
Reggie Mantle – Riverdale
In the CW series Riverdale, the character Reggie Mantle was portrayed by Ross Butler in Season 1, and then by Charles Melton from Season 2 onward. The recast was done for scheduling reasons, and the character’s identity remained intact, so many viewers accepted the swap without major disruption.
Screenshot from Riverdale, The CW
Thorne Forrester – The Bold and the Beautiful
On the soap The Bold and the Beautiful, Thorne Forrester has been played by multiple actors, including Clayton Norcross, Jeff Trachta, Winsor Harmon, and Ingo Rademacher. Because soaps often recast, the shift went largely unnoticed in the flow of daily episodes.
Screenshot from The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Morty Seinfeld – Seinfeld
In the sitcom Seinfeld, Jerry’s father Morty Seinfeld was first played by Phil Bruns in an early episode, then recast with Barney Martin for the remainder of the series. Because the change occurred very early, and the show treated the character consistently, most viewers probably didn’t register the shift.
Ivy Pepper – Gotham
On the series Gotham, the character Ivy Pepper was recast during Season 3: The younger Ivy was replaced by an older version played by Maggie Geha. Since the story incorporated Ivy’s transformation in‑universe, the recast felt like part of the plot rather than a disruptive switch.
Cristal – Dynasty (2017)
In the reboot Dynasty, the character Cristal Carrington was recast when the show replaced actress Ana Brenda Contreras with Daniella Alonso in Season 3. Because soap‑style dramas accommodate change and the story continues unabated, viewers accepted the new face.
Becky Conner – Roseanne / The Conners
On Roseanne and its revival The Conners, the role of Becky Conner was originally played by Lecy Goranson and later by Sarah Chalke. The show even joked about it, and audiences rolled with the meta humor.
Lily Tucker-Pritchett – Modern Family
On Modern Family, Lily was originally played by twins Ella and Jaden Hiller, later replaced by Aubrey Anderson-Emmons. The change was natural due to age and production timing, and few viewers complained.
Screenshot from Modern Family, ABC
Mandy Milkovich – Shameless
In Shameless, Mandy Milkovich was first played by Jane Levy, then recast with Emma Greenwell. The switch was smooth enough that many viewers didn’t notice until much later.
Screenshot from Shameless, Showtime
Carol Willick – Friends
Ross’s ex-wife Carol in Friends appeared in early episodes played by Anita Barone before being replaced by Jane Sibbett for the rest of the series. The quick change helped most people miss it entirely.
Laurie Forman – That ’70s Show
Eric’s sister Laurie was originally portrayed by Lisa Robin Kelly, later replaced by Christina Moore. Since the character was off-screen often, the recast went largely under the radar.
Screenshot from That ’70s Show, FOX
Daario Naharis – Game of Thrones
The mercenary Daario Naharis was portrayed by Ed Skrein before Michiel Huisman took over the role. The new look barely interrupted the sprawling Game of Thrones narrative.
Screenshot from Game of Thrones, HBO
Meg Griffin – Family Guy
Meg’s voice changed after the first season when Mila Kunis replaced Lacey Chabert. Since animation hides faces, the transition was virtually invisible.
Screenshot from Family Guy, FOX
Catelyn Stark – Game of Thrones Pilot
In the unaired pilot, Catelyn Stark was originally played by Jennifer Ehle. When the show went to series, Michelle Fairley took over—the audience never saw the first version.
Screenshot from Game of Thrones, HBO
Harriet Winslow – Family Matters
Harriet Winslow, originally from Perfect Strangers, was played by Jo Marie Payton before Judyann Elder took over for the final season. The swap came late and few noticed.
Screenshot from Family Matters, ABC
Gladys Kravitz – Bewitched
Gladys Kravitz, the nosy neighbor, was first portrayed by Alice Pearce. However, Sandra Gould later replaced Pearce for a tragic reason. Even before the filming of Bewitched had begun, Pearce had already been diagnosed with terminal cancer. When she passed, Gould took her place.
ABC Network, Wikimedia Commons
Miss Ellie Ewing – Dallas
Miss Ellie, the Ewing matriarch, was originally played by Barbara Bel Geddes and then recast with Donna Reed while Geddes grappled with some health problems. Thankfully, Geddes recovered and was able to return to the show. Few fans objected to the temporary change.
Darrin Stephens – Bewitched
On Bewitched, the central role of Darrin Stephens began with Dick York (1964–1969) and was then taken over by Dick Sargent for the final three seasons. Although the change was significant behind the scenes (York suffered with devastating back problems and health issues), the show simply carried on as though Darrin remained the same guy.
Screenshot from Bewitched, ABC
Ann Veal – Arrested Development
Ann Veal, George Michael’s forgettable girlfriend, was played by two actresses (Alessandra Torresani and Mae Whitman).
Screenshot from Arrested Development, Netflix
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