Costner, similarly, was ready to strip off his boots, confirming his exit from Dutton Ranch this summer after more than a year of speculation.
“I just wanted to reach out and let you know that, after this long year-and-a-half of working on Horizon, and doing all the things that that’s required,” he said in a June 20 Instagram video, referencing parts one and two of his epic western, “and thinking about Yellowstone—that beloved series that I love, that I know you love—I just realized that I am not going to be able to continue season 5B, or into the future.”
And while creator Sheridan admitted he was “disappointed” to have Costner tip his hat for the final time, he’s hardly the first star to mosey away from a major role.
Check out the other stars who shocked (and, in some cases, devastated) fans with their early exits from the small screen.