Leaving The Practice

Sad, but not surprising news broke late last night that Audra McDonald, who plays Naomi Bennett on ABC's Private Practice, is leaving the show at the end of the current (4th) season.  Naomi is one of my favorite characters, and McDonald (who, by the way is a 4 time Tony winner) is one of the most solid, stand-out actresses on this show, which is already full of extremely talented actors. McDonald, who has been commuting to LA from New York during the show's 4 year run, has been written out of several long stretches of episodes in the past 2 years, so the actress can spend more time back in NYC with her family.  Private Practice (and Grey's Anatomy) show runner Shonda Rhimes says the split is amicable, and there are plans for her to return to the show in future years in a guest star capacity. Please make it so!!! Love this character.  This exit comes just as Addison (Kate Walsh) and Naomi (McDonald) have finally become bff's again, after Addison started seeing Naomi's ex-husband, Sam (Taye Diggs). Looks like Addison will be looking for a new best friend. Sad face. But, for now, I will enjoy the last of the time we have with McDonald/Naomi.