Why Toni Left

Posted on January 24th, 2008 - By Bossip Staff

Categories: News, Uncategorized

Posted by Bossip Staff

jillmariejones

For all of you who always wondered why Jill Marie Jones left the cast of Girlfriends here is the answer:

First of all, let me tell you why I left. I left because I wanted to do movies. My contract was up after my sixth season and people forget that just like the network can choose whether or not to renew your contract, I can also choose and evaluate whether or not I want to come back. My actor’s chair that has Girlfriends and my name on it, you know the director’s chair? Well, on the very last day of my sixth season, I told them to grab my chair and put it in my car for me. So why would I take my chair if I thought I was coming back? Believe you me, I would tell you. I’ve never made a decision based on money. I was on the show for six years and I think that’s a good run. There’s so much more I want to do in my career and so much more I want to know and learn, but my departure definitely had nothing to do with money.

I wish I had a better answer or could tell you that I even thought about it. Maybe it was a lapse of judgment, maybe I should have called—I didn’t really think about it. When my call came in to say, ‘We’re going to pick up Girlfriends for another season, does Jill want to come back?’ My management and I were like, ‘Thank you, but no thank you.’ So maybe I should have made phone calls, but I didn’t really think about it. When the cast first came back for their seventh season, I sent them all—individually, every single person of Girlfriends—a big bouquet of flowers. I didn’t leave Girlfriends because I was upset or wanted more money. It really wasn’t that deep. It’s so disappointing that because I wanted to dream bigger or experience something new, it received all this hoopla and drama around it. I really just wanted to do movies. It really was just that simple.

There you have it, now everyone can sleep at night.

Via Essence.com

  • Kellz

    1st

  • Kellz

    The show ain’t the same without her.

  • http://www.myspace.com/birdshu Bird

    Her explanation doesn’t make sense because her movie career hasn’t gone anywhere in two years. Doesn’t she qualify for a “When The Checks Stop Rolling” In segment? Bring your butt back to Girlfriends where you belong girl.

  • PRTTYBRWNGIRL

    of all, let me tell you why I left. I left because I wanted to do movies

    ***************************************************

    sooo … why havent i seen any movies with you in them?

  • Candy

    3rd? Good for her

  • Yep I said it

    And now your doing Baileys commercials, what a step up! At least your in the mainstream no and maybe some of those ad will accompany a movie showing on tv.

  • Nikki

    Has she been in anything????

  • Yep I said it

    And now you’re doing Baileys commercials, what a step up! At least you’re in the mainstream no and maybe some of those ad will accompany a movie showing on tv.

  • Wu

    She needs to change her look up a little, to pass the Toni-from-the-show-look, if she’s really looking to get into other things…

  • gap & gucci

    i read this on the other sites, YESTERDAY

  • d.c.

    is it just me or does she sound really defensive? was the interviewer grilling her ass on her departure or what? why in the heck would you not tie up your loose ends when heading off a show that kick started your career??? she’s right though, it’s not that deep, it’s a t.v. dammit! lol….although Kellz is right, the show isn’t the same without her..

  • Harlem Chic

    I loved her in Girlfriends. Now the show just isn’t the same without her attitude. I wish her the best of luck with her career.

  • http://www.dyma.com Dyma

    What a joke.

    She’s been off the show for like two years and hasnt done a damn thing.

    Movies my ass, she left because her greedy ass wanted more money

  • gap & gucci

    PRTTYBRWNGIRL,

    she was in that movie with gabrielle and morris. two can play that game? no. the brothers? no. breakin all the rules? no. the christmas one…i can’t remember the name.

  • DC DIVA

    Movies? Baileys commercials dont count. Ive never seen her in anyones movies. Some ppl should just stick to what their good at, I dont think she would be good at anything else other than being Toni. She’s not that tight

  • Royal Chocolate

    Maybe we’ll see her on some Tanqueray commercials with Tony Sinclair.

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    hey she did 6 seasons. Nobody wants to be stuck in a Role forever and type casted when that show ends. it was a smart move in that, she can try to build a career outside of being known as “Toni” from low rated black sitcom “Girlfriends”

    and what have those others chicks accomplished? Nada.

    I like her answer, very good answer.very classy and non bitter.

    I wish her luck.

  • gap & gucci

    it’s not a smart move. 6 seasons and you already ARE typecast.

    toni is toni.

    rudy is rudy.

    eddie winslow is eddie winslow.

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    plus actress like Tisha Campbell…no matter what she is in we will always know here as Gina from martin.

    Tichina arnold will always be Pam.

    Maxine from Living single.

    to avoid this you try to hope on to other thing hopefully bigger things.

  • Kellz

    And Steve Arkel will always be Steve Arkel. Dude couldn’t get a role after that. He did have a show that was cancelled shortly after it started just because you always see him as Arkel.

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    lol@gap and gucci

  • Kellz

    @Yup

    That being said…that could just mean that these people were excellent in their roles. They played the part. They made it their own. They became the character. The downfall of it…they’ve been typecast.

  • gap & gucci

    yeah, but you have to do this early. and possibly do it while still venturing into other things.

    tichina will always be pam, but she gets raves for everybody hates chris.

    phylicia rashad is a great actress and we know this from other projects she did while and after the cosby show.

    everything rudy was in after the cosby show was so “rudy”. it’s a lost cause.

    if toni’s character in the christmas movie she just did was similiar to toni, then she shouldn’t have taken it. unless she was needing the money because she left a show that wasn’t going anywhere, but still needed her.

  • gap & gucci

    man, i forgot about urkel’s show, kellz

    remember when theo did malcolm and eddie? he wasn’t theo anymore. but now that that’s over, he’s for damn sure not malcolm. he’s back to being theo.

  • PRTTYBRWNGIRL

    @ GAP

    she was in that movie with gabrielle and morris. two can play that game? no. the brothers? no. breakin all the rules? no. the christmas one…i can’t remember the name.

    **************************************************

    she down graded like someone else said this girl aint doin nothing but bally commercials lol

  • lol

    I have never seen her in any movies!!! Maya from girlfriends has been in more movies than her!!!!

  • DADDYO

    That is one fine chocolate sista… top 3 draft pick in my book. Just how i like em too. Toni, when you coming to DC baby girl?

  • gap & gucci

    but she probably doesn’t care. she thinks she’s excellent.

    and wtf is “motives”?

  • just fine

    And now you’re doing Baileys commercials, what a step up! At least you’re in the mainstream no and maybe some of those ad will accompany a movie showing on tv.

    ****************************************************

    My sentiments exactly…. Girl, get yo ass back on network tv before u end up with a show on vh1

  • Dolla Bill

    She was talkin out her ass….She rolled the dice and lost. End of story!

  • Raven2007

    Why is Girlfriends still on TV anyway? Why don’t they just give Lynn Breast Cancer, make Maya adopt a Chinese baby, or send Joan to Paris and end up with Brock after all?

    Anything would be better than whatever sad excuse of a storyline they have now.

  • Pussnboots

    She does have the Bailey’s Commericals but she also starred in This Christmas with Gabriel Union. But like they say its hard out there for Black Actress to get a Job….Her Character in the show made the show if you ask me, Everyone wants to be Toni Childs nations wide…without her I don’t think the show will make it for too long..

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    you never heard of MOTIVES with Vivica Fox, Shemar Moore ? it pretty decent a movie

  • EmpressRuthie

    I do miss her on the show but I think that she should have waited until she got a big movie deal before she left.

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    Toni is still getting paid from Girlfriends.

    A show has to run for at least 5 years for syndication and royalties kick in. so i am sure she ain’t hurtin

  • areader

    Her statement reminds me of Shelly Long leaving Cheers.

  • PaigeyWaigey **EATING A HEATH BAR IN HONOR OF THE DEAD WHITE BOY** STILL BONES’ GIRL!!

    ANOTHER BLACK HASBEEN ACTRESS…. BE HAPPY YOUR BLACK ASS IS KNOWN AS TONI…AND NO YOU CAN’T BE IN THE TAQUERAY COMMERICIALS….TONY SINCLAIR WILL SCRATCH YO’ EYES OUT AND THEN DO THAT CREEPY LAUGH…LOL

  • I’m just me

    I really loved her on the show…but I don’t recall seeing her in anything else?? Did I miss something?

  • PaigeyWaigey **EATING A HEATH BAR IN HONOR OF THE DEAD WHITE BOY** STILL BONES’ GIRL!!

    SYNDICATION DON’T REALLY PAY OUT ALL THAT WELL…ENOUGH TO PAY THE RENT…ONLY PEOPLE REALLY MAKING OUT ON THAT KINDA STUFF ARE THE FOLKS FROM FRIENDS AND SEINFIELD…JERRY IS COMING OUT LIKE A BANDIT CAUSE HE WAS A PRODUCER AS WELL… THE BRADY BRUNCH IS STILL IN SYNDICATION AND NONE OF THOSE KIDS GET A DIME! I’M SURE THE COSBY KIDS AIN’T REALLY COUNTING ON THEIR CHECKS TO PAY FOR MUCH EITHER….BILL IS THE ONE COMING UP.

  • gap & gucci

    the show didn’t suffer cause toni left. it suffered cause it needed to end last season.

    joan should’ve gotten married. maya and darnell moved on. toni was moving. that’s it.

    monica’s better than toni anyway.

    even if toni was on the show now, what the hell could she add? it’s just dumb now.

    and when are they gonna kill off aaron?

  • PaigeyWaigey **EATING A HEATH BAR IN HONOR OF THE DEAD WHITE BOY** STILL BONES’ GIRL!!

    ****YUP****

    Didn’t I tell you to put some clothes on?!?!?! You gon make me think bad thoughts.

  • just fine

    yup, i’m sure she’s not hurting either. but it has to be a blow to the stomach when ur co-stars are still getting featured articles in big name mags and she’s on 20 second commercials. thats gotta hurt. i wish her luck but i think she bit the hand that fed her

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    i don’t even know the charcater’s anymore…the show should ended after the 4 season. its wack anyway, the only reason it stays on cuz ain’t nothing else to watch (blackwise) thats the only reason any othe those UPN shows stay on (one on one, All of us) they not really that funny and the story lines are so predictable.

  • PaigeyWaigey **EATING A HEATH BAR IN HONOR OF THE DEAD WHITE BOY** STILL BONES’ GIRL!!

    I really like Monica….but why does her hair always look like she just came in from a windy day???? Can’t they tame that weave?!?!

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    lol@PaigeyWaigey

    a penny for your thoughts

  • PaigeyWaigey **EATING A HEATH BAR IN HONOR OF THE DEAD WHITE BOY** STILL BONES’ GIRL!!

    ****YUP****

    You don’t even wanna know…just know it involved sweat and ice cubes…lol Let me go call my man you gonna get me in trouble…lol :)

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    agree@just fine

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    lol@PaigeyWaigey

  • PaigeyWaigey **EATING A HEATH BAR IN HONOR OF THE DEAD WHITE BOY** STILL BONES’ GIRL!!

    I swear I am a sucker for some young tender meat…lol I think I’ll have ribs for lunch….lol

  • The One

    She was in that low budget movie, Redrum. That movie was so bad, if yal every see it at red box dont get it. Save you dollar ppl!

  • gap & gucci

    i like monica’s hair

  • R U 4Real

    But that dress is hot!

  • Ki££aßeeSwarm™©®

    I watched maybe two or three episodes of Girlfriends after she left. Just wasn’t the same.

  • Stringer Bell

    They need to cancel that show STAT!!

    It not the same without toni…when she left the show for more money.. that is something that her character toni would do for real though…

    I swear I saw her in a Wendy’s comercial!!

  • T-Real

    Sooooooooooooo, has she be in any movies yet? never burn a bridge that you may have to cross back over.

  • Lauren

    @ Stringer, I tried, LAWD KNOWS I TRIED to get into Girlfriends but its not the same boo, you so right!

    BUT “THE GAME” is my SHOW NOW!!!!!

  • gap & gucci

    the game is the best thing since sliced bread

  • Lauren

    @ Paigey, I’m LMAO @ your Mya being ugly comment! She is too funny looking aint she?

  • Lauren

    @ gap & gucci….YOU SO DAMN RIGHT! lol I’m too hype but 4 real that show is HOTT!

  • Lauren

    GAP & GUCCI…..I’m wondering when they gone kill off Aaron too, he got a whole nother show on a whole nother station, when will they give up the ghost?

  • Delta Diva

    @ YUP…I’m blessed

    Motives was on BET last night and yea it’s a decent movie….lol

  • Delta Diva

    @ Lauren

    The Game is so much better than Girlfriends!!!

  • Tonya

    Does she think that she’s missed terribly, or that we’ve been waiting anxiously to find out why she left? I hope she doesn’t think people were watching just for her, she’s not that good. As for wanting to do movies, I have yet to even see her in a straight to DVD special. I’m sure her contract wasn’t all that, and she could have done movies- if someone had asked her to actually be in one.

  • Lip Chap aka Fuzzy

    Poor girl she’s purely delusional!

  • just fine

    its sad that she’s asked to attend directv events but nothing else. her agent probably had to work overtime to get her there.

  • Procrastinator X

    Consider the numbers and tell me why she thought she had to quit the show to make movies.

    * Tracee: 7 movies (plus another TV movie)

    * Golden: 8 movies (and a legit college degree and dance skills)

    * Persia: 5 movies

    * even, Keesha Sharp (Monica): 7 movies (if we count Pootie-Tang and Malibu’s Most Wanted as movies LOL)

    Then there’s the also-ran

    * Jill: 3 movies + 2 in production/post-production

    Everyone has movies coming out in 2007 and/or 2008, even while cashing checks from Girlfriends. Typecasting? Her character wasn’t that overpowering that a decent actress couldn’t work around. It sounds to me like she just doesn’t know how to work a good hustle.

  • Mr. Look Good in Anything

    Man, Toni is a damn lie…I think she left because of money. If you want to do movies, why not double dip? Look at Katherine Heigl and Patrick Dempsey on Grey’s Anatomy…they’re getting that network and that box office money. Will Smith did it too; when he was on Fresh Prince, he was doing movies. It’s kinda like one of us quitting our job to do something else, but not having anything lined up before we bounce.

  • http://yahoo.com Southern Belle 225

    Good for her. She may not have done anything since leaving the show but at least she was brave enough to follow what she really wanted to do. Alot of people just get comfortable with what is working at the time. Some people like to dream bigger. It may or may not ever work out for her the way she hopes but at least she gave it a shot.

  • http://blackwiz.biz tiray

    ^^^procastinator X

    At this stage bro, the word HUSTLE DOESN’T EVEN APPLY.

    This is hollywood baby.

    1. u hustle drugs

    2. u hustle people(cheat them)

    i DO wish that blacks stop thinking that carving out a good existence for your self = hustle!

    it’s 2008 and the hustling black,is an uneducated one, that has to resort to hustling!

    That being said, i DO agree with you,,,just not your terminology!

    that show was/is the bomb! Sometimes it’s good,to keep a job when looking for one!

    think

    http://www.blackwiz.biz

  • YUP…I’m blessed

    i guess i just like her cuz she is a dark skinned sister lookin good and do her thing.

    i hate persia, does anybody realized how drastically her character change from first season. i hate that earth girl sh*t.

    Golden she looks like she had plastic surgery or something she just seems so unnatural to i don’t know and i ain’t attractted to chicks like that.

  • Spiceema

    She was in dat christmas movie with Gabrielle Union I can’t remember the name but it was pretty good. and I don’t even watch the show since she left it just isn’t the same. But I wish her the best in everything she does. She was my favorite Girlfriend from the show.

  • gap & gucci

    girl, i didn’t know aaron was on another show.

    yeah, they need to let that go. how sad for joan to be alone

  • THE POINT IS….

    That’s why your in the parties…trying to still be relavant…I see you and your not cute.

    Hated her on the show anyway…WANNABE!

  • Procrastinator X

    Tiray:

    No offense intended by the use of the term hustle, but “cheat” was not what I meant. Change the last sentence to “It sounds to me like she just doesn’t have enough drive and initiative to work within the Hollywood system to earn appreciable, legal profits from multiple simultaneous business deals.”

    Hustle just seemed like a simpler way to say it.

  • Fit-n-Fab

    I see nothing wrong with her answer and, if she did leave for money, what’s wrong with that?

    Nothing…

    Some people actually do want more in life – not EVERYONE is content with doing the same thing over and over…

    Sometimes you have to take that leap and hope for the best…

  • gap & gucci

    lynn is a different character

    maya is a plastic surgery nightmare

  • kna

    Yeah, she’s full of it. I believe she left because she wanted more money. And she was in this very, very low budget movie called “Red Drum.” Interesting storyline, but overall the movie sucked. She should really try to get recasted on “Girlfriend,” I no longer watch the show since she’s not on there.

  • Kellz

    What show is Aaron on? I missed that.

  • victory is mine

    @gap and gucci

    Aaron is now on the new terminator show.

  • http://blackwiz.biz tiray

    procrastinator X

    WORD!

    THINK

    http://WWW.BLACKWIZ.BIZ

  • YUP…you’re right

    couldn’t have said better myself@FIT N FAB

  • gap & gucci

    so why won’t they kill him off? some real drama and tragedy might help ratings?

    i’m off to class. ciao!

  • http://www.viewparkonline.com Angie

    I’m sorry, but I thought she was the only girl that was attractive on that show.

  • ESL

    She left for money because Tracee Ellis said it in an interview in Ebony magazine when it first happened.

  • Kellz

    Study hard Gap! Study hard!

  • Kellz

    @ESL

    I read that too! Tracee was really upset over it. She said Jill didn’t even bother to call her beforehand to let her know what was up and they were supposed to be friends.

  • ms_tae

    she did the movies Perfect Holiday and REDRUM the later movie was about a couple (she and another actor) Kenny Young killing folks for the heck of it.

  • EZ Rawlins

    Since when is it wrong to aspire to greater heights? How many of us stay in at the same job opast six years? If it’s okay for Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Michael J. Fox, Will Ferrell, etc. to branch into movies after crerating memorable tv characters, then why not JMJ? I think it’s stupid to sit in judgment of her and criticize her for wanting more. I wish her all the best and will support any decent films she appears in.

    My lone regret re her departure lies in teh fact that she had the best lips and the best rack on television. I hate the show, hate the premise, think it’s corny, blah blah blah, but when she was on there – and especially when she AND Kenya Moore were on there – I was in chocolate boob heaven! The bland chicks that remain – especially the awful-weave-wearing Golden Brooks – turn my d@mn stomach!

  • YUP…you’re right

    sorry is the best girlfriend

  • YUP…you’re right

    toni

  • http://www.thetroof.com Sugie

    THE GAME Is BETTER than GIRLFRIENDS??? are you kidding???? NOT!

    that show sucks A**.

    A lame attempt at portraying a life in the NFL – no one on that show knows what really goes on with the relationships- they make jokes about shyt they don’t even know. it’s LAME!

    won’t last too much longer! bet!

  • http://www.thetroof.com Sugie

    TONI SAID “NOW WE CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT?”

    Honey, trust me when i say NO ONE lost ANY sleep about your reason for leaving. Don’t flatter your z-list ass.

  • Kellz

    Toni was the best girlfriend, but I’m liking Monica too.

  • http://myspace.com/keioneg Kee-Gee

    Left to do movies but the only thing I have seen her in is the Bailey’s commercial. I think it is a shame that right when they were beginning to give her character some substance and a relevant storyline, she is gone. The show though is still as good with her gone so I guess it was her loss.

  • D

    Toni is still fine though, kness look kinda dry and parch though….some Palmers Coco Butter would clean that up.

  • YUP…you’re right

    just becuz you haven’t seen any of movies doesn’t mean she hasn’t done any

  • YUP…you’re right

    it just means that YOU haven’t seen them

  • Scholar

    Category: HO SIT DOWN!! she had her lil Fame as a Over Dramatic Sterotype on Girlfriends but really, what is an African American Woman in Hollywood to do who played on a Tv Show??…My Point Exactly…

    PS. SMH @ her Feet…UGH & …DAMN!!

  • ava

    YUP…I’m blessed you sure do comment a lot, don’t you have a job/career?

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXUFA0W_4os Sister Sam

    Now she broke, and the number 1 candidate for when the cheecks stop coming in!!!

  • Fit-n-Fab

    …there must be a lot of slackers on this site…

    …why does she have to be stupid because she wants more?

    @Kee-Gee – you said “I think it is a shame that right when they were beginning to give her character some substance and a relevant storyline, she is gone.”

    …she was on the show for 6 years – how long should she have waited to get some substance & a relevant storyline?

    …STAGNATE = idle, fester, languish, rust, rot, decline, stand still, be inactive, vegetate…

    Go for it!

  • Straight…no chaser

    This is news? Wendy Williams announced she wasn’t coming back to the show at the end of the season because her contract was up and at that time nobody knew which shows were going to be renewed. She was just trying to jump ship before it went down.

    None of the girls have had any major big screen movie roles, but if Jennifer Anniston can make the leap…why can’t they?

  • Built2Bully

    @YUP… YOU’RE RIGHT, YOU ARE RIGHT. SHE VERY WELL MAY HAVE A FEW FILMS IN THE CAN. LEAVING A SHOW IS ALWAYS HIGH RISK. AND DUE TO THE FACT THAT BLACK ACTRESSES USUALLY ARE GOING AFTER THE SAME ROLES MAKES IT THAT MUCH HARDER, NO MATTER THE TALENT LEVEL. I WORK IN THE FILM INDUSTRY AND I CAN TELL YOU (ARE MAYBE I DON’T) THAT BLACK ACTRESSES ARENT GETTING THE ROLES THAT THEY ARE GOING FOR SO THEY HAVE TO DO “CERTAIN” ROLES AND TRY TO SPRING OFF THAT. VIVICA FOX, TISHA CAMPBELL, JADA SMITH, SANNA LATHAN THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN PRODUCTION COMPANIES AND MAKE THEIR OWN FILMS. NOW THE REASON WE NEVER SEE THEM IS THAT THEY DON’T HAVE A BIG DISTRIBUTION DEAL CONNECTED WITH THE STUDIOS. JADA AND WILL HAVE OVERBROOK PRODUCTION ALONG WITH A GUY NAMED JAMES LASSITIER, THEY ARE WITH SONY. BUT EVEN WITH THE POWER THAT THEY HAVE THEY HAVE YET REALLY BEEN ABEL TO BREAK INTO THE MAJOR MAIN STREAM MOVIES (YET!!!!) THERE IS ALSO BARON DAVIS OF THE WARRIORS, THIS DUDE IS A MAJOR PLAYER HERE IN HOLLYWOOD, ICE CUBE IS ALSO A BIG TIMER… IT IS REALLY HARD FOR BLACKS HERE… HELL DENZEL WASHINGTON HAS A DEAL WITH HIS COMPANY WHERE IF HE PLAYS IN THEIR MOVIES THEY WILL FINANCE HIS… DENZEL!!! SO, SHE IS TAKING A HELL OF A RISK BY DOING THIS IT SHOW BRAVERY ON HER PART. AND ASLONG AS SHE CHOOSES GREAT ROLES AND HAVE THESE PRODUCERS AND ACTORS BEHIND HER SHE CAN SWIM WITH THESE SHARKS.

  • MDS

    movies – yea right

    the only thing i have seen her crazy looking azz on is commercials for booze. Take note – you are on a successful (i say that lightly) program and bringing home a steady check do you movie thang on the side until it takes off.

  • YUP…you’re right

    @Ava

    I am a loan officer so all i do is sit a bank and approve loans. so between customers i surf the net. sorry if you getting tired of seeeing my comments, but commenting is so addictive especially with all foolishness being posted

  • YUP…you’re right

    @built2bully

    thanks for the knowledge. it is very hard for Black actresses out here, and i don’t think the common public realizes that. i am glad that someone who works in the industry shed so light on the subject.

    support black funded movies folks….and not just them Tyler perry flicks…lol

  • http://hottnikz.blogspot.com hottnikz

    Whatever man! She may as well stayed on the show, I see her in Bailey’s commercials now. There was that one movie Perfect Holiday but she was like an extra or something, she only had like two lines. Jennifer Aniston is white, so there is a big difference. Like somebody else said Black actresses are hardly getting work these days.

  • Pooty Poo

    I miss her on Girlfriends but I have to say that I haven’t seen her on any major movies…just commercials. Good luck!!

  • Marquis de Sade

    @ Shawn08

    What potential audience? That show was/is nothing more than a loss leader for The WB. The only reason why it was given another season is because of the producer, Kelsy Grammar influence with the WB execs. She was deluded into thinking that she would have a career after leaving Girlfriends. She’s not attractive, plus what little roles that are available for d-list black actresses are only offered to Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, etc. What qualities does she have that would separate her from the pack? Nothing! Hopefully, she saved what little money she made and invested it wisely.

  • Built2Bully

    @YUP… YOU’RE RIGHT, YEAH MAN WE HAVE TO SUPPORT BLACK FILMS. I WORK FOR A WHITE PRODUCTION COMPANY (I KNOW I’M PUTTING MYSLEF ON BLAST, BUT I GOT TO BE HONEST AND NOT FRONT) BUT, I’M TRYING TO USE IT TO START MY OWN PRODUCTION COMPANY. I WAS TOLD BY HIGH RESPECTED PEOPLE THAT HOLLYWOOD WOULD FUND BLACK MOVIES BUT THEY DON’T GET SUPPORT. IF YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST FINANCIAL BIGGEST BLACK FILMS FOR THE EXCEPTION OF BAD BOYS I &II, DENZEL IS IN THEM, BECAUSE OF STAR POWER. NOW, THE BOTHERS, SOUL FOOD AND OTHERS HAVE ALSO DONE VERY WELL BUT WHITE STUDIO HEADS DONT WANT TO GIVE 40+ MILLION BECAUSE THEY DON’T THINK THAT THEY WILL RECOUPE THAT. ANYTHING LESS THAN 40 MILLION WOULD BE CALLED A SMALLER SCALE BUDGET BELIEVE IT OR NOT AND THAT’S IF THERE IS NO STAR POWER BECAUSE THEIR SALARIES ARE PAID OUT OF THAT… SO IF YOUR BUDGET IS 40 MILLION AND DENZEL IS IN IT WILL YOUR 40 IS NOW 20 AND YOU STILL GOT TO PAY THE OTHER LEADS THEIR MONEY. THEY ARE SOME BLACK FILMS COMING THIS FALL, I DON’T KNOW IF THEY GOING TO BE GOOD BUT LET’S GO OUT AND SUPPORT THEM AND IF THEY SUCK WE CAN COME BACK ON HERE AND TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH THEY SUCK..LOL.

  • Built2Bully

    OH ON A QUICK NOTE, KELSEY GRAMMER OWNS THE PRODUCTION COMPANY THAT PUTS ON “GIRLFRIENDS”. HE HAS PUT HIS NECK ON THE LINE FOR THE SHOW AND THE SHOW AND THE PEOPLE RESPONED AND “GIRLFRIENDS” HAS DONE GREAT NUMBERS IN THE RATINGS. NOW, IT IS SMART TO STAY ON A SHOW AND DO MOVIES WHILE YOUR ON HIATUIS… BUT SHE IS ROLLING THE DICE…. THEY WERE GETTING PAID 20,000 A WEEK OR EPITSODE… NOW, TONI SAW THE SYNDICATION MONEY AND THOUGHT THAT THEY ALL SHOULD BE PAID MORE PER SHOW PLUS A SHARE OF THE SYNDICATION MONEY. WHICH IS VERY COMMON. REMEMBER THE CAST OF FRIENDS SAID THEY WOULD WALK IF THEY DIDNT GET A SHARE, THEY ALL WALKED AWAY WITH 40 MILLION EACH… STEVE HARVEY, BERNIE MAC, MARTIN THEY ALL QUIT THEIR SHOWS AFTER REACHING THE 100 EPITSODE BECAUSE SYNDICATION KICKS IN… TONI KNOWS SYNDICATION = NEVER HAVING TO WORK EVER AGAIN, UNLESS YOU DO SOMETHING STUPID AND END UP ON “WHEN THE CHECKS STOP COMING IN” LIST….

  • Shawn08

    @Marquis

    First off, we don’t know her full potential because we have only seen her in one type of role. Which she played very convincingly. Another thing, you are the one saying she’s not a looker. Change her complexion 3 shades lighter, and I bet you would be saying she’s gorgeous.

    I’m going to take the high road and not judge her on looks, or talent that I have not seen. Maybe she will be able to change peoples’ minds like Jamie Foxx did…

  • Marquis de Sade

    @ Shawn08

    LOL! When has Hollywood ever taken the highroad when it comes to the treatment of non-white actors? Very rarely. Jamie Foxx is the exception, not the rule…And according to B.O. track record of late, his fame will be fleeting also.

  • ALOVE

    THATS A LIE , WHY WOULD SOMEONE LEAVE A GOOD RUNNING SHOW WITHOUT KNOWING IF THEY WERE GOING TO ACTUALLY BE GETTING SCRIPTS FOR MOVIES OR OFFERS. SHE HAVNT BEEN IN A MOVIE YET EXCEPT FOR ONE WHICH SHE DID NOT HAVE A LEADING ROLE!!! SO ALL THAT HOOPLA IS A LIE!!!!LOL

  • Built2Bully

    @MARQUIS, YOU ARE RIGHT JAIME FOX NEEDS TO HAVE A B.O HIT VERY SOON… LET’S KEEP IT REAL… JAIME FOX STARTED TO GET FAME AFTER “ALI”, BECAME AN A-LIST AFTER “ANY GIVING SUNDAY” AND THE TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN WHEN HE AND TOM CRUISE GOT TOGETHER, TOM CRUISE CO-SIGN HIM HE BLEW UP…. TOM ALSO DID IT FOR WILL SMITH…. THE ROLE FOR THE “ENEMY OF THE STATE” WAS WRITTEN JUST FOR TOM CRUISE… HE COULDN’T DO IT AND HE DIDNT EVEN KNOW WILL SMITH… HE WAS A FAN OF THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, WELL HIS SON WAS… AND SUGGESTED THAT WILL GET THE ROLE… YES, INDEPENCE DAY PUT HIM ON THE MAP BUT, ENEMY OF THE STATE SHOWED HE COULD DO MORE THAN C.G.I MOVIES..

  • Shamzy

    Girl needs to re think her decision and take her ass back to the show…Last Holiday WAS NOT a hit! lol! That show is nothing without her!

  • Shamzy

    Sorry..not Last Holiday…I meant The Perfect Holiday! Haha my bad!

  • Ghost

    That’s a bad excuse for her. So you left Girlfriends-3rd longest running black sitcom (tied with Cosby Show) to do commercials and Perfect Hoilday???

    Can we got a JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL for her????

    What these black folk need to do is STAY ON these shows and get that check. The best example of this is Denzel Washington-6 years on St. Elsewhere and did movies while being on the show. What if he left after the first season like those other guys that haven’t had a leading role in an Oscar nominated film let alone a tv movie of the week.

    And if you get typed casted? So what?

    It hasn’t hurt Patrick Stewart or should I say Capt. Picard or Professor Xavier. Samuel L. Jackson still cashes his check as the token black guy that either gets killed or screams about snakes on the plane or ties up hot white girls.

    How does she think the Wayans are still making money?

  • Roni

    I don’t believe her.

  • YeaSure

    Who quits a job after six years without telling their coworkers? Especially when you can’t be replaced and they are counting on you to keep their jobs going? She’s a grown woman, you don’t do that cause it didn’t occur to you to talk or didn’t know any better.

    Come on! Her explanation doesn’t make sense!

    You don’t treat a job like that and you sure don’t treat friends like that.

  • Lik_Wid_Cherry

    ^^^^^^^^^^Lmao@Ghost Speak that truth!!!

  • SUPERBLACK

    MAYBE TONI DIDN’T LEAVE FOR MONEY, BUT MAYA IS STILL ON THE SHOW AND SHE’S BEEN IN MOVIES! SO HER REASONING OR AT LEAST HER PLAN IS SUSPECT. BUT IN HER DEFENSE, SHE IS CURRENTLY IN A GOOD LIL BLACK FLICK CALLED REDRUM W/THE GREAT LEVITA ALIZE JENKINS

  • Ghost

    I forgot to add if she was that great of an actress she wouldn’t have to worry about type casting.

    Marlon Wayans proved he got talent if you saw Requiem for A Dream. And we won’t dicuss that Fresh Prince guy or the artist formerly known as Wanda.

  • Lili

    Dolla Bill

    She was talkin out her ass….She rolled the dice and lost. End of story!

    ^^^Sadly, that is the case. Damn shame cuz she was definitely the spark on the show.

  • Kompton’sKutie

    Ok, ya’ll believe that if ya’ll want to, her movie career hasn’t gone anywhere, she’s only been in commercials(no money).

  • yes

    she should have thought about it a little longer, but then again after she had that baby it kinda ruined the show, she probably didnt like the way her character was going and i woulda left too

    she’s not obligated to stay just because she’s the popular character

  • Nikki

    Some of you are really shallow! So because she wanted to do something different in her life and it didn’t take off immediately, then she’s stupid? I respect her for taking the hard road. That’s why white people think we’re opportunistic, because if it don’t come easy, then we give up. I bet if she wanted to come back, they would gladly take her so I don’t think she worried about money. She’s trying to do what she loves and that’s NEVER wrong or stupid! I would rather die dead broke and happy than filthy rich and all alone.

    Go ahead and follow your dreams, Jill!

  • Hazelnut

    Jill Marie Jones is a former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader…maybe she should go back to that steady paycheck….

  • http://ww.lovingmeans@aol.com 1TruDiva’s took a bullet and is STILL standing!

    Why I’m mad ’cause errbody talking about a Bailey’s commercial that I have yet to see.

    I guess it’s a cable thing.

  • http://ww.lovingmeans@aol.com 1TruDiva’s took a bullet and is STILL standing!

    If y’all see Ju-Ju, RaKwan, or Ray-Ray nem, tell ‘em I said “Holla”. A sista tryin’ to get her cable on.

    Tell ‘em they betta hurry up ‘fore I change my mind, too! You I’m filin’ rapid!

    LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://ww.lovingmeans@aol.com 1TruDiva’s took a bullet and is STILL standing!

    *know

  • http://Lycos Monotheistic Proof:

    This is the worst strategic career move since Lil Judy left Family Matters. Wasn’t her name Judy? I can’t remember.

  • DM

    What movie were you in, Jill?

  • ILuvYellaBoyz!

    LOL. People kill me. This woman has the confidence in self to follow her passion, not just TALK about it. I ALWAYS admire those that dare to live their dreams. Most ppl live a should’ve, would’ve, could’ve existence.

    Had she not taken a risk she would;ve never gotten her role on Girlfriends. Right?

    Nothing worse than sitting there thinking “What If?”

  • http://ww.lovingmeans@aol.com 1TruDiva’s took a bullet and is STILL standing!

    @ ILuvYellaBoyz!

    I understand what you’re saying. However–MOST people don’t quit a job before they AT LEAST have another one lined up!

    Lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Shootingstar

    Was anyone really checking for her like that?

  • ILuvYellaBoyz!

    LOL – sumtyms that’s what u gotta do. Keep in mind the girl made more per ep on GFs than most of the ppl giving put career advice make all year.

    Like sum1 above said, why the hell spend 18 hrs a day doing sumthing u don’t enjoy? That’s not living.

  • ILuvYellaBoyz!

    *Also, who shot you??

  • Built2Bully

    @SHOOTINGSTAR, I DON’T KNOW IF ANYONE WAS CHECKING FOR HER, BUT I’M SURE SHE REALIZES THAT THE ROLES THAT SHE AND HER AGENT WILL BE GOING AFTER NUMEROUS OF OTHER BLACK ACTRESSES WILL BE GOING AFTER…. I COMMEND HER ON TAKING A HIGH RISK CAREER MOVE, LEAVING A HIGHLY REGARDED AND RATING T.V SERIES TAKES A LOT OF BRAVERY. AND 18 HRS A DAY ISN’T ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!! ON A MOVIE SET YOUR DOING 15 TO 18 HRS A DAY 6 TO 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM ANYWHERE 3 MONTHS TO 6 MONTHS… DEPENDING ON YOUR CALL TIME AND SCENES TO BE SHOT…. A T.V SERIES MON- COLD READINGS 5/6 HRS… TUES- ON-SET READINGS 8HRS WEDS..DRESS REHERSSALS.. 10 HRS…. THURSDAY- THE LIVE TAPING 6P.M TO 10 P.M… FRI, SAT, SUN OFF…. THEY LOVE THAT SCHEDULE. THATS A TYPICAL SHOOTING SCHEDULE ATLEAST ON THE SET OF “MY WIFE AND KIDS” AND “SISTER TO SISTER”… BUT, AGAIN IF JILL GETS THE RIGHT AND EDGEY ROLES SHE’LL BE FINE…

  • http://ww.lovingmeans@aol.com 1TruDiva’s took a bullet and is STILL standing!

    @ ILuvYellaBoyz!

    Go check out the hold on… I forgot what post we were in last night. We were having a yard sale and CHEF–crept up on me and shot me but I’m like fiddy..

    I’m still standing! Lol!!!!

    Take care!

  • ISLND_QUEEN1

    WHO CARES THAT SHOW SUCKED ANYWAY NEXT!!!!

  • http://Lycos Monotheistic Proof:

    @MyGirlluvYellablahblahFluffy

    The success of a move is defined by the results achieved. And the results achieved are set up by strategic moves based on calculated risk.

    So the plan brilliantly unfolds right before our eyes. It was Jilly’s master plan to leave TV for the Big Screen and get there by doing a non speaking part in a 30 second Bailey’s Commercial. Why haven’t other actresses figured out the blue print.

    Take your pick it’s either Piss Poor Planning or Piss Poor Execution.

    Case study: Judy thought she could have been the next Rudy Huxtable

    She eventually learned that being a set up man for little Richie’s comedy and MJ impersonations was as good as it gets.

    Now when cracky little judy has sex she has to give change on the five.

  • gap & gucci

    judy doesn’t do that anymore.

    she’s on that celebrity rehab show.

    no more rocks and dirty debutante movies for her. hopefully.

  • http://Lycos Monotheistic Proof:

    @gap&gucci

    I haven’t seen the show. And this really is messed up story that I am exploiting for my own sick amusement.

    So what’s her goal after rehab? Now that she has giving up the crackilicious backstroke. Is her goal to stay in the television industry?

  • nahnah

    Haha @ folks thinking they know more than she does! I think some of you want to believe what you want to believe, even after Mara Brock Akil and Tracee Ellis Ross said the same exact things…

    For one, I think she’s a very attractive woman – with very exotic features.

    Secondly – LEAVE HER ALONE!!

    This is America, people! It’s extremely hard for black actresses to find work in Hollywood, especially when you’re dark-skinned. And only a white woman (A. Jolie) could pull such big lips off in Hollywood…

    If a black actress isn’t playing Will or Denzel’s wife, she’s in those mediocre, and highly predictable black movies (typically about b-ball, dancing, shooting, or hair…)

    There’s nothing else out there for black woman, unless you’re biracial like Halle Berry or ‘white looking’ enough to screw a white man on camera to the point where America accepts it.

    Also, 6 years is a long ass time to be on a show, so I don’t blame her for leaving and wanting to explore. Yes, maybe she should’ve stayed, but remember “Girlfriends” was her first big break, so she probably didn’t know what was coming for her…

    Regardless, I wish her the best, since she’s obviously a very talented actress…

    And, no, not being able to find work have nothing to do with your talent these days. In fact, good artists are often pushed aside for the ‘good looking’ ones…

  • nahnah

    Also:

    Maybe she was tired of being looked upon as ‘Toni’…? I mean, notice how people are still calling Keisha Knight Pullium ‘Rudy’ after so many effing years. lol!

  • Encyclopedia Brown

    I like them D’s…I’d blow her skinny back out

    b/c I respect her

  • nahnah

    Monotheistic Proof:

    I think those commercials were while she was on girlfriends…no?

  • http://Lycos Monotheistic Proof:

    @nahnah

    Nawl NaNa..sigh… I just looked it up 2006 post girlfriends and stiiiiiillllll running… her dying career into the ground. I like Toni, had a major crush on her but maybe she need a new agent. Or maybe she just need any agent or maybe rehab for a crackilicious agent. Either way reality TV is starting to look like a Popeye’s two piece …Hot and Spicy.

  • ILuvYellaBoyz!

    Quick FYI, “Judy” was written out of the show, she didn’t leave.

    Jill has had a few acting gigs since GFs, she may not be starring in blockbusters; but 90% of actors don’t. It’s the nature of the biz. The girl’s objective may be just to simply live HER happiest existence, again GFs prolly wasn’t fulfilling anymore. It’s amazing to me how many ppl don’t seem to get that!

    What if I’d listened to all the nay sayers. Lol, that’s one “what if” I can live with.

    Nahnah ur right, “Rudy” has had a handful of acting jobs since The Cosby Show went off the air. I’ve seen her and other Cosby kids complain about hardly being able to get auditions muchless actual roles. Top it off she’s almost 30 and ppl still call her Rudy, which she also hates. Again, the nature of showbiz.

  • ILuvYellaBoyz!

    Now I don’t know what your situation is and I offer you encouragment if you just did something courageous. Stay passionate and it will keep happen.

    Trust. It’s already happened. Great feeling.

    Tell Jill I said, HI! And ask her why she isn’t A-list like the rest of the GFs’ cast is right now.

    Negativy, Buh Bye!

  • sello

    LEAVE HER ALONE PEEPS, WISH U WELL GIRL!

  • WHATEVER!

    Traci Ellis-Ross (Joan) and Golden Brooks (Maya) were both in a movie and still on the show! Its not like Toni has been in tons of movies. Something she’s not saying! She should have just stayed on the show for one more season. This is the last season anyway. Whatever she just wanted a pay raise and thought threatenting to not come back would make the network come crawling back to her with a big fat ass pay raise and when they didn’t she was too ashamed to come crawling back to them and get her job back and now the chick who plays Monica has slowly taken her place. Oh well!

  • Nat

    @ Yup…I’m Blessed

    I agree w/ ur original post. And I’ll add that it makes sense to leave a show before it ends so that you stand out a little more when everyone else starts to go for other projects at the end of the run, ya know? Once the show ends tracee, persia and the chick that plays monica will probably all be going for the same gigs, right? Jill got out just in time. I mean, obviously she is why the show is sinking (for the most part) but you always wanna leave on a high note and leave’em wanting more. Good for her! And I like the way she addressed the issue.

  • nique

    Dumb a## actors don’t know how to leave a good thing alone. Haven’t you ever heard not to quit a job unless you have a job? Fine if you want to do movies, do them during the summer haitus then go back to the job you have. Just ask David Caruso (NYPD Blue) and he’ll tell you how well that worked out for him. Follow Jennifer Aniston’s lead; she made sorry a## movies, during her summer hiatus, but when fall came she was back on the Friends set getting a paycheck on the regular!!

  • nique

    And y’all need to quit about that not being type cast mess. If you are a black actor, if being type cast means having a job, I say go for it.

  • nique

    @Yup…I’m blessed,

    she’s getting little or nothing from syndication. The show’s not that big a hit first of all, second of all, she wasn’t high enough on the food chain. Tracey Ellis Ross MIGHT be getting a little coin, but those other “Girlfriends” are living off their paychecks from BEING on the show.

  • stwin

    We don’t beleive you Toni Childs, you need more people…..

  • india

    well i feel that without your fans you wouldn’t be who you are now….and the way u are responding to your fans that has supported you is likeyou don’t care about what we have to say…..i mean what you was in one movie…..like i said go back to girlfriends….cuz you not going nowhere far as your acting career.

  • Southern Girl

    Why Toni should Have Stayed

    Her movie “career” (lol for even calling it that)SUCKS!!!

    Girlfriends stinks without her.

    Baileys ain’t strong enough to quiet that voice in her head asking “Am I still relevant?”

    Her weave and make-up game have really fallen off.

    Those Asians don’t take IOU’S for pedicures.

    She can’t grow a beard in order to play Gaymon’s twin brother, but Gaymon can shave, and paly Toni Chiles in an instant!!

  • Hollywood Escabar

    Every one of you need to quit hating on her like she stated its her right to choose whether or not she wants to do the show. They didn’t fire her she left on her on. Get over it watch something else read a book do something positive with your time.

  • WTF is this?

    Awww she’s one of those actor/actresses that think she’s actually gonna get another job after her last gig. Not knowing she can only play Toni

    Even Joan had 2 othr roles and she still is the star of ‘Girlfriends’ you idiot!!

  • Bet

    I loved Girlfriends with Toni and I still love it without Toni. It reflects real life, people do grow up and away from each other, sometimes for stupid reasons. And I love Monica. She is funny and real. I hope Girlfriends gets another season cos I can’t wait to see her as a mother. And Joan had better get married already, I can’t take much more of her. Jill Marie made a mistake. The cast is getting mad paid. She had a better chance of nailing a movie if she had stayed visible like the rest of the cast. Too bad. Now she is just a beautiful girl in a town full of beautiful girls.

  • Ro Ro

    Well for whatever reason she left the show….I am glad. Don’t get me wrong…her character on the show was someone that had to grow on you. It took me a minute to like her but it also took a minute for me to forget about her. I felt her character on the show was a bit much…she was conceited and not really a good friend. So kick rocks…No one is really checking for you. The cast and the show are doing really good without her.

    As for her “Movies” what exactly has she done except a Baileys commercial that everyone who saw it, new she was not happy about it and the movie with the Resident Bum/Party Crasher Gabrielle Union?? Come on boo…unless u got some blockbuster films with some real actors in it…u might as well unpack that chair and come on back to CW11 if they will have you.

  • I’m All That!

    She did a movie daddy’s little girl, you just don’t shoot out inot the world and do movies when you finish a sitco of 6 years you have to wait for the right part to come along! You go girl I applaud your efforts, I would want a change too after 6 years of playing the same role it’s gets to be boring! She made her mark as girlfriends toni now its time to move on! Wwe will see her in movies trust that she;’s a good actress plus she don’t wanna be stereo typed cast or whatever it is only getting calls for the same roles like her character on girlfriends! It’s always good to make a change I m just glad she had the balls to do it! You Go Jill! Even tho the show ain’t the same with out you!

    and as far as the checks stop rolling in segment whoever said that is a jackass the gril still fully loaded six years of acting damn you think she an’t sit down a year daddy’s little girl brought her some money as well!

  • C.C.

    Well the show definitely suffered without her. She looks a mess.

  • Toni Diaz

    fdyd2slwf1lhk5kp

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