Let's say first that Maura Tierney is pretty much irreplaceable.As we already said in our 'Parenthood' pilot preview, Tierney was the MVP of a star-studded cast that includes Craig T. Nelson, Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen and more. But she was forced to drop out of NBC's midseason dramedy in order to battle cancer.
Now comes word that she might be replaced by Helen Hunt. And to that, we say: Nooooo! N to the O!
Hunt is an accomplished, Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress ('Mad About You,' 'As Good As It Gets'), but we've never been huge fans. More importantly -- and with no disrespect to Ms. Hunt -- we think her acting style wouldn't work in this part. 'Parenthood' was one of our favorite pilots, and it would be sad if Tierney's departure ends up derailing the series. (And it could -- she was that good in the pilot.)
So, we got to thinking -- who could possibly fill Tierney's shoes as the struggling single mom of two teens? It'd have to be someone who's got both dramatic and comedic chops and exudes a no-nonsense yet vulnerable relatibility. Here are seven actresses who just might fit the bill:
1. Tea LeoniThis gifted actress hasn't found the right movie vehicles to show off her talents, so why not move to the small screen? Nowadays, TV offers better female roles, so she'd hardly be slumming it.
2. Amy RyanSure, her movie career is heating up, but that's what summer hiatuses are for. We'd love to see Ryan, who's starred in 'The Wire' and 'The Office,' on our televisions week in and week out. Plus: She even resembles potential brother Krause.
3. Natalie ZeaIt might be weird to see her play Peter Krause's sister, considering she was his love interest on the cancelled 'Dirty Sexy Money.' But Zea's guest-starring turn on 'Hung' (which totally made that show) showed she's got the range to do anything.
4. Marisa TomeiAs my co-worker Andy Scott points out, she's played moms successfully before in 'The Wrestler' and 'In the Bedroom.' It's a long shot, considering how she's racking up Oscar nominations, but it could be a bold career change ... think Glenn Close.
5. Lauren GrahamGraham and Tierney share dark coloring and a natural acting style, but Graham is more of a comedienne. Not sure she's really right for the role as written; then again, it could be tailored for her. She's that awesome.
6. Diane LaneShe is too beautiful and too talented for dreck like 'Nights in Rodanthe.' And with her earthy sexiness, Lane could really bring out that side of this character.
7. Molly ParkerThe 'Deadwood' and 'Swingtown' star is a relative unknown, but she's got serious game. Plus, we want to see all the 'Deadwood' alumni land somewhere.
Honorable mentions:
• Laura Linney: She'd be our No. 1 choice, if she weren't already set to star in her own Showtime comedy
• Diane Farr: Originally cast in 'Parenthood' in Monica Potter's role, but had to drop out due to her commitment to 'Californication'
• Carla Gugino: As much as we love her, she is kind of a show killer
What do you think: Who should replace Maura Tierney on the new 'Parenthood' series?
Reader Comments (10)
Jimmy at 9:20PM on Sep 15th 2009
Not sure that Helen Hunt is a showkiller for me, but I do like everyone on your list except for Natalie Zea and Tea Leoni. Both are annoying and bad actresses. I'll still check out the series, but the loss of Tierney is a big letdown.
geneviève at 1:28AM on Sep 16th 2009
Lauren Graham is the best
rajeshholla1 at 5:47AM on Sep 16th 2009
nice article
Brian at 5:55AM on Sep 16th 2009
That's not a bad list of actresses, but I don't feel any one of them is categorically better for the role than Helen Hunt.
Matt Webb Mitovich at 8:46AM on Sep 16th 2009
LOVE this story idea! I was putting together my own checklist yesterday, and Lauren Graham made the cut. I also like the idea of Tomei.
Having seen the original pilot, I just don't see Helen Hunt fitting the role. That first-date sex scene alone, recreated, would make me fidget.
amanda at 8:51AM on Sep 16th 2009
Why are so many people/critics against Helen Hunt. I'm sure the producers didn't just draw her name out of a hat. She's been pretty low key for quite some time. No one knows how great she could be in this until she gets a chance. Also, consider this show itself hasn't gotten great reviews, it'll be a moot point if it's gets cancelled right away.
Tara at 9:11AM on Sep 16th 2009
Thank you for saying that Maura's essentially irreplaceable. I'm biased, as a fan since the NewsRadio days who thinks she pretty much hung the moon, so of course I agree. And not *just* because I'm biased, but because you're absolutely right. She's just that good. I won't watch the show without her, no matter who they hire, but for the sake of those who do plan to watch, I hope God has mercy on their souls and spares them from the horror that would be Helen Hunt in this role.
Julie at 9:43PM on Sep 19th 2009
The role that was vacated by the wonderful Maura Tierney is Sarah, who is the daughter of characters played by Bonnie Bedelia and Craig T. Nelson. She is supposed to be 37 years old. Helen Hunt is 47 and looks 50! How could Bedelia be her mother! Tea Leoni, also a haggard mid-40s. Marisa Tomei is 45 and could never be the sister of Erica Christianson and Peter Krause. Can anyone think of some great mid-30s actresses?
awfamily at 2:41PM on Oct 7th 2009
Anybody but Helen Hunt - all of her acting is the same.
mary at 3:55AM on Oct 11th 2009
Anybody but Lauren Graham she will kill the show in no time