Tierney Leaves “Parenthood” to Focus on Cancer Treatment

Delayed NBC series will premiere midseason without former "ER" actress

Emmy-nominated actress Maura Tierney has pulled out of NBC's delayed drama series "Parenthood" to focus on her battle against breast cancer.

The veteran actress, who starred opposite Jim Carrey in "Liar, Liar" and on the television series "ER," had hoped to resume her role in the series, which the network delayed to accommodate her. But her spokeswoman said the 44-year-old star has bowed out to devote herself to treatment.

"Ms. Tierney and her doctors remain confident that the outcome of her treatments will be positive," Tierney's spokeswoman told the Hollywood Reporter. "She is deeply disappointed."

"Parenthood" was scheduled to premiere this month, but following Tierney's surgery in July to remove a breast tumor, the series was pushed back to midseason.  The show, based on the 1989 film starring Steve Martin, features actors Peter Krause, Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard, Bonnie Bedelia and Craig T. Nelson. Tierney's character is being recast.

"While we are saddened that Maura Tierney won't be able to continue in her current role in "Parenthood," our main concern is for her quick and full recovery," NBC said in a statement.

Get More: Hollywood Reporter

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