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ArtsBeat: Don't Blame Ellis: Four Actors Are Cut from 'Smash'

The Broadway performers Brian d'Arcy James and Will Chase are leaving "Smash," the NBC comedy-drama about the making of a Broadway musical, as are Raza Jaffrey and Jaime Cepero, who played the devious assistant Ellis.

The New York Times

SMASH Axes Two Series Regulars from the Second Season

Though NBC's musical drama series Smash is coming back for a second season, not all of the regulars from the first season will have a role, and they're probably not even allowed back for the chorus (musical jokes!). Raza Jaffrey, who played Katharine McPhee's fiance in the first season and Jaime Cepero, who played the despicable assistant Ellis, have both been axed from the second season. In addition, Brian D'Arcy James, who played Debra Messing's husband Frank and Will Chase, who played the Broadway musical star with whom she cheated, are also not going to return as season regulars. More after the jump. Frankly, the exit of Jaffrey and Cepero couldn't be better. Neither of the characters added much more than people to hate in the series, and they both seemed to be rather two-dimensional. Considering the way things worked out for each of them in the season finale, their exit sh (Read More)

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