The six actors that comprised the main cast of long-running medical drama “ER” from its first season are Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Sherry Stringfield, Noah Wyle, Julianna Margulies, and Eriq La Salle. Contrary to what you might assume, the first of them to leave actually wasn’t budding movie star Clooney, but Stringfield, who left behind the character Dr. Susan Lewis after three seasons. Stringfield told Variety (via ABC News) at the time that she left because she “needed a life” and subsequently got married and had a child.

In that same interview, Stringfield also detailed her reasons for coming back to the show full time as Dr. Lewis beginning with Season 8, saying, “I just felt like really working again, and it was the obvious choice for me,” pointing out that she left the show on amicable terms, so it was easy for her to come back. Stringfield’s second stint playing Dr. Lewis as a main cast member was even longer than her first, as she stayed with the show until the beginning of Season 12. 

In addition, along with all five of the other original main cast members, Stringfield returned once again to make special appearances during the 15th and final season of “ER.”