That ’70s Showis a beloved feel-good comedy that ran for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006 and established its dynamic cast as Hollywood heavy hitters. Witha sensational ensembleincluding Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Kurtwood Smith, the series follows a group of Wisconsin misfits as they grow up in Point Place during the groovy decade and experience the many ups and downs of life and relationships.
In the enduring sitcom,Lisa Robin Kellyportrayed the deceitful and promiscuous blonde bombshell, Laurie, Eric’s older sister who can’t get enough of torturing her little brother and his quirky group of friends. A constant presence on the show for its first three seasons, Kelly abruptly departedThat ’70s Showin 2001 before a brief return for its fifth season. She was then let go from the show and the character was recast.
Many devoted fans of the comedy were shocked by Kelly’s exit and were left wondering why the talented actress bid adieu to the show. In the years after her departure, these questions would be answered and the tragic nature of her recasting would come to light. Lets deep dive into why Lisa Robin Kelly’s role as Laurie onThat ’70s Showwas recast.
Who Is Lisa Robin Kelly?
Lisa Robin Kelly began her Hollywood career in 1992 after receiving a BFA in acting at Chicago’s DePaul University. That same year at the age of 21 she landed a guest role on the popular sitcomMarried…with Children,demonstrating her innate gift for comedy. She subsequently went on to nab parts on TV shows likeMurphy Brown, ABC Afterschool Special, The X-Files,andDays of Our Lives.
Kelly mainly appeared on the small screen but did star in the direct-to-video thrillerRelentless IV: Ashes to Ashesand the supernatural horror flickAmityville Dollhousebefore landing hercareer-defining roleas Laurie Forman onThat ’70s Show.
Kelly as Laurie Forman
In 1998, Kelly was cast as the beautiful but devious Laurie Forman on the period teen sitcomThat ’70s Show,hilariously portraying the manipulative older sister of theStar Wars-loving protagonist Eric (Topher Grace). The notoriously promiscuous character took great pleasure in tormenting her little brother and causing chaos among his friends, and while she was doted on by her father Red, she had a more strained relationship with her skeptical mother Kitty, who saw through her innocent act.
Related:These Were the Funniest Characters in That ’70s Show
Laurie was featured throughout the first three seasons of the smash hit show, beginning as a recurring role before being promoted to a series regular. The actress was delightfully sassy and conniving as the blonde bombshell, but her personal struggles went on to derail her promising career, causing Kelly to depart the series during its third season.
Struggles with Alcoholism and Leaving the Series
While Kelly’s role as Laurie and exposure onThat ’70s Showhelped her earn appearances inCharmedand the teen black comedyJawbreaker,the actress was secretly struggling with alcoholism and a profound personal loss. The character leaves during the third season to attend beauty school and was supposed to come back the following year, but Kelly’s return was postponed indefinitely dueto her addiction issues.
In a 2012 interview withABC News, Kelly revealed the true reason for her departure from the sitcom. “I had lost a baby. As a result of that I lost it. I lost everything and I was abusing alcohol. WithThat ’70s ShowI was guilty of a drinking problem. And I ran.” She was fired from the comedy during its peak popularity in 2003 after a brief return during season five, and her character was later recast with Christina Moore taking over.
Christina Moore Is Recast as Laurie
For the show’s sixth season,MADtvbreakout star Christina Moore was given the role of the fun-loving flirt Laurie, who ended up marrying Fez during the fifth season finale to prevent him from getting deported. Moore’s tenure on the sitcom consisted of six episodes from 2003 to 2004, and while Laurie is mentioned in later seasons, the character does not reappear. While Moore shined during her brief portrayal of Laurie, Kelly continued to struggle following her departure and sadly could not find solace.
Related:How That 90s Show Learned to Be a Fun Comfort Watch from That 70s Show
Kelly’s personal woes became tabloid fodder in the years after her time on the show, as the actress was arrested for two DUIs and she and her then-husband were charged with assault and domestic violence in 2012. After filing for divorce the following year, Kelly vowed to get her life back on track and was planning a career comeback that would tragically never come to fruition.
A Heartbreaking End
After checking herself into Pax Rehab House in California in August 2013, Kelly sadly passed away in her sleep on August 15 at the age of 43 from an accidental overdose. Following the devastating loss, her agent Craig Wyckoff toldThe Wrapthat Kelly was hopeful that her latest stint would help her face her demons and turn her life around.
“Lisa had voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility early this week where she was battling the addiction problems that have plagued her these past few years. I spoke to her on Monday and she was hopeful and confident, looking forward to putting this part of her life behind her. Last night she lost the battle.”
According to the coroner’s report, Kelly died of multiple drug intoxication through oral ingestion, and her death was ruled accidental in nature.
Following news of Kelly’s untimely passing, tributes from her formerThat ’70s Showcostars came pouring in, with her TV dad Kurtwood Smith releasing a statement and saying, “I am so sorry to hear about Lisa’s passing away. I know the last 10 years have been such a difficult struggle for her but I will always remember the lovely, funny and very talented young lady I worked with.” Danny Masterson, who starred as Stephen Hyde throughout the show’s eight seasons, tweeted a message, “Terrible,awful news. Brilliant on 70s…. See u next time LRK,kisses.”
Kelly will always be remembered and beloved for her lively performanceas the borderline eviland always entertaining Laurie Forman, a role she took and made her own for 50 episodes. Her vivacious presence and impressive comedic prowess helped makeThat ’70s Showthe ultimate comfort show it has turned into, and it remains a fan-favorite sitcom classic.
