Why Did Donald Glover Leave Community? Truth Revealed

Why did Donald Glover leave Community? Unravel the mystery behind his exit from the sitcom "Community" and explore the dynamics of Donald Glover's friendship with co-star Danny Pudi.

by Srinithi

Updated May 31, 2023

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Why Did Donald Glover Leave Community? Truth Revealed
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Donald Glover

Donald McKinley Glover Jr., born on September 25, 1983, is a multi-talented American artist known for his work in various fields. He is also known by his stage name Childish Gambino. Glover's career began with his involvement in the comedy group Derrick Comedy while he was studying at New York University. At the young age of 23, he was hired by Tina Fey as a writer for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock, showcasing his comedic writing skills.

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Glover gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of college student Troy Barnes in the NBC sitcom Community, which aired from 2009 to 2014. His charismatic performance endeared him to audiences and solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.

In addition to acting, Glover is a talented musician. Under his stage name Childish Gambino, he has released several successful albums and singles, showcasing his skills as a rapper and singer. His music often addresses social issues and personal experiences, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Glover's creative abilities extend beyond acting and music. He is also a skilled writer, director, and producer. One of his notable projects is the FX series Atlanta, which he created and occasionally directed. The show, which aired from 2016 to 2022, explores the music scene and cultural landscape of Atlanta, earning praise for its unique storytelling and authentic representation of the city.

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For his work on Atlanta, Glover has received numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. His talent, versatility, and ability to excel in multiple creative domains have made him a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Donald Glover continues to explore new artistic endeavors and push boundaries in his career. His contributions as an actor, comedian, singer, rapper, writer, director, and producer have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, and he remains a highly influential and admired figure in popular culture.

Why did Donald Glover leave community?

Towards the end of Season 5 of Community, Donald Glover's departure from the show was marked by an emotional storyline. In a schoolwide game of "Hot Lava," Abed (played by Danny Pudi) grapples with the realization that he has to let go of his best friend, Troy (played by Donald Glover). This episode served as a poignant farewell for Donald's character.

The behind-the-scenes dynamics of the show may have influenced Donald's decision to leave. After Season 3 in 2012, creator Dan Harmon was fired by Sony Television due to alleged difficulties. Additionally, in Season 4, Chevy Chase, who portrayed the character Pierce, was let go due to reported issues of aggression and racism. These circumstances might have played a role in Donald's choice to depart, although Dan Harmon returned for Season 5 and convinced Donald to stay on for a few more episodes.

Ultimately, Donald's character, Troy Barnes, was written out of the show. Troy decides to embark on a journey to sail the world in order to claim Pierce's inheritance on the "Childish Tycoon," referencing his rapper name, Childish Gambino.

In 2013, Donald announced his exit from Community through an Instagram post. He clarified that he didn't leave the show to pursue his rap career, expressing his desire to be on his own and follow his own path. Donald shared sentiments of fear, worry, and loneliness, mentioning his struggles and the deaths he had witnessed. Despite his statement, Donald did release his album "Because the Internet" later that year.

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During this time, it was also revealed that Donald was collaborating with FX to produce the critically acclaimed series Atlanta, which went on to win him Emmy Awards. In an interview with VIBE, Donald explained that he left Community because his heart wasn't fully invested in it and staying would have been a disservice to himself. He expressed his desire to create meaningful and impactful work on his own terms.

Donald's departure from Community allowed him to pursue his own creative endeavors, resulting in notable achievements such as his successful music career and the creation of Atlanta. Although a Community movie has not been confirmed, his former castmates remain hopeful for future collaborations.

Donald Glover's departure from the show marked a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to explore his artistic vision and establish himself as a versatile and accomplished artist.

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Are Danny Pudi and Donald Glover Friends ?

Yes,Danny Pudi and Donald Glover are friends.For four and a half seasons on "Community," fans witnessed the unique and wonderful friendship between Troy (Donald Glover) and Abed (Danny Pudi) flourish. They shared countless adventures, from living together and indulging in their love for "Inspector Spacetime" to engaging in epic paintball wars and building elaborate forts. Their hilarious "Troy and Abed in the Morning" skits and quirky musical numbers added to their charm. However, this dynamic duo came to an end when Donald Glover made the decision to leave the show.

Following his departure from "Community," Glover embarked on various successful endeavors. He created the critically acclaimed series "Atlanta," which earned him two Emmy Awards. He also lent his voice to the adult Simba in the 2019 film "The Lion King" and portrayed Lando Calrissian in "Solo: A Star Wars Story." Additionally, Glover pursued his music career as the rapper Childish Gambino, with his talents showcased through his unique style and meaningful lyrics. In a nod to his rap persona, the show portrayed Troy leaving on a boat called the "Childish Tycoon."

Glover's departure from the show was accompanied by a series of heartfelt Instagram posts in which he discussed his reasons for leaving. Although the full explanation remains somewhat elusive, his departure deeply affected the character of Abed, portrayed by Danny Pudi, as well as fans who cherished their bond.

In 2014, just before Glover's final episode, Pudi spoke with The Wrap about what was to come and how challenging it was to bid farewell. The Troy/Abed relationship was pivotal to the series, and while Pudi expressed his excitement for Glover's future endeavors, he also acknowledged the mixed feelings and nostalgia associated with their shared experiences on set. Pudi spoke warmly of their off-screen friendship, emphasizing their close bond and frequent hangouts.

As fans eagerly anticipate a potential "Community" movie, hoping that all cast members will reunite for the sixseasonsandamovie movement, it's clear that the departure of Donald Glover left a void in the show. However, the impact of Troy and Abed's friendship and the enduring connection between Glover and Pudi continue to resonate with fans, reminding them of the special moments they shared on and off-screen.

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When does Donald Glover leave community?

Donald Glover's departure from "Community" marked the second major exit from the show, following Chevy Chase's departure earlier. However, unlike Chase, Glover's decision to leave was a personal one. While some speculated that Glover left to focus on his music career as Childish Gambino, which indeed flourished afterward, the actor revealed that his departure was driven by personal reasons.

In the fifth season of the show, Glover's character Troy Barnes appeared in five episodes before the storyline sent him on a sailing trip to pursue Pierce's inheritance. The departure of Troy was a significant moment for the show, and it left fans wondering about his fate. "Community" cleverly hinted at Troy's future while simultaneously planting the seeds for an intriguing sequel movie.

Glover's decision to leave the show allowed him to explore other aspects of his career and personal growth. While his music career as Childish Gambino skyrocketed, his departure from "Community" was not solely motivated by pursuing his musical endeavors. It was rooted in a desire to address personal issues and embark on a new path.

Despite Glover's departure, his time on "Community" left a lasting impact on both the show and its fans. The character of Troy Barnes became an integral part of the show's fabric, and his absence was keenly felt. As discussions about a potential sequel movie gained momentum, the fate of Troy became an exciting premise for further storytelling.

Overall, Glover's departure from "Community" was a turning point for both the actor and the show. While it marked the end of an era, it also paved the way for new opportunities and growth, both for Glover and the future of the beloved series.

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Every Major Actor Who Left The Show Community

The plot of "Community" revolved around a study group at Greendale Community College, consisting of Jeff, Annie, Shirley, Pierce, Troy, Abed, and Britta, with Ken Jeong and Jim Rash also playing prominent roles. Not all of the original cast members remained on the show throughout its six seasons, including creator Dan Harmon. It took the study group an unusually long six years to graduate from community college.

Chevy Chase

The departure of Chevy Chase, who portrayed Pierce Hawthorne, stirred up the biggest scandal in the show's history. Chase's character was known for his outdated views and offensive remarks, which ironically mirrored Chase's own behavior. During the filming of an episode in Season 4, Chase became frustrated with the story direction and used a racial slur, prompting a mutual agreement between him and NBC for him to leave the show. This incident added to previous reports of Chase being difficult to work with. However, he completed a few scenes that appeared in the remainder of Season 4 and the Season 5 premiere.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover's departure from "Community" as Troy Barnes, the second major character to leave the show, was a personal decision. While some assumed Glover left to focus on his successful music career as Childish Gambino, he revealed that personal issues influenced his decision. In Season 5, Troy appeared in five episodes before embarking on a sailing trip to claim Pierce's inheritance. The show hinted at Troy's fate while also setting up an intriguing premise for a sequel movie.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown, who portrayed Shirley Bennett, was the third and final member of the study group to leave the series before its official end. Brown had been a significant presence on the show for five seasons, with her character often defined by her devout religious beliefs. However, ahead of the sixth and final season, Brown announced her departure to care for her sick father. Despite leaving the show, Brown made a guest appearance in the season premiere to tie up loose ends and also returned for a cameo in the series finale.

Dan Harmon

While not an actor on the show, Dan Harmon, as the creator and showrunner of "Community," played a crucial role. After developing the comedy and overseeing the first three seasons, Harmon was fired by NBC due to his erratic behavior on set. Sony Pictures Television and the network cited his conduct as the reason for his dismissal. Harmon's absence in Season 4 resulted in a noticeable decline in the show's quality, often referred to as the "gas leak year." Series star Joel McHale advocated for Harmon's return for Season 5, and the network ultimately acquiesced. Many fans consider Season 4 to be a deviation from the show's essence, with some choosing to disregard it altogether.

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Why did Donald Glover leave community- FAQs

1. Who were the main cast members of "Community"?  

The main cast members of "Community" included Joel McHale as Jeff, Alison Brie as Annie, Yvette Nicole Brown as Shirley, Chevy Chase as Pierce, Donald Glover as Troy, Danny Pudi as Abed, and Gillian Jacobs as Britta. Ken Jeong and Jim Rash also had significant roles on the show.

 

2. Why did Donald Glover leave "Community"?  

 Donald Glover's departure from "Community" as Troy Barnes was a personal decision. Although some speculated that he left to focus on his music career as Childish Gambino, Glover revealed that his decision was influenced by personal reasons. Troy's character appeared in five episodes of Season 5 before embarking on a sailing trip to claim Pierce's inheritance.

 

3. How many episodes did Donald Glover appear in before leaving "Community"?  

Donald Glover appeared in five episodes of Season 5 of "Community" before his character, Troy Barnes, set out on a sailing trip to claim Pierce's inheritance. This departure was part of the storyline and was hinted at in the show while also creating a concept for a potential sequel movie.

 

4. Did Donald Glover's departure from "Community" affect the character of Abed?  

 Yes, Donald Glover's departure from "Community" as Troy Barnes had an impact on the character of Abed, played by Danny Pudi. Abed and Troy had a close friendship, and their dynamic was a significant aspect of the show. Abed's character had to cope with the loss of his best friend, and this development affected both Abed and the fans who admired their connection.

 

5. How many seasons of "Community" were there?  

"Community" ran for a total of six seasons.

 

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