E Online says Noah Wyle will be checking out of "ER" after this season.
Part of the show's appeal has been the revolving door of characters, which has included uber-hunk George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, and Anthony Edwards, and more recently Linda Cardellini ("Scooby Doo"), Mekhi Phifer ("8 Mile") and Parminder Nagra ("Bend It Like Beckham"). However, Wyle's John Carter is the only remaining original cast member. Sherry Stringfield's Dr. Lewis still remains, but we don't count her since she took a five-year hiatus.
After 11 years, Carter has endured countless failed relationships, family deaths, a stint in surgery, one fatal stabbing, doling out meds in the middle of the Congo, serious depression, and drug and alcohol problems. In other words, plot lines for him have been on life support for some time. After all, how much misery can an independently wealthy do-gooder endure?
But don't let the door hit Carter in the ass yet. Rumor has it that Wyle may be back for a few guest starring roles over the next two seasons. "ER" was recently renewed through 2008. Wyle's last episode as a regular cast member will be May 19. -- Rachel Cericola